Feb 22 1973
From The Space Library
Residential Reorganization Plan No. 1, abolishing the Office of Science and Technology and the National Aeronautics and Space Council [see Jan. 26 and July 1], was reviewed by the Senate Committee on Government Operations' Subcommittee on Executive Reorganization and Government Research. Chairman Abraham A. Ribicoff (D-Conn.) said, "Historically, Congress has allowed the President wide latitude in organizing his own office and so far no opposition has developed to this plan," but added that questions had arisen as to whether the plan downgraded the voice of the scientific community within the Executive branch. Frederick V. Malek, Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, said it was "no longer necessary to have a single office within the Executive Office specifically directed to science and technology." National Science Foundation Director H. Guyford Stever, newly designated Science Adviser to the President, said that NSF had "many 'inputs to the scientific community and they have many inputs to NSF" and that he expected the routes for advice to remain open. (CR, 2/22/73, D128; Sci & Govt Rpt, 3/1/73, 7)
NASA announced expansion of its program to sponsor research at four-year colleges and universities with predominantly minority enrollments. One hundred institutions had been invited to consider whether and how they might participate by submitting proposals relevant to NASA's mission, contributing to solution of problems of concern to agency, and of technical merit. The expanded program had been developed in cooperation with the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. (NASA Release 73-25)
Apollo 17 geologist-astronaut Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt was among 10 young Government employees named to receive the 25th annual Arthur S. Flemming Award for outstanding contributions to Federal management and science, the Washington Star and News reported. The Schmitt citation was for "total performance as a scientist and astronaut, including geological training of early Apollo flight crews, and as lunar module pilot for Apollo 17:" Awards would be presented at a Washington, D.C., luncheon sponsored by the Downtown Jaycees Feb. 29. (W Star & News, 2/22/73; NASA Special Notice, 2/26/73)
The Federal Women's Award program committee announced six winners of its 13th annual awards for outstanding careers in the U.S. Civil Service. Goddard Space Flight Center's Small Astronomy Satellite Project Manager, Mrs. Marjorie R. Townsend-the only woman to manage a U.S. satellite program-was among those who would receive the award at a March 6 banquet in Washington, D.C. Explorer 42 (Uhuru), first satellite launched in the program (Dec. 12, 1970), had provided the first complete picture of the sky in x-rays, bringing a major advance in astronomy. (W Post, 2/22/73; NASA Hq WB; A&A 1970)
The National Space Club held its Awards Luncheon in Washington, D.C. The Dr. Robert H. Goddard Historical Essay Award of $500-named for the U.S. rocket pioneer-was presented to Barton C. Hacker of Iowa State Univ. for his essay "From Space Station to Orbital Operations in Space Travel Thought, 1895-1951." The Dr. Hugh L. Dryden Memorial Fellowship award of $2000, presented annually to an "individual ... pursuing the challenges of research, exploration, and administration in astronautics, so that he may continue to seek and maintain pre-eminence in outer space" for the U.S., was given to Dr. Palmer Dyal of NASA Ames Research Center Electrodynamics Branch. The award was named for the first NASA Deputy Administrator, who died in 1965. The Dr. Robert H. Goddard Scholarship of $2000 was presented to David O. Starr of Catholic Univ. (Program; NSc News Letter, 2/22/73)
Analysis of Apollo 15 and .16 data had shown that certain lunar craters, including Aristarchus, emitted gas puffs, the New York Times reported. Data from alpha particle experiments had indicated the events occurred in dark-floored or rimmed craters. Most events recorded had occurred when the moon was nearest earth orbit-the same time at which moonquakes occurred. (Sullivan, NYT, 2/22/73)
An experimental connector smaller than a dime had been developed by Kennedy Space Center engineers to apply small electrical currents from an outside power source to move paralyzed human muscles, NASA announced. The connector-which would detach easily but provide good electrical contact while attached-was being tested at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital in Downey, Calif. The NASA Office of Technology Utilization was supporting the hospital's research on application of high-purity vitreous carbon-developed originally for rocket engine linings-to implants of tiny platinum wires attached to small pads on human nerve endings. Earlier connectors had damaged human skin during the process of detachment and had cost $1000 each. The KSC developed connector detached readily and cost $50 to $100 each. (NASA Release 73-30)
February 22-23: Marshall Space Flight Center's Science and Engineering Directorate sponsored a Research and Technology Review. The purpose was to expand the familiarity of scientists and engineers in government, industry, and the academic community with activities and accomplishments at MSFC having significant applications in space projects. Topics discussed were space sciences, manufacturing in space, optical contamination, materials and manufacturing, propulsion, computation and simulation, control and atmospheric flight mechanics, electronics communications and instrumentation, and apparatus. (MSFC Release 73-16; 73-21)
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