Oct 26 1971
From The Space Library
Identification of molecule magnesium tetrabenzporphine in outer space as forerunner of chlorophyll by Dr. Fred M. Johnson, California State College spectroscopist, was reported in Washington Post. Dr. Johnson had analyzed spectral lines taken of Milky Way from Lick Observatory optical telescope during 18-yr effort to identify nitrogen-bearing hydrocarbons among hydrogen clouds in interstellar space. He had succeeded after analyzing spectral line surrounding hot, young star in Orion constellation. Finding, Dr. Johnson believed, might provide clue to building blocks of life in universe. "Whatever mechanism occurs here occurs throughout the universe and you can be sure it occurs in the solar system." (O'Toole, W Post, 10/26/71, A3)
NAS held meeting on molecular constitutions of interstellar space. Dr. William J. Welch, Univ. of California at Berkeley astronomer, said 23 different molecules had been detected in interstellar space. Dr. Arno A. Penzias of Bell Telephone Laboratories said new radio- telescope at Kitt Peak, Ariz., had detected amount of carbon monoxide that "covers vast regions of space." Detected carbon seemed "to play a disproportionately large role." Dr. Benjamin M. Zuckerman of Univ. of Maryland said it might be possible that carbon monoxide was formed in shells around very young and very old stars from which it was ejected into space. (Lyons, NYT, 10/27/71, 51)
Soyuz 11 accident in which crew lost lives [see June 6-30] might have been "greatest setback in Soviet space flight activity in past several years," Space Business Daily reported. October, traditionally "bumper month for Soviet flight programming" had seen "relative depression" this year. In October 1970 U.S.S.R. had recorded 12 missions. This year, "up to last week, there had been only 4 missions recorded." (SBD, 10/26/71, 194)
USAF F-111 fighter-bomber wing and wing-carry-through structures had withstood test loadings equivalent to 24 000 flight hrs-four times estimated number of hours aircraft would fly in 15 years-General Dynamics Convair Aerospace Div. announced. Aircraft was undergoing program to extend service life beyond original 15-yr requirements. (General Dynamics Release 71-36)
Rolls-Royce, Ltd., and Pratt & Whitney Div. of United Aircraft Corp. signed agreement in London for joint development of Harrier VTOL aircraft's Pegasus 11 engine. (Fairhall, Manchester Guardian, W Post, 10/29/71, Dll; p&w PIO)
USAF Aeronautical Systems Div. was issuing letter contracts for STOL aircraft, DOD announced. Fairchild Industries would receive $3 771 536 for 15 light, armed STOL aircraft; Helio Aircraft Corp. would receive $3 398 750 for 15 SToL aircraft. (Don Release 911- 71)
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