Sep 30 1974
From The Space Library
NASA'S Explorer 45 (SSS-A Small Scientific Satellite launched 15 Nov. 1971) was turned off. The spacecraft had been investigating the causes of worldwide magnetic disturbances associated with large solar flares. Major accomplishments of Explorer 45 included the first measurement by satellite of man-made stimulated electromagnetic emissions in the magnetosphere; first measurements of alpha particles in the equatorial region of the magnetosphere, where they were 100 times more numerous than expected; first detailed analysis of the interaction of electromagnetic waves with charged particles; measurement of the earth's ring current, which produced the magnetic storm main phase; and measurement of the closest approach to the earth of the boundary of the magnetosphere at about 25 000-km altitude. (Goddard News, Nov 74)
30 September-4 October: The fourth simulated Spacelab mission of the air-borne science-shuttle experiment system simulation (ASSESS) program was conducted at Marshall Space Flight Center using an Ames Research Center Learjet. The Lear 4 mission was the first in which substitute experiment operators were trained as crewmen. Their performance would be compared with that of the principal investigator and his team during previous missions. During 10 nighttime flights into the base of the stratosphere, the crew measured infrared radiation at selected wave-lengths from targets believed to be forming new stars. (MSFC Release 74-185)
30 September-5 October: A seminar to predict the probable state of the world in the year 2000 was held by the Smithsonian Institution for NASA as part of NASA'S "Outlook for Space" study begun during June. Experts from various fields discussed a new age-oriented global culture, the probability of widespread famine, the prolonged disruption of technological economies by high oil prices, and the spread of nuclear power beyond control of the great powers. Seminar participants concluded that the intensification of nationalism would continue, particularly in response to economic stresses. Speakers from the high-technology sector, how-ever, stressed that the U.S. would not have to suffer from scarcity of resources, although resource extraction would be more expensive and would require new technology.
Satellite reconnaissance to find mineral resources and to monitor threats to the global environment would still be necessary. The group also proposed surveillance to track all asteroids crossing the earth's orbit so that the impact of an asteroid might not be mistaken for a nuclear attack. Communications satellites were considered both useful for uniting countries and dangerous in their potential to increase threats of demagoguery. Many participants agreed that the time for uncontrolled free enterprise was passing and that we would require independent agencies for both planning and technology assessment, exempt from the special interests of particular government departments. Specialists also proposed that NASA'S planning and analytical abilities be applied to national concerns in their full complexity, taking into account world economic, political, and social problems. (Sullivan, NYT, 8 Oct 74, 16; GSFC proj off, interview, 13 Aug 75)
The International Aeronautical Federation held its 25th Congress in Amsterdam with the theme "Space Stations, Present and Future." Among speakers, Astronaut Thomas P. Stafford and Cosmonaut Aleksey A. Leonov, U.S. and Soviet commanders in the Apollo Soyuz Test Project, stressed how well joint work and understanding had advanced. A paper by Daniel J. Shramo of Lewis Research Center, with B. R. Foushee and P. J. O'Leary of General Dynamics Corp. Convair Div., described the Centaur primary upper stage for solar system exploration and its potential adaptation as an upper stage for the space shuttle.
A Ukranian Academy of Sciences research team reported on experiments in the formation of melts in weightlessness with radiant heating and on prospects of using solar energy for space engineering. Comparative studies of metal solidification had suggested that a more uniform distribution of short-grained structures under weightlessness might be-come the basis of space technology, with the added attraction of using the sun as an energy source. The team had built a prototype solar plant that could be mounted on a spacecraft or used in a vacuum chamber on the earth.
Soviet medical investigations during the flights of Soyuz 12 (launched 27 Sept. 1973) , Soyuz 13 (18 Dec. 1973), and Soyuz 14 (3 July) were reported by Dr. Oleg G. Gazenko and others. Findings indicated that prolonged exercises, full and partial spacesuits, and gravity-simulating fittings had reduced effects of weightlessness during the space flight and after the crew's return. Although reports of initial adaptation symptoms were similar to American findings, the Soviet paper also noted that cosmonauts had reduced vestibular symptoms by deliberately slowing down movements, especially head movements.
Prof. Hilding A. Bjurstedt, Head of the Dept. of Aviation Medicine at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, received the 1974 Daniel and Florence Guggenheim International Astronautics Award of the Inter-national Academy of Astronautics for studies of physiological responses to environmental stress. Leonard Jaffe, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Applications, was elected IAF President. (IAA Ann Rpt, 28 Aug 74; Parks, SF, Feb 75, 42-50; Program, 25th IAF Congress; NASA Activities, 15 Dec 74, 21)
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