Jun 19 1972
From The Space Library
Explorer 45 Small Scientific Satellite (launched Nov. 15, 1971) was adjudged successful by NASA. Spacecraft had carried eight experiments into highly elliptical orbit to study dynamic processes in inner magnetosphere from two to five earth radii. After six months in orbit all experiments and spacecraft systems were operating satisfactorily, excellent data had been received, and mission had exceeded its objectives. Scientific results of experiments had been presented at American Geophysical Union April 17. (NASA proj off)
Air Force would develop data-relay satellite to enable early warning satellites stationed over Indian Ocean to flash warning of missile attack directly to continental U.S., Aviation Week & Space Technology reported. At present, signals were received by ground stations in Guam or Australia and were then relayed by comsat. New data-relay satellites also would make possible transmission of search-and-find reconnaissance-satellite photos directly to U.S. for speedy analysis and transmission of commands back to satellite to take close-look pictures of targets of opportunity discovered in earlier photos. Air Force had reportedly requested $23 million in FY 1973- up from $17.8 million in FY 1972 and $13.3 million in FY 1971-to continue system's development. "Closely guarded and heavily censored references to the . . . system and its intended functions" had appeared in recently released congressional testimony in which Air Force official was questioned about $21.7 million requested for continued research and development of early warning satellites and $128.9 million estimated to be required for them through FY 1978. (Klass, Av Wk, 6/19/72, 12)
Willis H. Shapley, NASA Associate Deputy Administrator, described functions of NASA advisory committees in testimony before House Committee on Government Operations' Subcommittee on Foreign Operations and Government. Subcommittee was conducting hearings on public access to information under Freedom of Information Act, which required public accessibility to advisory committees [see June 5]. NASA Historical Advisory Committee, established in 1964, advised and assisted NASA management in implementing NASA historical program. Committee met annually to review program and its relation to academic and public activities. Research and Technology Advisory Council and Related Committees (RTAC), established in 1967, provided consultation and advice on advanced research and technology goals in aeronautics and space and reviewed work in progress. NASA Space Program Advisory Council and Related Committees (SPAC), established in 1971, provided comprehensive space program advisory structure for NASA management on goals and objectives. NASA Tracking and Data Acquisition Panel, established in 1972, reviewed and advised on potential application of new technologies in carrying out tracking and data acquisition functions. Panel would be disbanded following its final report in near future. Aerospace Advisory Panel, established by NASA Authorization Act of 1968, reviewed safety studies and operation plans and reported on them to NASA Administrator. Membership of NASA advisory committees was drawn largely from universities, nonprofit organizations, industry, and other Government agencies. Scientific and technical subjects addressed by committees were open to public access through meetings and public had direct access to NASA officials and committee members. (Testimony)
Langley Research Center awarded 321/2-mo, $1 717 200 cost-plus- fixed fee contract to United Aircraft Corp. United Technology Center (UTC) Div. to demonstrate technology of high-performance hybrid rocket system. UTC would build and test-fire seven rockets about 90 cm (36 in) in diameter and 2.6 m (101.5 in) long with 48 930- newton (11 000-lb) thrust. (NASA Release 72-127)
Orlando Sentinel editorial praised NASA Earth Resources Technology Satellites (ERTS) and Earth Resources Observation System (EROS) programs: "Without more comprehensive knowledge we are limited in the decisions we must make to exploit or conserve the resources upon which our continued existence depends." ERTS and EROS "working together is probably the most far reaching earth-science experiment ever undertaken by man." (0 Sen, 6/19/72)
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