Aug 1 1975
From The Space Library
The Indian Space Research Organization began transmitting instructional programs to inexpensive ground receivers in more than 2400 isolated villages throughout India, using NASA's Ats 6 Applications Technology Satellite launched 30 May 1974. As part of the l-yr satellite instructional television experiment (SITE), the transmissions would stress improved agricultural techniques, family planning and hygiene, and school courses pertinent to Indian villagers' needs. After the experiment, Ats 6 would be repositioned over the western hemisphere.
During its first year in operation, Ats 6 had transmitted medical and educational programs to remote communities in Alaska, the Rocky Mountains, and Appalachia. During the 15-26 July Apollo-Soyuz Test Project mission, the satellite had helped relay communications from the Apollo spacecraft to ground stations, increasing coverage from the usual 17% to 55% for each orbit. (NASA Release 75-221; NASA MOR M-966-75-01, 7 July 75; Borders, NYT, 3 Aug 75, 10)
Sen. William Proxmire (D-Wisc.), a critic of the joint U.S.-U.S.S.R. Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, reported that the Soviet Union had bugged the conversations of U.S. astronauts and technicians at the Moscow space center before the July space flight. Using information received from two sources and confirmed through official channels, Sen. Proxmire said that the bugs were discovered while the astronauts and technicians were watching a televised Soviet hockey game. Wanting a closer view of the game, U.S. astronaut Robert F. Overmyer moved his chair nearer the TV screen, causing a wire leading from the chair into the floor to snap. The Washington Post quoted a spokesman or NASA as confirming the incident, but saying there was no evidence the wire "had anything to do with a listening device." (AP, W Post, 2 Aug 75; Av Wk, 11 Aug 75, 17)
Kennedy Space Center announced award of a $5 137 000 contract to Mayfair Construction Co. to modify the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for Space Shuttle operations. The contract provided for modifications to High Bay 3's extensible work platforms, installation of new checkout cells in High Bay 4, and modifications to the north door of the VAB transfer aisle and related support facilities. (KSC Release 160-75)
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