Sep 4 1966
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R.’s 12-ton PROTON III unmanned spacecraft-launched into earth orbit July 6 to study cosmic rays and atomic particles-was still functioning normally and transmitting data to earth regularly, Trud reported. ‘‘(AP, NYT, 9/6/66, 74)’’
Invention of reusable turbo-rocket engine, which could launch spacecraft for 1/10 current U.S. costs, was announced by Rolls Royce at British Assn. for the Advancement of Science meeting in Nottingham, U.K. Engine had been designed in titanium, but compressor blades could be made of hifil-new fiber-reinforced plastic five times as stiff as titanium, more reliable, lighter, and less expensive. Partly air-breathing turbo-rocket-cross between jet engine and rocket-would be fueled on kerosene and liquid oxygen. Battery of 48 turborockets-each weighing 1,000 lbs. and capable of generating 22,000 lbs. thrust-could boost Apollo spacecraft to 25,000-ft. altitude in fraction of a second and then be landed by remote control. Reported cost of launch would be $2.8 million compared to $28 million with US. booster. ‘‘(Houston Chron., 9/5/66)’’
Soviet cosmonauts had not been troubled by perspiration, breathing difficulties, or high heartbeat rates as was Astronaut Richard F. Gordon, Jr., during GEMINI XI mission, Soviet physician-cosmonaut Dr. Boris Yegorov said at press conference in Geneva. Probable reason was that cosmonauts worked in “completely normal” atmospheric conditions and breathed ordinary air, while astronauts used artificial air mixture containing more oxygen than normal, he said. Yegorov, one of three crew members in Oct. 12, 1964, VOSKHOD I mission, was attending congress on space biology. ‘‘(Reuters, Wash. Post, 9/22/66, A3)’’
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