Sep 9 1971
From The Space Library
September 9-10: NASA'S Stratoscope II telescope was successfully launched by giant balloon from Redstone Arsenal Army Airfield at 7:33 pm EDT on eighth flight in series to obtain sharper astronomical pictures than possible with earth-based photography. Three prime scientific targets were Galaxies M31 (Andromeda), M32, and Planetary Nebula NGC 7662. Stratoscope II, reused with modifications for each flight, weighed 3800 kg (8400 lbs) and had optical system with 91-cm (36-in) aperture and photographic resolution of 0.1 arc sec-equal to ability to distinguish two objects 76 cm (30 in) apart at distance of 1600 km (1000 mi). Photographs would be made in visible region of spectrum (4000-6000 A). Balloon-borne telescope, 198 m (650 ft) long, reached operating altitude at 25 200 rn (82 800 ft) and performed flawlessly during night-long flight. Stratoscope drifted westward at 32 to 40 km per hr (20 to 25 mph) and returned to earth 96.6 km (60 mi) northeast of Little Rock, Ark., Sept. 10. Mission objectives were accomplished and scientific results were being evaluated. Instrument package was damaged during landing, apparently striking top of oak tree, but film was reported intact. (MSFC Releases 71-53, 71-141; Huntsville Times, 9/10/71, 9; 9/11/71)
President Nixon honored Apollo 15 astronauts in address on economic program before Joint Session of Congress: “Later today, in this great chamber, the Congress will pay tribute to three splendid Americans back from the moon. Theirs was a magnificent achievement, a stunning testament to their personal skill and courage, and also to what American technology can achieve. “Let us find the means to ensure that in this decade of challenge, the remarkable technology that took these Americans to the moon can also be applied to reaching our goals here on earth.” (PD, 9/13/71,1250-6)
Senate and House met in Joint Session to receive and pay tribute to Apollo 15astronauts, who reported on mission. Mission commander David R. Scott said of Apollo 15 lunar samples, “As I approached a fragment freshly deposited on the slopes of the Apennine, I realized it had been undisturbed since before life came out of the sea on earth," Astronaut Alfred M. Worden said first thing noticed after launch, "particularly when we got into earth orbit, was that we had a further view-we were further away from earth, and our view was expanding. We did not see any area around Cape Kennedy. What we saw were continents and oceans. . . . After we left earth orbit and for the remainder of the flight our view was one of the earth." Astronaut James B. Irwin described Hadley-Apennine campsite as "friendly, beautiful spot, like a valley in the high mountains of the earth, and it was with some reluctance that we left our valley on the moon," He told Congress: "The future of man's role in space lies in your hands. We realize very well the grave responsibilities in these days. The decisions you make will determine man's travels and explorations in space. We think that an investment in space technology is an investment in America. America needs space to grow." (CR, 9/9/71, H8224-5)
Emergency loan of $250 million was granted to Lockheed Aircraft Corp. by Emergency Loan Guarantee Board. Board was established by President under emergency loan bill approved by Congress Aug. 2. (AP, B Sun, 9/10/71, A7)
President Nixon submitted to Senate nominations of representatives and alternates to 26th session of U.N. General Assembly. They included Apollo 14 Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr., Chief of MSC Astronaut Office, as alternate. (PD, 9/13/71, 1257, 1261)
September 9-10: Sixth Annual Aerospace Mechanism Symposium was sponsored at ARC by ARC, Univ. of Santa Clara, and Lockheed Missiles & Space Co. Films from Apollo 15 LRV Rover on moon were shown. Soviet scientist Vladimir S. Syromyatnikov and MSC engineer James C. Jones presented papers on space vehicle docking mechanisms. (NASA Release 71-169; ARC Astrogram, 9/16/71, 1)
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