May 17 1972

From The Space Library

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Current revision

U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos 490 from Plesetsk into orbit with 339-km (210.6-mi) apogee, 202-km (125.5-mi) perigee, 89.9-min period, and 65.4° inclination. Satellite reentered May 29. (GSFC SSR, 5/31/72; Sov Hero, 5/22/72, 32)

NASA's TF-8A aircraft, equipped with supercritical wing and piloted by Thomas C. McMurtry, completed flight from Flight Research Center. Performance data were obtained at 10 700-m (35 000-ft) altitude and mach 0.95-0.99. Wing pressure distributions were recorded at altitudes from 8800 to 9100 m (29 000 to 30000 ft) at mach 0.95- 0.99. (NASA proj off)

NASA launched four Nike-Cajun sounding rockets from Point Barrow, Alaska. First rocket carried Goddard Space Flight Center grenade pay-load to 110.2-km (68.5-mi) altitude to provide temperature, pressure, density, and wind data in support of closely coordinated ozone and atomic oxygen flights. All 31 grenades were ejected and detonated as planned and sound arrivals were recorded on ground. Second rocket carried GSFC payload to 84.6-km (52.6•mi) altitude to measure ozone distribution in mesosphere and stratosphere in Arctic after spring wind reversal and in conjunction with overpass of Nimbus 4 satellite. Payload deployed properly and on time and descended by parachute. Excellent ozone data were acquired. Third rocket carried experiment developed by Univ. of Michigan and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to 127-km (78.9-mi) altitude. Objective was to measure atomic oxygen distribution in mesosphere in proximity to ozone and grenade flights. Rocket and instruments functioned satisfactorily and good atomic oxygen data were acquired. Fourth rocket carried 31-grenade GSFC payload to collect atmospheric data in support of ozone and atomic oxygen flights. All grenades were ejected and detonated as planned and sound returns were recorded on ground. (NASA proj off)

Apollo 16 Astronauts John W. Young, Thomas K. Mattingly II, and Charles M. Duke, Jr., were honored during Astronaut Day celebration in Chicago. They rode in tickertape parade, attended ceremonies at City Hall escorted by Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, and visited Michael Reese Hospital. At hospital they met Dr. Samuel Natelson who had invented instruments and techniques by which astronauts' body fluids were monitored by Manned Spacecraft Center Mission Control. (C Daily News, 5/17/72)

U.S. and Soviet scientists were designing interferometer-system com- prising two radiotelescopes-with one radiotelescope that could be emplaced in outer space, Soviet astrophysicist Josif Shklovskiy reported in Izvestiya. Instrument would he used to examine quasars and formation regions of stars and planetary systems. (FDIS- Sov, 5/18/72, L3)

President Nixon announced appointment of John S. D. Eisenhower as Chairman of new Classification Review Committee to implement security classification system established March 8. President also released text of National Security Council directive governing classification, downgrading, declassification, and safeguarding of national security information. Government departments were requested to establish computerized data index system for classified material. President said: "This application of computer technology across the board should lead to a much more manageable classification system and greatly enhance the flow of information to the public." Executive Order 11652 of March 8 included NASA among agencies originating classified material. (PD, 5/22/72, 870-1)

May 17-19: American Helicopter Society held 28th Annual National V/SToL Forum in Washington, D.C. Society's Dr. Alexander Klemin Award was presented to Bell Helicopter Chairman Edwin J. Ducayet for "notable achievement in the advancement of rotary wing aeronautics." (NASA Activities, 5/15/72, 104; Av Wk, 5/22/72, 9)

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