May 27 1968

From The Space Library

U.S.S.R. announced successful completion of rocket tests in two Pa­cific areas to test equipment for spacecraft landings at sea. Series, which began May 20, had been scheduled to last until June 30. (SBD, 5/29/68, 144)

FAA announced Washington National Airport was first in U.S. to equip main instrument runway with color-coded centerline lights cautioning pilots entering last 3,000 ft of runway during takeoffs and landings. (FAA Release T 68-18)

Aerospace Daily survey showed most experts considered military R&D funds prime candidate for budget cuts. Services had been told to slash $900 million from FY 1969 requests as their part in $6-billion re­duction demanded by Congress, which exhibited little support for ei­ther Manned Orbiting Laboratory program or Sentinel ABM system. Federal Contract Research Center also was likely to be cut, though Pentagon sought $48 million, $3 million less than FY 1968. Government was spending estimated $17 billion annually on research and there was "rising general Congressional reluctance to approve more funds or even to provide additional money merely to keep pace with the inflation of the economy." (Aero Daily, 5/27/68, 26)

Charles J. Donlan was named Acting Director, Advanced Manned Mis­sions Program, NASA Office of Manned Space Flight, replacing Edgar M. Cortright. He would serve in addition to his duties as Deputy Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight (Technical) . (NASA Ann)

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