Sep 19 1968

From The Space Library

House adopted conference report on H.R. 17023, FY 1969 Independent Offices and Hun Appropriations, which allocated $3.995 billion to NASA. [ See Sept. 25]. (CR, H8970-1; NASA LAR VH/95)

In 12-yr NASA-sponsored experiments with roosters spinning at 130 rpm up to 15 mo on double-deck centrifuge, Univ. of California's Davis Chronic Acceleration Laboratory gravity experts had noted possible ad­verse effects of long-term weightlessness on astronauts. Without steps to counter effects, "man in space for long periods will find his body decal­cified," said Dr. Arthur H. Smith. "He will not be able to stand up without fracturing bones. All his muscles will shrivel up including those around his blood vessels. He will be overloaded with fat which he may not be able to use." Among methods being developed to offset dis­turbances to human body in space were drugs which stabilized proper balance of red cells and steroids which helped maintain calcium metab­olism. Roosters were used in tests since their upright posture, heart-to­head distance, and circulatory systems were similar to man's. (Han­ger, W Post, 9/19/68, G11)

NASA said it had reassigned management responsibility for Saturn I Workshop airlock module and modified lunar module ascent stage for Apollo Telescope Mount from MSC to MSFC, to establish satisfactory balance between Apollo Applications and Apollo programs. Move placed AA program design and integration responsibilities under single NASA center. Management responsibilities encompassed systems engi­neering, including development test and integration, to ensure compati­bility of flight hardware and ground support equipment. Airlock mod­ule, mounted on Saturn IB vehicle, would provide 65-in-dia airlock tunnel for Apollo astronauts between spacecraft and living area of workshop inside hydrogen tank of rocket's 2nd stage. Lunar module ascent stage was being modified as control station for ATM. AA program would further develop space capability in series of earth-orbital long-duration flights using Apollo hardware and other facilities. (NASA Re­lease 68-159)

NAA published report of NASA-sponsored two-year study of planetary as­tronomy by NAS-NRC Space Science Board's 16-scientist panel headed by Dr. John S. Hall, Director of Lowell Observatory, Ariz. Planetary Astronomy: An Appraisal of Ground-Based Opportunities recom­mended assignment of high priority to erection of 60-in optical tele­scope in mountains of northern Chile, where atmospheric conditions permitted favorable view of Mars, in time to observe planet's closest approach to earth in almost 50 yr, August 1971. Also recommended were construction of large dish antenna in U.S. for planetary radar as­tronomy; two large radiotelescope arrays in California and West Vir­ginia, plus third planetary radio facility to pick up signals at short wavelengths; and 120-in infrared telescope in desert region where vapor would be less likely to interfere with infrared radiation. (Text; Wilford, NYT, 9/20/68, 29)

Boeing Co. dedicated $8-million low-speed wind-tunnel complex for de­velopment of helicopters and STOL and v/STOL aircraft at its Vertol Div., Eddystone, Pa. (P EB, 9/19/68)

Listen to an interview from Voice of America with Sam Phillips recorded on this day.

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