Sep 7 1971
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos 436 from Plesetsk into orbit with 542-km (336.8-mi) apogeee, 510-km (316.9-mi) perigee, 95.1- min period, and 74° inclination. (GSFC SSR, 9/30/71; SBD, 9/15/71, 32)
France's Eole satellite, launched by NASA Aug. 16, was functioning almost perfectly after 22 days in orbit. Total of 111 balloons had been launched from three Argentina sites for Eole to track and acquire data from on winds, temperatures, and pressures. Five had completed one revolution around earth at 11 850-m (38 880-ft) altitude and had been tracked by Eole. Only five balloons had failed to respond to satellite commands and were assumed lost. Balloons would be launched at rate of 8 to 10 per day until about 400 to 450 balloons were launched; another 50 to 100 balloons would be launched to fill in gaps in array caused by failures. (NASA Proj Off)
Nike-Apache sounding rocket launched by NASA from Wallops Station carried GCA Corp payload to 176.4-km (109.6-mi) altitude to determine winds from vapor trail using ARC CV-990 instrumented aircraft as observing platforms, test narrow-band camera filters on chemical releases with bright sky background, and provide real-time checkout of observational equipment and procedures for sic experiment with low-altitude barium release. Payload contained standard barium and sodium-lithium canisters. Cloud was photographed by both ground and CV-990 aircraft cameras. Flight was first of two; second rocket would be launched Sept. 16. (NASA Rpt SRL)
Plans to store lunar rocks in vault-like facility at MSC to retain their original condition for future researchers were described by NASA officials in AP interview published by New York Times. LRL curatorial and research projects would be consolidated in specially air-conditioned facility covering 465 sq m (5000 sq ft) of existing laboratory space scheduled for completion in time for March 1972 Apollo 16 mission. Dr. John H. Pomeroy, NASA'S Assistant Director for Lunar Sample program, said project had been "a very important aim since the very beginning, because we realize these are unique and irreplaceable samples and it may be years before we go back to these places." (NYT, 9/7/71)
Patent No. 3 603 433 was granted to MSC technicians William H. Keathley and Clarence J. Wesselski for spacecraft emergency shock absorbers that might also be used in automobile bumpers. Disaster-avoidance device backed up cyclic deformation system in struts of Apollo CM couches. System, installed in spacecraft since Apollo 11 to absorb energy from over-propulsion at launch or unusually hard landing, consisted of tightly fitted washers on rod. Pressure against end washer pushed one after another along line as force decelerated. (Jones, NYT, 9/11/71, 33; Patent Off PIO)
James J. Kramer, head of Quiet Engine Program at LeRC, became Chief of newly formed Noise and Pollution Reduction Branch of NASA'S Aeronautical Propulsion Div. He would be responsible for planning and overseeing research at NASA Centers on ways to reduce noise and pollutants from jet aircraft engines. (NASA Release 71-170)
NSF published statistics that showed Federal R&D funding was on upward trend. Figures were taken from soon to be published report Federal Funds for Research, Development, and Other Scientific Activities, Vol. XX. Estimated 9% increase in overall Federal funding for R&D from 1970 to 1972 indicated upward trend after decline that began in 1968. Total of $15.3 billion in actual obligations for 1970 established low for recent years. Although 1971 Federal R&D total was expected to be same $15.4 billion-total $16.7 billion requested in President Nixon's 1972 budget marked new high. NASA had risen from 5% share of Federal R&D in 1960 to high of 34% in 1965 but was expected to fall back to 19% in 1972. Final phase-out of Apollo and reduced NERVA engine development were expected to be nearly offset by increase in other NASA programs so that 1972 would be almost a leveling off. (NSF Highlights, 9/7/71)
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