Oct 2 1974
From The Space Library
Roy E. Anderson, General Electric Co. Research and Development Center engineer, demonstrated the potential of geostationary satellites for search-and-rescue missions. Standing on the NASA Hq. steps in Washington, D.C., and using an ordinary walkie-talkie aided by an antenna built on the frame of a golfer's umbrella, Anderson beamed a message to GE's Radio-Optical Observatory in Schenectady, N.Y., via NASA's Ats 3 Applications Technology Satellite. The inexpensive, 1.4-kg antenna in-creased the normal eight-kilometer range of the walkie-talkie more than 10 000 times. Anderson suggested that a global search-and-rescue sys-tem, covering all but the polar regions, would require only six geostationary satellites. The necessary transponder could be attached to any communications satellite and would draw only a small portion of the satellite's power. (GE Release, 2 Oct 74; AP, B Sun, 3 Oct 74, A3)
Rockwell International Corp. Space Division, prime contractor for the space shuttle orbiter, signed a $16.5-million supplemental agreement with NASA. This 27th supplemental agreement since the contract was awarded 9 Aug. 1972 brought the estimated contract value to $995 million. It incorporated authorization for sneak circuit analysis, vertical flight-test support, midfuselage mockups, integration of all shuttle elements, and other changes. (JSC Release 74-258)
Skynet IIB, United Kingdom military communications satellite, arrived at Kennedy Space Center to be prepared for November launch by NASA on a Thor-Delta launch vehicle. NASA had launched Skynet A and B in 1970. Skynet IIA, launched 18 Jan. 1974 into too low an orbit, had reentered the atmosphere. (Spaceport News, 18 Oct 74)
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