Aug 7 1971
From The Space Library
Safe splashdown-with an extra bump. The Apollo 15 command module, completing its 12-day lunar mission, descended to the waves on two of its three parachutes. The third parachute collapsed, increasing impact velocity to 35 km per hr (22 mph), but did not endanger the astronauts or the spacecraft.
House and Senate conferees submitted H. Rpt. 92-377 on H.R. 9382, FY 1972 HuD-space-science appropriations bill. Report recommended total NASA appropriation of $3.298 billion. Recommended NASA appropriation included $2.523 billion for R&D instead of $2.518 billion proposed by House and $2.542 billion proposed by Senate; $52.7 million for construction of facilities instead of $33.8 million proposed by House and $56.3 million by Senate; and $722.6 million for re-search and program management as proposed by Senate, instead of $720 million as proposed by House. Report also recommended $622-million NSF appropriation, $1.150 million below NSF budget request. (H Rpt 92-377)
Rep. Joel T. Broyhill (R-Va.) introduced H.R. 10065 "to redesignate the Washington National Airport as `Neil Armstrong Airport.' Bill was referred to House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. (CR, 7/26/71, H7164)
Union of Concerned Scientists-Boston area coalition of scientists, engineers, and other professionals-issued report saying AEC tests had confirmed unreliability of emergency cooling system designed to supply water to nuclear reactors but that AEC continued to license operation and construction of reactors containing system. Report said if accident occurred "resulting catastrophe and loss of life might well exceed anything this nation has seen in time of peace." (AP, NYT, 7/27/71, 53)
President Nixon issued statement following successful splashdown of Apollo 15 spacecraft: "Apollo 15 has returned safely to Earth. It brings with it new proof of man's invincible will to master the moment of his own destiny. It brings new tribute to man's unquenchable thirst for understanding. It brings the seeds of scientific understanding which may open a new chapter in the history of our planet. We salute Astronauts Scott, Irwin and Worden, who have stood poised on behalf of mankind on the brink of man's new world." (PD, 8/16/71, 1154)
Delegation of congressmen watched Apollo splashdown from onboard recovery ship for first time. Congressmen-prevented from attending previous manned space splashdowns by limited space on ships and expense of flying them from Washington, D.C., to mid-Pacific-were flown to U.S.S. Okinawa from Hawaii by helicopter. Congress was not in session. Watching Apollo 15 splashdown were Rep. Olin E. Teague (D-Tex.), Chairman of House Committee on Science and Astronautics' Subcommittee on Manned Space Flight; Rep. Edward P. Bolane (D-Mass.) Rep. J. Edward Roush (D-Ind.) ; Rep. Richard T. Hanna (D-Calif.) ; Rep. Joseph M. McDade (R-Pa.) ; and Rep. Charles A. Mosher (R-Ohio). (W Post, 8/8/71, A10)
U.N. Secretary General U Thant said in message to President Nixon that Apollo 15 was "another brilliant chapter in man's peaceful exploration of outer space." (Reuters, NYT, 8/8/71)
Philadelphia Inquirer editorial praised Apollo 15 crew: "Their workman-like approach to arduous tasks, combined with fascinating descriptive commentary, gave Scott and Irwin good credits for showmanship as well as technical expertise. And the superb orchestration from mission control in Houston with Joseph Allen directing the score with the precision of a maestro on the podium, added an esthetic touch to a performance that should win raves from drama critics as well as space buffs. All concerned with Apollo 15 rate the nation's applause for an almost flawless performance thus far." (P Inq, 8/7/71)
Areas sounding rocket launched by NASA from Ft. Greely, Alaska, carried GSFC experiment to obtain ozone measurements in conjunction with Nimbus 4 satellite overpass. Because of problems with ground tracking equipment no telemetry signal was received from payload until rocket reached 27-km (16.8-mi) altitude on descent side of apogee. Radar did not acquire rocket or ejected payload and payload was not recovered. Flight, first in three-flight series, was rated partially successful. Second and third rockets in series would be launched Aug. 9 and 14. (NASA Rpt Sxr.; SR list)
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