Sep 30 1977
From The Space Library
MSFC announced that NASA had selected Martin Marietta Corp. and Ball Brothers Research Corp. for negotiations of fixed-price contracts for parallel $290 000 definition studies of a Shuttle tethered satellite system [see May 27]. MSFC would manage the studies for the NASA Hq Office of Space Flight. (MSFC Release 77-181)
The Natl. Aeronautic Assn. announced that the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) would present the gold space medal, given yearly as the world's highest award for spaceflight, to former astronaut Michael Collins, director of the National Air and Space Museum, at ceremonies in Rome Oct. 3. The award would recognize Collins's total contribution to manned spaceflight; he had been command module pilot during the Apollo 11 mission that first landed humans on the moon. The U.S. would also receive 11 other international aviation awards at the world aviation body's 70th annual conference: 3 USAF pilots had set records last yr, giving the U.S. 5 of 6 possible absolute world records. Capt. ELDOn W. Joersz achieved top speed over a straight course of 2193mph; Maj. Adolphus H. Bledsoe achieved speed over a closed circuit of 2092mph; and Capt. Robert C. Helt set an altitude record in horizontal flight of 85 068ft, all using a Lockheed SR-71 twin-engine aircraft. (The USSR held the altitude record of 118 897ft.)
Other U.S. award recipients would include Paul E. Yost of S.D. for a world-record balloon flight of 2475mi from Maine to the Azores, lasting 107hr, and Bruce Comstock of Mich. for being the only person to win the U.S. national hot-air balloon championship twice. Associate NASA Administrator Dr. Noel W. Hinners would receive a group diploma of honor awarded to the Viking project team, LaRC, JPL, and Martin Marietta for the first significant scientific information on Mars and its environment.
The FAI, formed in 1905, was the world governing body for aviation records; NAA was its U.S. representative. (NAA release Sept 30/77)
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