Sep 22 1971
From The Space Library
ARC announced completion of acceptance tests on X-14B, VTOL aircraft that could simulate hovering flight characteristics of most existing and proposed VTOLS. New NASA research aircraft, modification of Bell X-14A, was believed to be first digital-computer- driven VTOL flight-simulator aircraft. X-14B would be used by NASA to deter-mine optimum handling qualities for any VTOL aircraft. (ARC Release 71-47)
LeRC received its sixth IR-100 award from Industrial Research Magazine during ceremony at Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Award, presented annually to developers of 100 most significant new products, was for development of radiation-chemistry method of preparing high-purity metals and chemical compounds. Method was developed by LeRC scientists Dr. Warren H. Philipp and Stanley J. Marsik. (Lewis News, 9/24/71, 1)
Air Force Assn.'s Schilling Trophy was presented to Apollo 15 Astronauts David R. Scott, James B. Irwin and Alfred M. Worden in recognition of "their unique contribution to manned spaceflight and science." (NASA Activities, 10/15/71, 172; AFA P10)
Nomination of Sen. Howard W. Cannon (D-Nev.) for Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy for outstanding service to aviation was announced by NAA. Citation was "for his continuing energetic advocacy of and lasting contribution to the development and use of aviation both as a viable national transportation system and as an essential element in maintaining a strong military posture." Trophy would be presented in Washington, D.C., Dec. 17. (NAA Release)
Senate rejected proposed amendment to H.R. 8687, FY 1972 military procurement bill, by Sen. George S. McGovern (D-S.D.). Amendment would have reduced funds for USAF development of B-1 bomber and related programs from $370 million to $31 million. (CR, 9/22/71, S14784~-14847)
Soviet aircraft designer Andrey N. Tupolev was quoted by Tass as saying Soviet designing bureau would do all it could to put Tu-144 supersonic transport in service as soon as possible. Aircraft had returned after successful visit to Bulgaria Sept. 6. During flight it had developed speed of 2300 km per hr (1400 mph). (FBIS-Sov-71-185, 9/23/71, Li)
NASA announced availability of Shuttle Technology Program-Fiscal Year 1972, compilation of projects making up NASA FY 1972 Space Shuttle Technology Program. (NASA Release 71-183)
September 22-23: Command stored in Mariner 9 computer before May 30 launch towards Mars switched spacecraft's radio transmitter from low-gain omnidirectional antenna to high-gain antenna for increased signal strength. On Sept. 23 spacecraft was 14 million km (9 million mi) from Mars and had traveled approximately 290 million km (180 million mi) in curving trajectory. Increasing distance between Mariner 9 and earth required concentration of radio signals in narrow beam to maintain communications at required data rates during remainder of mission. Spacecraft was scheduled to reach Mars Nov. 13. (NASA Release 71-184)
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