May 18 1968

From The Space Library

Nimbus B spacecraft launched by NASA from WTR failed to enter orbit because of malfunction in booster. Thorad-Agena D booster and spacecraft were destroyed by Range Safety Officer. Satellite, third in Nimbus meteorological series, contained two 25-w SNAP-19 radioiso­tope electric power generators fueled with plutonium 238 to supplement solar panels and enclosed in capsules designed to withstand impact and corrosion. Debris fell into Pacific between Vandenberg AFB and San Miguel Island. (WTR Release; AP, W Star, 5/18/68; P EB, 5/18/68; AP, W Post, 5/19/68, A3; AP, NYT, 5/18/68; 5/25/68)

NASA successfully launched Stratoscope II, Princeton Univ.'s balloon-borne telescope, from Scientific Balloon Flight Station, Palestine, Tex., to altitude of 80,000 ft. Purpose was to photograph sky from altitude above 95% of earth's atmosphere. (NASA Release 68-93)

U.S.S.R. would conduct "further tests of the landing system of space ap­paratuses" from May 20 to June 30 in two Pacific areas, Tass an­nounced. Aircraft and ships were warned not to enter 80-mi dia circu­lar area 1,200 mi south of Hawaii near Christmas Island and 90- by 180-mi rectangular area 1,600 mi south of Hawaii between noon and midnight local time each day. (AP, New Orleans Times-Picayune, 5/19/69; SBD, 5/21/68, 99-100)

Entire thrust of Soviet space program pointed to circumlunar flight by cosmonauts before U.S., according to former astronaut Cdr. M. Scott Carpenter (N). Speaking at Beloit College symposium on oceanogra­phy, he predicted NASA might try to send crew around moon in autumn as counter to Soviet manned space spectacular. (Lewis, B News, 5/19/68)

NASA, NAS, and NRC would be "taking a long close look" at applied satel­lites capable of producing concrete benefits to mankind, James J. Hag­gerty, Jr., wrote in Journal of the Armed Forces. Study, recommended in NAS report released Feb. 8, would focus on economic aspects. Among new areas of application proposed were: forestry-agriculture satellite to survey and identify vegetation resources through standard and infrared photography; oceanographic satellite to predict fish locations, isolate plankton areas, and improve ship routing and weather detection through use of sensors; hydrological satellite to aid in management of water resources and to facilitate weather forecasting; and geological satellite to extend process of using airborne sensors to detect minerals, oil, and gas. Group also would study economic benefits of advances in existing applied spacecraft, such as "advanced weathersat" to interro­gate high-altitude weather balloons and broadcast satellite to promote "extremely broad program of education and culture." NAS report had set dollar values on benefits: savings of $8 billion an­nually in agriculture and construction alone from two-week weather forecasting; $5 million in management of municipal water supplies; and "hundreds of millions" in potential saving to shipping, fishing, and coastal engineering industries, but satellites would have to be developed at "considerable investment." (Haggerty, J/AF, 5/18/68, 9, 19)

AEC Chairman, Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg, presented first Swords Into Plow­shares Award for major contributions in nuclear science to Columbia Univ. in New York. Occasion marked opening of Nuclear Week, spon­sored by private foundations, industry, and government, to attract young people to careers in nuclear science. (NYT, 5/19/68, 81)

Fifth International Congress for Noise Abatement, meeting in London, adopted resolution urging governments to prohibit supersonic flights over their territories. Dr. Charles Wakstein, Dartmouth College scien­tist, said if overland SST flights were permitted, about 50 million Amer­icans could be exposed to average of 15 sonic booms daily. Flights could cost $100 million annually in damage to homes. However, evi­dence thus far indicated little psychological harm to those surrounded by constant noise. (Shuster, NYT, 5/19/68, 3)

NASA had named Wade St. Clair, former consultant and director on radio and television programs, Director of Special Events, Office of Public Affairs, succeeding Brian M. Duff, who had joined Urban Coali­tion staff. St. Clair most recently had served as Duff's deputy. (NASA Release 68-88)

F-111A supersonic aircraft participating in air show at Holloman AFB, N. Mex., crashlanded, without injuring crew or spectators. USAF said ban on F-111 flights was still in effect but did not apply in this case since aircraft was still owned by manufacturer, General Dynamics Corp. (W Post, 5/19/68, 1; W Star, 5/19/68, Al2)

Man's "most rewarding new frontier for the next generation" might lie in ocean space, according to New York Times editorial. "Imminent opening of the deep-sea bed for commercial exploitation offers exciting possibilities for the enrichment of mankind . . but unregulated rush to cash in on the wealth of the ocean floor could provoke serious international conflicts." U.S. caution, however, in approaching U.N. establishment of international control had merit because "knowledge of the potential of ocean space is still fragmentary and vital national in­terests are at stake." (NYT, 5/18/68, 30)

President Habib Bourguiba of Tunisia visited MSC for general orienta­tion and tour during two-day visit to Houston. (AP, New Haven Regis­ter, 5/17/68)

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