Oct 15 1968
From The Space Library
NASA launched two Nike-Cajun sounding rockets from Churchill Research Range to obtain data on variation of temperature, pressure, and wind profile by detonating 19 grenades per rocket at prescribed times and recording sound arrivals on ground. Rockets reached 78.8-mi (126.8-km) and 77.8-mi (123.5-km) altitudes and performed nominally. Sound arrivals were recorded from all grenades. Data would be compared with data from Oct. 14 Point Barrow, Alaska, launches. (NASA Rpts SRL)
NASA Nike-Tomahawk sounding rocket launched from NASA Wallops Station carried Univ. of Michigan payload to 211-mi (340-km) altitude to investigate role of quenching, dissociative recombination, ionospheric decay, and nonthermal electrons on airglow during decay period immediately following sunset. Rocket and instruments performed satisfactorily; peak altitude was as predicted, and 570 sec of telemetry was received. All measuring systems functioned properly and scientific objectives were met. (NASA Rpt SRL)
Dr. Kurt Debus, Director of KSC, said Saturn IB Launch Complexes 34 and 37 would be put on standby basis until beginning of Apollo Applications program in late 1970, with reduction of 1,315 personnel. Shutdown, forced by space budget cuts, would save NASA $20 million. Some 10% of 2,400 contract work force would be affected, with 1,000 engineers and technicians continuing to work in other areas. Complexes were to have been maintained in event Saturn V launch vehicle encountered serious development problems, but Dr. Debus said this insurance was no longer needed. (KSC Release 463-68; AP, B Sun, 10/16/68, A7)
U.K. Minister of State in Ministry of Technology, J. P. W. Mallalieu, told House of Commons U.K. would have to pay U.S. equivalent of $60 million in cancellation fees and other expenses connected with termination of its order for 50 F-111 aircraft Jan. 16, 1968. Order was valued at $650 million but this would have risen to $1 billion with computation of spares and 10-yr interest. (WSJ, 10/15/68, 17)
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