Oct 28 1971
From The Space Library
U.K. successfully launched 66-kg (145-lb) Prospero (X- 3), its first technology satellite, from Woomera Test Range, Australia, on Black Arrow booster. U.K. thus became sixth nation to launch its own satellite with its own launch vehicle. Prospero entered orbit with 1540-km (956.9-mi) apogee, 552-km (343-mi) perigee, 106.4- min period, and 82° inclination. Satellite, developed for $28.8 million in six years, carried experiments to test satellite technology. Prospero was first and last U.K. satellite scheduled for launch on U.K. booster. X-4, scheduled for launch in early 1974, would be launched by NASA Scout booster. (GSFC SSR, 10/31/71; SBD, 11/2/71, 14; Owen, KC Times, 11/26/71)
NASA announced establishment of Delta Launch Vehicle System Review Board to investigate and recommend corrective action for failure of nor-Delta 85 to place OSO 7 in planned orbit Sept. 29 and failure of nor-Delta 86 to orbit ITOS-5 Oct. 21. Dr. John E. Naugle, Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications, had appointed Dr. William R. Lucas, MSFC Deputy Director, as Board Chairman. (NASA Release 71-217)
Regional conference at ARC explored application of aerospace technology to community and public problems. Procedures for locating and obtaining technological developments were outlined to potential manufacturers and users. Dr. Joel A. Snow, NSF Deputy Assistant Director for Science and Technology, discussed technology in changing society and application of research to national needs. NASA Technology Utilization Program was described by Jeffrey T. Hamilton, Director of Technology Utilization Office. Dr. Donald C. Harrison, Chief of Stanford Univ. Medical Center Cardiology Dept., discussed NASA-Stanford biomedical technology transfer project. Conference officials noted that of 1200 problems submitted to NASA biomedical and technology application teams to date, 200 had been brought to satisfactory solution through aerospace technology. (NASA Release 71-216; ARC pro)
Rotating-cylinder-flap system had been installed in wing flaps of modified OV-IOA Bronco aircraft provided by USN for research into STOL air-craft characteristics at ARC, ARC Astrogram reported. Cylinder, when rotated rapidly in direction of airflow, induced propeller slipstream to flow smoothly across wing surfaces and deflected flap. Wind-tunnel tests had shown that smoother airflow greatly increased lift necessary for STOL operations. (ARC Astrogram, 10/28/71, 1)
Smithsonian Institution's revived plans for construction of $40-million Air and Space Museum on south side of Mall in Washington, D.C., were described by Museum Director Michael Collins, Apollo 11 Astronaut, in interview published by Washington Post. Plans for building, to contain exhibit areas and galleries with displays on history of aviation and science and technology of flight, would be presented to National Capital Planning Commission in November. Collins said only best items in Smithsonian's collection would be exhibited in new museum, designed by architect Gyo Obata, who had designed previous building that would now cost $70 million to construct. Collins said Smithsonian would ask Congress to appropriate funds for new building in FY 1972. (Scharfenberg, W Post, 10/28/71, B1)
Lockheed Aircraft Corp. announced sale of two L-1011 TriStar jet air-craft to British charter airline Court Line Aviation. Carrier had made "second buy" commitments to purchase three additional TriStars. New orders, first since Lockheed received U.S. Government guarantee for $250-million loan, brought total TriStar sales to 105, with 49 "second buys." (W Post, 10/29/71, Dll)
Rep. George P. Miller (D-Calif.) introduced H.R. 11487 for himself and cosponsors. Bill would authorize sale of up to seven acres of unimproved land adjacent to KSC Visitor Information Center to Chapel of the Astronauts, Inc. Organization was nonprofit Florida corporation interested in constructing and operating nonsectarian chapel on property. No federal funds were involved in proposed transaction. (Text; H Rpt 92-600)
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