Nov 7 1968

From The Space Library

NASA Nike-Apache sounding rocket launched from NASA Wal­lops Station carried GSFC payload to 64.4-mi (103.6-km) altitude to de­termine absolute value of positive ion concentration in D and E regions of ionosphere. Quadrupole mass spectrometer for measuring relative abundance of positive ions malfunctioned and, consequently, launch of two supporting rockets was postponed. Vehicle performance and trajec­tory were good and experimental related events functioned well and on time. (NASA Rpt SRL)

NASA Nike-Apache sounding rocket launched from Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station carried Physical Research Laboratory exper­iment to 93.2-mi (150-km) altitude to measure absolute flux and en­ergy spectrum of x-rays from sources in constellations Scorpius, Tau­rus, and Centaurus and time variation of x-ray fluxes from Scorpius and Centaurus sources. Experiment also would survey southern sky for undiscovered x-ray sources. Rocket and instrumentation performed satisfactorily. Good x-ray data were reported. (NASA Rpt SRL)

ARC Astrogram reported successful completion of first in series of studies by Ames Biomedical Research Branch in which primates had been re­strained in chairs for 98 days to provide information on calcium metab­olism and bone mineralization when normal weight load on bones was altered as in weightlessness in space. Results showed that with applica­tion of weight loads on certain bones loss of calcium in urine was within normal limits; without load, control animal's calcium loss was elevated and lasted throughout experiment. X-rays showed normal bone mineralization in vertebrae and bones of loaded pig-tailed monkey, while unloaded animal sustained mineral loss. Studies would determine methods for prevention of bone changes and improve safety and efficiency of manned space flights. (ARC Astrogram, 11/7/68, 2)

NASA released Delta launch vehicle for Nov. 8 launch of Pioneer D after completion of "corrective actions" to prevent repetition of vehi­cle's first flight failure Sept. 18. Delta No. 59, carrying Intelsat III-A (Intelsat III/F-1), had been destroyed shortly after liftoff when vehicle began breaking up. (NASA Release 68-195)

U.S.S.R. celebrated 51st anniversary of Bolshevist Revolution in Moscow with missile display which included no new weapons. (AP, W Star, 11/7/68, A3)

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