February 1968

From The Space Library

NASA published 1967 Summer Study of Lunar Science and Exploration (NASA SP-157), results of July 31-Aug. 13, 1967, con­ference at Univ. of California in Santa Cruz. Conference recommended NASA: (1) develop lunar flying unit (LFU), Saturn V dual-launch capa­bility, and dual-mode local scientific survey module (LSSM) for lunar surface mobility; (2) make available in 1970-75 Block II Surveyor or another system capable of deploying numerous experiments; (3) in­crease total returned payload to 400 lb so that at least 250 lb of lunar samples could be returned on Apollo Applications (AA) missions; (4) increase flexibility of ALSEP stations' design, possibly by adopting mod­ular concept; (5) provide for continuous telemetry coverage of all pay­load elements and operations; (6) develop subsatellite system for de­ploying instruments in close lunar orbit; (7) implement any extension of Apollo science program by open solicitation of experiments from scientific community; (8) undertake strong programs in scientific in­strument definition and development and in lunar supporting research and technology; (9) establish position of Project Scientist within manned spaceflight program; (10) include ability in field geology as a major requirement for astronauts who would land on moon; (11) con­duct immediate and intensive program of detailed mission analyses for prime lunar landing sites and traverses suggested by the conference; and (12) include in lunar surface studies observations of micrometeor­oid environment, radio-frequency noise levels, surface impedance and conductivity, lunar ionosphere, gamma rays and x-rays, soil mechanics, thermal effects, and contaminants. (NASA SP-157; AP, NYT, 2/19/68, 17)

Discovery of gamma radiation from celestial sources by AFOSR-supported group at Rice Univ., using "gamma-ray telescope," was reported by Dr. R. C. Haymes in OAR Research Review. Telescope tracked celestial sources in diurnal motions across sky with pointing system also devel­oped by Rice group. The two gamma-ray sources, discovered in 1967 flight from Scientific Balloon Flight Station of National Center for At­mospheric Research, Texas, were found in Crab Nebula and Cygnus. (OAR Research Review, 2/68, 1-2)

U.K. was urged to join "the mainstream of space development" by Council of the British Interplanetary Society. Council specifically criti­cized 13th report from Parliamentary Estimates Committee, "Space Re­search and Development," for its statement that U.K. "should not take part in the CETS [Conférence Européene sur les Télécommunications par Satellites] programme for a television distribution satellite." Council said U.K. should assess fully future opportunities for collab­oration with U.S. and U.S.S.R. and recommended multiaction course for U.K. to conduct international and national space activities. Con­cluding that "lack of purpose at the political level, and a stubborn re­fusal to establish a viable European space programme" had caused pres­ent confused, unplanned, and ineffectual situation, Council urged that U.K. seize opportunity to create family of satellite launchers of maxi­mum utility to extend "many branches of space competence with other types of applications satellites." (.5/ F, 2/68, 56-7)

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