Jan 17 1969
From The Space Library
President Johnson submitted to Congress report on U.S. Aeronautics and Space Activities for 1968. In transmittal message he wrote: "Our astronauts have now flown 18 manned space missions, during which they experienced 3,215 man hours in space flight. Together with the activities of the Soviet Union, this makes a total to date of 28 manned flights and 3,846 man hours in space. Through this investment we have obtained new products, services, and knowledge; we have enhanced our national security; we have improved our international relations; and we have stimulated our educational system. Our Nation is richer and stronger because of our space effort. I recommend that America continue to pursue the challenge of space exploration." (Pres Rpt 68; CR, 1/17/69, H405, 5524)
Christian Science Monitor reported interview with Dr. Lee A. DuBridge, President-elect Richard M. Nixon's Science Adviser-designate: "The balance between manned and unmanned [space] exploration has to be studied. But there comes a time, place, and activity where the judgment and quick reaction of men are needed to do the job or make emergency repairs. There may even be situations in which it is cheaper to have men do this than to have automated instruments. That time has not yet arrived. Manned flight is still very expensive. But I foresee the time when you will run beyond the ability of automatic instruments to do a job either adequately or economically in space exploration," (Cowen, CSM, 1/17/69)
NASA terminated Nimbus II flight operations. Spacecraft, launched May 15, 1966, to flight-test instrumentation and observe region of electromagnetic spectrum not previously studied, had accomplished all primary and secondary objectives and had operated on three-axis stabilization 32 mos, greatly exceeding design lifetime. Automatic picture transmission had operated 7,900 hrs over nearly 23 mos. (NASA Proj Off)
NASA Nike-Cajun sounding rocket was successfully launched from Kiruna, Sweden, to study sudden upper-atmosphere warming conditions by detonating grenades between 24.9- and 55.9-mi (40- and 90-km) altitudes. Launch was first in series of four scheduled under agreement between Swedish Space Research Committee (SSRC), British Science Research Council (SRC), and NASA. SSRC provided ground equipment, instrumentation, and grenade payloads and was responsible for launch operations. NASA supplied Nike-Cajun rockets and DOVAP transponders. Second launch would be conducted Jan. 19. (NASA Release 69-16; NASA Rpt SRL)
Nike-Cajun sounding rocket launched by NASA from Wallops Station carried GSFC payload to 69.6-mi (112-km) altitude to collect data on wind, temperature, pressure, and density in 21.7- to 59.0-mi (35- to 95-km) range during atmospheric warming by exploding grenades. All 19 grenades exploded as programmed and sound arrivals were recorded. Launch was first in series of four to obtain upper-atmosphere data. (NASA Rpt SRL)
Rep. George P. Miller (D-Calif.), Chairman of House Committee on Science and Astronautics, introduced H.R. 4046, FY 1970 NASA authorization bill, totaling $3.760 billion, in House. (CR, 1/17/69, H403)
Areas sounding rocket was launched by NASA from Andoya, Norway, carrying Swedish payload to study ionosphere. Rocket and instruments functioned satisfactorily. (NASA Proj Off)
ComSatCorp announced TV coverage of Presidential inauguration of Richard M. Nixon would bc transmitted via comsats across Atlantic and Pacific to viewers in Europe, Latin America, Caribbean, and Pacific areas during more than 13 hrs of overseas transmissions. (ComSatCorp Release 69-4)
NAS-NRC Space Science Board released Physiology in the Space Environment, Vol. 1, Circulation, prepared at NASA request. Report found systematic program of ground-based and inflight biomedical experimentation was essential for planning of long-duration manned space missions, such as to Mars. Knowledge of circulatory system and effects of space flight must be greatly expanded. It recommended experimentation with animals, man, simulations, laboratory investigations, comprehensive literature studies, and physiological measurement before, after, and during flight to obtain all possible data from ground-based work. Flight experiments should be limited to those requiring weightlessness and other conditions not reproducible on ground. (Text; NAS Release)
New York Times commented on Soviet linking of Soyuz spacecraft: "It is probably not too soon to begin planning for standardization of space vehicles-a move that would permit joining these vehicles regardless of their national origin. It would be tragic, for example, if a group of Soviet spacemen needed rescue and could not be saved because the only available vehicle was an American space ship impossible to link with the Soviet Ship. Here is an area in which international cooperation could not only save lives but help pave the way for the joint operation of stations in space for the benefit of all mankind." (NYT, 1/17/69, 46)
National Transportation Safety Board recommended to FAA new flight regulations to reduce aircraft landing and approach accidents responsible for 56% of fatal crashes since jet-age inception in 1957. During the 60 days before release, 10 airliners had crashed in U.S." Latin America, and Europe on landing or approach. Board called for review of policies, practices, and training to increase crew efficiency. It urged development of audible and visual warning devices to alert pilot when flying below safe altitude. (NTSB Release SB69-5)
FAA announced it was, considering amendment of flight recorder rules to require increase in instrument's capability so as to provide 14 additional kinds of information in accident investigation, including data on altitude, response to aerodynamic forces, flight-control surface positions, and engine performance. Underwater locator device also was proposed, to go into operation upon submersion. Proposal would require installation of new equipment on newly manufactured aircraft within three years of effective date of final rule and within five years on aircraft already in service. (FAA Release 69-9)
NASA announced appointment of Charles G. Haynes, Director of Inspections since 1961, as Director of Hq. Administration effective Jan 19. He would succeed Alfred S. Hodgson, who retired after 35 yrs of Government service. Ralph F. Winte would serve as Acting Director of Inspections until permanent appointment was made. (NASA Ann)
National Academy of Sciences announced Dr. Philip Handler, Chairman of Dept. of Biochemistry at Duke Univ." had been declared President-elect of NAS after tally of mail ballots. There had been no other nominee. Dr. Handler would begin six-year term July 1, succeeding Dr. Frederick Seitz, President of Rockefeller Univ. Dr. Handler, with career in enzyme research, had been National Science Board member Since 1962 and its Chairman, since 1966. From 1964 to 1967 he had been member of President's Science Advisory Committee. (NAS Release; W Post, 1/19/69, A5)
“Our Journey to the Moon” by Frank Borman James Lovell and William Anders article in Life Magazine
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