Oct 16 1968
From The Space Library
Aerobee 150 MI sounding rocket launched by NASA from WSMR carried Lockheed Missiles & Space Co. experiment to 96.6-mi (155-km) altitude to obtain quantitative measurements of spectrum and intensity of solar x-ray flux in 2- to 30-key range, determine distribution on sun, and observe galactic x-ray sources. Rocket and instruments performed satisfactorily. All detection systems on payload acquired useful data. Communications, maintained with both satellite x- ray monitor and ground-based optical observer, indicated sun was in nonflaring state with increasing activity on west limb. (NASA Rpt sRL)
Ray Cromley commented in Washington Daily News: "It is one of the tragedies of the moon race that earth satellite programs which could revolutionize certain aspects of agriculture, mineral exploration, TV broadcasting, navigation, weather forecasting and flood control are being squeezed unmercifully by Apollo. It is now clear that these unpublicized, unromantic programs promise unbelievably large payoffs. The U.S. return . . . has been conservatively estimated at $400 million to $1 billion for every $100 million invested after feasibility research is completed. The investments could be private, public or a mixture of both." (W News, 10/16/68, 31)
U.S. and Australia signed five-year agreement in Canberra to expand scientific cooperation through exchanges of scientists and information, to participate in joint research projects, and to include scientists and institutions from other countries in some projects. (Reuters, NYT, 10/17/68, 14)
MSFC issued to NAR's Rocketdyne Div. two contract modifications to extend engine production and delivery. An $8.4-million supplement was awarded for extension of J-2 engine production through April 30, 1970, because of overall stretch-out of launch vehicle production. Under extension, J-2 engine production would be cut from three engines per month to one. Contract for F-1 engine deliveries was extended through June 1970 under $4-million modification which de- creased F-1 production rate from two engines per month to one. (MSFC Releases 68-246, 68-247)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
