Nov 10 1970
From The Space Library
Nimbus IV meteorological satellite, launched April 8 to acquire samples of atmospheric radiation measurements, was adjudged successful by NASA. Primary and secondary objectives had been achieved. Except for filter-wedge spectrometer, which had failed June 7, instruments were functioning satisfactorily and providing good data. (NASA Proj Off)
Nike-Tomahawk sounding rocket was launched by NASA from Fairbanks, Alaska, carrying Univ. of Minnesota experiment to conduct auroral studies. Rocket and instruments functioned satisfactorily. (SR list)
Automated instrument that detected bacteria in urine hundreds of times faster than standard culture method had been developed by GSFC scientists in cooperation with Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, NASA announced. Technique was derived from GSFC study to detect life on other planets with chemicals from firefly. Photoelectric devices would measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP), high-energy biochemical found in all living organisms, using luciferase and luciferin, chemicals in firefly tails that flashed on contact with ATP. It would then differentiate between bacterial ATP and that from other sources. (NASA Release 70-190)
Apollo 11 Astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, NASA Director of Aeronautical Research, described Soviet Tu-144 as "striking" supersonic aircraft "every bit as attractive" as Anglo-French Concorde, during luncheon meeting of Aero Club of Washington and Aviation-Space Writers Assn. in Washington, D.C. Armstrong said visit to Tu-144 hangar had been highlight of Moscow visit. He said Tu-144's four engines were similar to those on U.S. B-70 bomber and interior resembled McDonnell Douglas DC-9. Tu-144 pilots had told him aircraft had flown at twice speed of sound and handled well at all speeds. (Sehlstedt, B Sun, 11/11/70, A3)
Pros and cons of SST debate were cited by David Hoffman in Washington Post: "SST advocates blend airline economics with international balances of trade and payments. They mix Atlantic alliance politics with trans-Siberian flight routes, and they link the SST to the health of the American economy." Environmentalists agreed aircraft might generate 50 000 jobs, improve balance of trade, and guarantee U.S. leadership in commercial aviation, but said nothing would justify "additional noise irritation and risk to man's surroundings." SST files contained ammunition to support any conclusion. "If indeed an American SST goes into airline service in 1978, the files started at the plane's birth will be at least 20 years old." (W Post, 11/10/70, A3)
Secretary of Transportation John A. Volpe announced appointment of Robert H. Binder, Director of Office of International Transportation Policy and Programs, to succeed Hugh J. Gownley as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Transportation for International Affairs. Gownley had retired July 31. (DOT Release 23870)
November 10-22: U.S.S.R. launched Luna XVII unmanned lunar probe from Baikonur at 7:44 pm local time (9:44 am EST). Tass said purpose of mission was to explore moon and near-moon space and check new systems and reported all systems were functioning normally. During flight to moon 36 communications sessions were held with spacecraft and data on parameters and: systems were transmitted. Midcourse maneuvers were conducted Nova 12 and 14 and on Nov. 15 Luna XVII entered lunar orbit with 85-km (53-mi) altitude, 1-hr 56-min period, and 14;° inclination. Luna XVII softlanded in moon's Sea of Rains Nov. 17 at 8:47 am Baikonur time (10:47 pin EST Nov. 16). Spacecraft released Lunokhod I, self-propelled vehicle placed on moon to conduct scientific investigations. According to drawing and models shown on Moscow TV, Lunokhod I looked like large silver pot-bellied tub about the size of small automobile with eight spoked wheels apparently powered by solar energy and batteries. Tans said Lunokhod I carried flags and pennants with Soviet coat of arms and Lenin's bas relief and was equipped with scientific apparatus, instruments and control systems, and radio and TV devices. Lunokhod I left Luna XVII descent stage at 11:28 am Baikonur time (1:28 am EST) Nov. 17 by special gangway and traveled 20 m (66 ft) from spacecraft to begin experiments. Tass said vehicle's movement could be controlled automatically or by ground controllers following televised information on position and character of surrounding lunar surface. Between Nov. 17 and Nov. 22, 10 radio and TV sessions were held and large amount of data was transmitted. Chemical composition of surface layer of lunar soil was analyzed with x-ray spectrometer and mechanical properties of lunar soil and transportability of vehicle were investigated. In addition, Tass said, "an instrument was used which has a punch for soil intrusion, and a system of sensors for measuring forces acting on the wheels." Panoramic pictures of lunar landscape were taken, in which tracks made by Lunokhod I, details of lunar surface, and parts of vehicle were clearly visible. Tass said TV cameras, "designed for surveying and evaluating the route traveled, provided the necessary information for travel in the conditions of uneven, broken terrain. At some points... the incline reached 14 deg. Along the path, Lunokhod encountered... deep craters the detours to which were ensured by the operators (on Earth)." On Nov. 22, after five days on lunar surface, Lunokhod I was commanded to terminate operations in preparation for lunar night. Tass said vehicle had competed "a complex of tests. . and a wide. program of tests of its mobility" and had traveled 197 m (646 ft). Vehicle was moved to an "assigned position" where it would remain stationary during lunar night and solar panels were closed. Luna XVII was first unmanned spacecraft to land on moon and deploy automatic lunar explorer. Last mission in series, unmanned Luna XVI (Sept. 12-24), had landed on moon and returned to earth with lunar samples. (Sov Rpt, 12/4/70; GSFC SSR, 11/30/70; SBD, 11/20/70, 81-2; Clarity, NYT, 11/18/70, 1)
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