November 1972

From The Space Library

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Current revision

Space shuttle impact was described by Dr. Wernher von Braun, Vice President for Engineering and Development with Fairchild Industries, Inc., and former NASA Deputy Administrator for Planning, in American Scientist magazine article: Shuttle was "key to future exploration and use of space" that represented "significant new operational capability rather than a discrete mission or missions. Its ultimate impact will be to expand space activity while at the same time reducing the high costs of the space effort." Shuttle combined in one transport "capability to launch or carry out unmanned or manned missions repeatedly and routinely. It will be the first true `aerospace' vehicle in that it can fly and maneuver in both space and the atmosphere." Shuttle would contribute more than any previous rocket vehicle to NASA's progress in advancing technologies and capabilities for space flight and exploration, space science and study of aerospace phenomena, and expanded use of space and space technology for human benefit. "To achieve the smoothest, most economical progress and benefits at lowest cost to the taxpayers, all three objectives should go forward in fairly close concert, not piecemeal or with fluctuating budgetary peaks and valleys." (Am Sci, 11-12/1972, 730-8)

DOD's Tacsat 1 Tactical Communications Satellite ceased operations, after having served military service requirements for mobile communications in the Pacific since its launch Feb. 9, 1969. (Av Wk, 8/20/73, 21; A&A 1969)

Space Science Awareness Month was celebrated by City of St. Louis, Mo., at instigation of Mayor Alphonso Cervantes. More than 100 space science lectures and demonstrations were presented in area to provide opportunity for teachers, students, and general public to understand space technology and its benefits to society. Eugene Hanses, education director of McDonnell Planetarium, was chairman of activities which included talks by Marshall Space Flight Center officials and display of moon rocks. (MSFCRelease 72-145; NASA Activities, 12/15/72, 253)

Aerospace opportunities for dirigibles existed in 1970s and 1980s, Astranautics & Aeronautics article said. Changes in economic and aviation worlds and progress in materials and engineering had renewed potential of rigid airship as passenger and cargo transport after 30-yr hiatus. Committee appointed in 1935 to examine overall airship record after loss of dirigible Macon had concluded: "On the whole . . . and with special reference to airships of the larger sizes, we believe that it is practicable to design, construct, and operate such airships with a reasonable assurance of safety." Authors saw use of short takeoff and landing (STOL) engineering in airship revival. "Innovations should probably first undergo test on a small experimental airstrip." Airship revival would "give impetus to technological innovation, one of the Federal government's highest priorities, and would offer opportunities for creative and original engineering to the industrial and academic worlds." (Morse et al., A&A, 11/72, 32-40)

Pensee, journal of Student Academic Freedom Forum, published first in series of 10 special issues on "Immanuel Velikovsky Reconsidered." Revolution in science and humanities inspired by Russian-born scientist-philosopher was "burning issue on campuses," Pensee said, but "most professional journals and learned societies continue their silence." Pensee publishers had seen "series of separate developments which reveal a gathering momentum behind the new assessment of Velikovsky's work." Among developments had been success of Velikovsky's Aug. 14 lecture at NASA's Ames Research Center and his participation in three-day symposium at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Ore., Aug. 16-18. (Pensde, Fall, 1972)

Mrs. Esther H. Goddard, widow of rocket pioneer Dr. Robert H. Goddard, received honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Clark Univ. at inaugural meeting of Friends of the Goddard Library. (Clark Now, Winter 1972)

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