Oct 8 1968
From The Space Library
Antennas on NASA'S Explorer XXXVIII (launched July 4) were each successfully extended to 750-ft maximum length and damper boom to maximum 630 ft by ground command. Satellite's antennas had been initially deployed to 455 ft each July 22 and extended to 600-ft each Sept. 24. Maximum extension completed planned antenna deployment sequence. (NASA Release 68-174; NASA Proj Off)
Senate unanimously approved space rescue treaty, providing for rescue and return of astronauts downed on foreign soil. It had been signed by '75 nations. (CR, 10/8/68, S12215-6; AP, B Sun, 10/9/68, A10)
NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, Dr. George E. Mueller, addressed Ninth National Conference of United Press International Editors and Publishers in Washington, D.C.: "For the conception and construction of the equipment necessary to the safe transport of men into space and for their accomplishment of productive tasks in that new atmosphere, a new mix of professional and scientific disciplines has been created which has forced cooperation between engineers and medical doctors. Many of the technologies which are essential to our sending three men to the moon and back did not exist a few years ago. They had to be invented, adapted or developed. . . . "We now have the giant boosters which have released man from his atmosphere, and . . . life support systems that can maintain him in space. As a result of the cleanliness requirements of the space program we have the largest 'clean rooms' in the world-rooms which hospitals are now emulating. . . . Over 600 computers now comprise the largest and most advanced communications system in the world. The fuel cell, which had lain dormant for many years, was activated to power spacecraft in orbit. Thirty public utility companies now have a $27,000,000 program for the adaptation of the fuel cell for home power units. We had to know on a real-time basis how fast the hearts of the astronauts were beating while they were in space . . how much oxygen they were using, and how their muscles were responding . . . so we invented another new system, biosensor to computer to data gathering equipment, and through communications network to the Manned Spacecraft Center at Houston-from 100 . . . or 800 . . . or from 1/4, of a million miles out in space. And a half a dozen newly formed companies are now manufacturing these adapted space-created instruments for the use of doctors and hospitals here on earth." In conclusion Dr. Mueller quoted the late Dr. Hugh L. Dryden, first Deputy Administrator: "None of us knows what the final destiny of man may be-or if there is any end to his capacity for growth and adaptation. Wherever this venture leads us, we in the United States are convinced that the power to leave the Earth-to travel where we will in space-and to return at will-marks the opening of a brilliant new state in man's evolution." (Text)
Commenting on James E. Webb's retirement, Sen. John Stennis (D-Miss.) said on Senate floor, "I have been a member of the Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences since about the time Mr. Webb was appointed to head NASA. I am not given unduly to praise a man. I am not impressed by a title. I am impressed by a record. But I am certainly impressed with the fact that Mr. Webb carried out his responsibilities for NASA with an expenditure of $34 billion, in what might be called a crash program; and I have not seen any evidence of any activity of his except that clothed in the highest degree with integrity, honesty, frankness and openness in his dealings with the committee, with Congress, as well as with the public." (CR, 10/8/68, S12227-8)
Dept. of State said it would issue visas to 35 Soviet space scientists to attend 19th Congress of International Astronautical Federation (IAF) in New York Oct. 13-19. However, it might recommend cancellation of sightseeing tour of KSC arranged with NASA by AIAA for scientists from 34 countries attending both IAF Congress and AIAA annual meeting in Philadelphia Oct. 21-25. No Soviet scientist had yet visited KSC, "apparently out of concern that the United States would ask for reciprocal rights in Russia for American scientists," said New York Times. Rep. Paul G. Rogers (D-Fla.), in letter to Secretary of State Dean Rusk, had said visit was inappropriate in light of U.S.S.R.'s invasion of Czechoslovakia, imprisonment of Pueblo crew by North Korea, Soviet aid to North Vietnam, and existence of Communist regime in Cuba. (NYT, 10/9/68)
October 8-10: NASA held conference at LaRC on progress of NASA research on noise alleviation of large subsonic jet aircraft. It dealt with nacelle acoustic treatment technology and application, noise generation and reduction at source, operational considerations, and subjective reaction. In introductory remarks, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Aeronautics Charles W. Harper said NASA support for research programs on noise had risen from less than $1 million per year to nearly $18 million in 1968, most of which was used to obtain industry support for program. (NASA SP-189)
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