May 1 1972
From The Space Library
Ames Research Center C-8A Buffalo augmentor-wing research aircraft completed first flight from Boeing Co. Seattle, Wash., plant. Aircraft, piloted by Boeing test pilot Thomas E. Edmonds and equipped with wing planned for use on short takeoff and landing aircraft, reached 1980-m (6500-ft) altitude during 51-min flight. Primary objectives-to functional checkout and evaluate systems operation, aircraft's structural integrity, and flight characteristics-were achieved. Aircraft would be used in cooperative project between NASA and Canadian Dept. of Industry, Trade and Commerce. (ARC Astrogram, 5/11/72, 1; AF Mag, 8/72, 46)
Marshall Space Flight Center announced completion of largest solar- cell array system for electric power ever devised for spacecraft. Two arrays, with almost 236 sq m (2540 sq ft) of surface area, would use sunlight to power electrical systems of Orbital Workshop, Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM), and other major components of Skylab cluster scheduled for launch in 1973. Each array could provide 10 500 w of power-more than twice average level needed for three-bedroom house=at 328 K (130°F) during 58- to 69-min portion of each 94-min orbit. (MSFC Release 72-54)
NASA released photos of Apollo 16 astronauts on lunar surface during April 16-27 mission. One was of Astronaut John W. Young holding hammer as he searched for samples along edge of crater, with Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRv) visible in background. Another showed Charles M. Duke, Jr., carrying sample scooper near huge crater. (NYT, 5/2/72, 1, 28)
Dismantling of Saturn Launch Complexes 34 and 37, sites of Saturn I and IB launches at start of Apollo program, was begun at Kennedy Space Center by Southern Contractors Service. Firm had bid $15 051 for structures built at cost of $147 990 581. Dismantling would be completed within seven months. NASA spokesman had said total of $53 856 403 had been saved in equipment and structures from complexes, "one of the highest returns ever" for such a program. NASA Centers would receive salvaged equipment for active programs. Equipment valued at $5 891 866 would be given to Atomic Energy Commission; Depts. of Commerce, Interior, and Agriculture; Dept. of Health, Education, and Welfare; and universities with Government research grants. Launch control rooms in Launch Complex 34 and 37 blockhouses would be retained in launch configuration: for historical and public information purposes. Historical marker outside would inform visitors of past events. Seven Saturn I and IB vehicles had been launched from Complex 34 culminating in Apollo 7, first manned command and service module launch, Oct. 11, 1968. Complex also had been scene of tragic J. 27, 1967, fire that took lives of three astronauts. Eight Saturn I and IB vehicles had been launched from Pad 37B, terminating with Apollo 5, first Apollo lunar module launch, Jan. 22, 1968. (M Her, 4/29/72; KSC Release 88-72; KSC Hist Off; KSC memo to NASA Hist Off)
Appointment of Owen G. Morris as Manager, Apollo Spacecraft Program, was announced by Dr. Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., Manned Spacecraft Center Director. Morris, former manager for lunar module in program office, succeeded B/G James A. McDivitt (USAF), who became Special Assistant to the Center Director for Organizational Affairs. Appointments were effective immediately. (MSC Release 7245)
NASA announced publication of The Experiments of Biosatellite 11 (NASA SP-204) , edited by Joseph F. Sanders. Book described first successfully completed Biosatellite mission, which carried plants, frog eggs, amoeba, and seeds on earth orbital mission Sept. 7-9, 1967, to determine effect of space flight on living organisms. (NASA WR, 5/1/72, 5; A&A 1967)
May 1-4: Fourth meeting of Joint U.S: U.S.S.R. Editorial Board for preparation and publication of space biology and medicine review convened in Washington, D.C. Cochairmen were Dr. Melvin Calvin of Univ. of California at Berkeley and Prof. Oleg G. Gazenko, Director of Soviet Ministry of Health. Under Oct. 8, 1965, Memorandum of Understanding between NASA and U.S.S.R. Academy of Sciences, Board reviewed research from the two countries for publication. (NASA Release 72-89)
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