Sep 28 1971
From The Space Library
September 28-October 19: Luna 19, U.S.S.R.'s second unmanned lunar probe in less than a month, was launched from Baikonur at 3:00 pm local time (6:00 pm EDT). In earth orbit Luna 19 was separated from last stage of booster and set on trajectory toward moon. Tass said mission would conduct scientific investigation of moon and near-lunar space from lunar orbit. During flight to moon 26 communications sessions were held with spacecraft and data on parameters and systems were transmitted. Midcourse corrections were conducted Sept. 29 and Oct. 1, and on Oct. 3 Luna 19 entered lunar orbit with 140-km (87-mi) altitude, 122-min period, and 40° 35' inclination. Tass said Oct. 19 that all systems were operating normally and spacecraft was conducting geophysical research of moon's gravitational field and taking photographs of lunar surface. Previous mission in series, Luna 18, crashed on moon while attempting softlanding Sept. 11. (FBIS-Sov-188-3, 9/28/71, Ll; FBIS-Sov-192-3, 10/4/71, Ll; FBIS-Sov-203-3, 10/20/71, LI; SBD, 9/29/71, 89)
September 28: Japan successfully launched its third satellite, Shinsei ("New Star"), from Uchinoura Space Center at 1:00 pm Tokyo time (4:00 am EDT Sept. 27). The 65.8-kg (145-lb) spacecraft was Japan's first scientific satellite and was launched by 22.9-m (75-ft) Mu rocket into orbit with 3892-km (2418.4-mi) apogee, 619-km (384.6-mi) perigee, 133-min period, and 31.2° inclination. Purpose of mission was to study cosmic rays and solar electric waves for one year. Shinsei was 26-sided body, 75 cm (30 in) in diameter, equipped with 5184 silicone solar batteries and used "gravity-turn" device in lieu of conventional guidance and control techniques. Payload included solar radio receivers, cosmic-ray detectors, and ionospheric probes. Satellite functioned perfectly and relayed scientific information. Japan had become fourth country to orbit satellite with successful launch of Ofisumi Feb. 11, 1970. (Spacewarn, 10/5/71, 2; lT Post, 9/29/71, A14; IV Post, 9/30/71, A6; GSFC SSR, 9/30/71)
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos 441 from Baikonur into orbit with 266- km (165.3-mi) apogee, 207-km (128.6-mi) perigee, 89.2-min period, and 65° inclination. Satellite reentered Oct. 10. (GSFC SSR, 9/30/71; 10/31/71; SBD, 10/1/71, 101)
Completion of tests to determine cause of Apollo 15 parachute failure was announced by NASA. Possible causes were fuel dump, which expelled six pounds of monomethyl hydrazine (MMa) from CM reaction control system, and flaws in links connecting suspension lines to risers. Officials doubted exact cause could be determined. Dump through hot engine could cause tongues of flame that might reach parachute lines. Flaws were detected in links on one recovered chute, but the failed chute had not been recovered. Corrective action would be taken on both possible causes for Apollo 16. Dump would be eliminated and material for links changed. (NASA Release 71-188 )
Dr. Charles S. Sheldon II, Chief of Science Policy Research Division of Library of Congress, commented in interview after Sept. 28 launch of unmanned lunar probe Luna 19 that Moscow still had plans to land men on the moon, perhaps about 1973 or 1975. Dr. Sheldon said five previous Soviet Zond circumlunar flights had been capable of carrying men and several other earth orbital flights had simulated manned lunar landing maneuvers. Dr. Sheldon also recalled that Mstislav V. Keldysh, President of Soviet Academy of Sciences, had said in 1969 that manned missions to moon were not ruled out. (Sehlstedt, B Sun, 10/29/71, A5)
Selection of National Science Teachers Assn., Washington, D.C., for negotiation of $39 000, 19-mo, cost-reimbursement contract for management and operation of Skylab Student Project was announced by NASA. Purpose of project was to stimulate interest in science and technology by directly involving students in space research. NSTA would notify student and educational community of opportunity and method of participation, develop procedures for evaluation of proposals based on educational value, and develop certificates of participation and awards system for entrants. NSTA also would develop plans for entrants whose proposal ideas had been selected by NASA and conduct Skylab Student Education Conference at KSC in conjunction with Skylab launch. (NASA Release 71-183)
U.S. patent No. 3 608 844, for self-deploying arm to serve as spacecraft boom or antenna, was granted to GSFC engineers William T. Tumulty, Jr., and Wayne P. Sours. Called Minimech, device could also retrieve objects from burning building, serve as escape chute, or erect itself as instant tent pole or instant plumbing. It could be made from various materials depending on purpose. (NYT, 10/2/71; Pat Off pio)
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