Nov 19 1968

From The Space Library

NASA launched series of three sounding rockets from NASA Wallops Station to conduct acoustic grenade experiments. Nike-Cajun carried GSFC experiment to 72.6-mi (122.7-km) altitude to obtain verti­cal profile of temperature, pressure, density, and wind data between 21.8-and 59-mi (35- and 95-km) altitudes. Sound arrivals of 18 exploding grenades, ejected at programmed altitudes, were recorded and shock waves were measured by two rocketborne pressure transducers. Launch was correlated with similar grenade experiments launched from Churchill Research Range and Point Barrow, Alaska. Nike-Apache carried GSFC payload to 124.3-mi (200-km) altitude to define D-region electron-density profile in conjunction with measure­ments by Nike-Apache launched later. Good data were obtained, but radar failed to track vehicle. Second Nike-Apache, carrying Univ. of Michigan experiment, reached 80-mi (148-km) altitude. Objective was to obtain neutral parti­cle parameters of pressure, temperature, and density between 24.8- and 62.1-mi (40- and 100-km) altitude with Pitot static tube and falling sphere. All key experimental events occurred as planned. (NASA Rpts SRL)

Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey spent five hours in briefings at KSC, ascending to spacecraft level of Apollo 8 moon rocket, performing sim­ulated rendezvous and formation flying inside mock spacecraft, and lunching with NASA officials and Apollo 8 Astronauts Frank Borman, James A. Lovell, Jr., and William A. Anders. During visit, he said: "The space program has contributed greatly to the structure of our na­tion. . . . I have felt it has been underfunded at times and we will pay the price. I feel it is a wise investment on the part of Congress and the public. I'll do what I can as a private citizen and a former chairman of the space council to see it is funded." (KSC Release KSC-496-68; AP, W Star, 11/20/68, A8; AP, W Post, 11/20/68, Cl; Today, 11/20/68, 1)

Soviet Prof. Georgy I. Petrov in Izvestia said successful recovery of • Zond VI opened way "for creation of spacecraft able to get to the moon, Mars, Venus, and other planets and return to earth." Such ex­periments, he said, "will allow us in the near future to create long-last­ing orbital stations, moon laboratories manned by scientific personnel. . . . The passenger ships will differ from the present spacecraft, but now we are witnessing their birth." In another dispatch Tass said basic problem of reentry by spacecraft at "second cosmic speed," about 25,000 mph, had been solved by Zond VI. (UPI, W Star, 11/20/68, B11)

In answer to queries [see Nov. 16] DOD issued statement on increased cost of C-5A, world's largest aircraft. "At the beginning of this pro­gram over three years ago, the Air Force estimated that the cost of development and production of the first 58 airplanes would be $2.3 billion. The corresponding estimate for the 120 airplanes ultimately contemplated was $3.1 billion. Current estimates, including economic escalation and all other factors, are $3.25 billion and $4.3 billion, indicating increases of 41% and 39% respectively." Additional costs had resulted from increased labor and materials costs due to Vietnam war and "unprecedented demand for civilian aircraft," introduction of new technology, and modifications to overcome technical difficulties. (Text; WSJ, 11/20/18, 2; AP, W Post, 11/20/68, A3; Kelly, W Star, 11/20/68, All)

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