Sep 6 1972
From The Space Library
Marshall Space Flight Center announced plans for series of 20 water-entry simulation tests with solid-fueled rocket casing assembly. Tests would provide valuable data for assessment of parachute water recovery of space shuttle booster and aid in preliminary solid-fueled rocket motor design. Rocket assembly- representing 77% scale model of shuttle booster-was 30 m (100 ft) long, weighed 39 000 kg (43 tons), and was from previously fired motor. (MSFC Release 72-120)
Plans for jointly owned communications satellite system were announced by Communications Satellite Corp. and MCI-Lockheed Satellite Corp., formed by Microwave Communications, Inc., and Lockheed Aircraft Corp. ComSatCorp had conditioned agreement on Federal Communications Commission permission to its entry into long-term contract with American Telephone & Telegraph Corp. ComSatCorp would then cancel its application for separate, multipurpose satellite system and joint MCI-Lockheed Corp. Each of the three companies would own part of system, with each member having less than 50% ownership. (W Star & News, 9/7/72, C8)
Formation of Hughes Aircraft Corp. and British Aircraft Corp. team to study development of new-generation communications satellite had been confirmed by Hughes, Wall Street Journal reported. Hughes spokesman had said team was being formed because current global satellite system was expected to reach capacity by 1975. ComSatCorp, acting for International Telecommunications Satellite Consortium, had contracted with Hughes to study means of meeting increasing demand. BAC, primary contractor to Hughes, had participated in Intelsat IV program. (WSJ, 9/6/72, 3; SF, 12/72, 458)
Artificial (gas-flame) fireplace logs were being produced by Martin Stamping and Stove Co. from materials developed for NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center announced. Materials- manufactured by Universal Atlas Div. of U.S. Steel Corp., Foote Mineral Co., and Vulcan Materials Co.-were fibrous insulation for Skylab and lightweight, refractory concrete used in Saturn rocket test stands to deflect hot exhaust. (MSFC Release 72-119)
Grumman Corp. and American Aviation Corp. had agreed in principle to merge American Aviation with Grumman's commercial aircraft programs, Wall Street Journal reported. American manufactured sport, utility, and training aircraft. Grumman manufactured, sold, and serviced Gulfstream II corporate jet, and Ag-Cat agricultural aircraft. (WSJ, 9/6/72)
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