Oct 10 1968
From The Space Library
Aerobee 150 MI sounding rocket launched by NASA from WSMR carried Naval Research Laboratory experiment to 109.2-mi (174.7-km) altitude to obtain stellar spectra in Scorpius in 1,000-1,600 A far UV range and photometric data on stellar fluxes. Rocket performed satisfactorily. Scientific objectives were not achieved because attitude con- trol system (ACS) malfunctioned and vehicle failed to capture and point at desired targets. Experiment performed as expected, but because of ACS malfunction no film was advanced by spectrograph or aspect camera. Some photometric data were obtained by Geiger tube photometers. (NASA Rpt Sm.)
Australian House of Representatives, by 60-30 vote, defeated opposition Labor Party motion to condemn government for ordering 24 F-111C fighter-bombers from U.S. Crashes, delays, and cost increases had led to major criticism of government. Deliveries of aircraft were 18 mo behind schedule. Latest U.S. estimate of cost, including spares and ground equipment, was $294.63 million, about one-fourth Australian defense budget for 1968-69. There was no ceiling price on aircraft and no way Australia could cancel contract without $200-million penalty. (AP, W Post, 10/11/68, All; NYT, 10/9/68, 12)
NASA announced it had requested proposals by Nov. 18 for two experimental turbofan jet engines for extensive test program [see Aug. 18]. Objective was to reduce two major sources of noise-interaction of jet exhaust with outside air and noise created by fan-to produce turbofan demonstrator engine operational at noise level at least 15-20 db below those powering DC-8 and Boeing 707 aircraft. Specifications were developed at LeRC with assistance on contract from Allison Div. of General Motors Corp. and Pratt & Whitney Div. of United Aircraft Corp.; McDonnell Douglas Corp. studied feasibility of integrating quiet engine with DC-8. (NASA Release 68-175)
Sen. John J. Sparkman (D-Ala.) on Senate floor said: "President Johnson is properly called the principal architect of America's space program. As Senator and Vice President he worked unceasingly to assure this country a role of leadership in the exploration of space. . . Under President Johnson's leadership in the Senate the Space Act was passed in 1958, creating the National Aeronautics and Space Administration . . . setting up a charter to win for this country a preeminence in the peaceful exploration of space. NASA pulled together widely scattered efforts in space and built an organization unique in this country's history. It has contributed to the technological competence so vital to modern industrial society." (NASA LAR VII/108; CR, 10/10/68, S12423)
FAA published report, SRDS Program Goals, Achievements and Trends, on 50 Systems Research and Development Service projects undertaken in FY 1968. Beacon tracking level of terminal automation would provide aircraft identity, altitude, and computed ground speed on air traffic control radarscopes. Over three years, automated radar tracking system ARTS III would be installed at 62 busiest airports. Computer-aided approach spacing (CAAS) system would give more consistent spacing of landing aircraft. R&D eventually would lead to Category III all-weather landing systems (AwLs) at major airports, permitting aircraft to land with zero ceiling and runway visual range. (FAA Release T-68-39)
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