Jun 29 1965
From The Space Library
NASA successfully conducted an Apollo boilerplate pad abort test at White Sands Missile Range to check the launch escape system. The test simulated an abort from ground level, using the Apollo launch escape system for propulsion. This type of abort would be necessary in an actual mission if serious trouble developed with the Saturn launch vehicle just before or during ignition of the Saturn engines, Boilerplate 23A, the command module used for this test, powered by the launch escape rocket's 155,000 lbs, of thrust, traveled 5,000 ft, above the range. Eleven sec. after ignition was signaled from the blockhouse, canards deployed near the top of the escape motor, causing the spacecraft to pitch aerodynamically to a blunt-end-forward position. Three seconds later, the tower jettison motor ignited, removing the tower and boost protective cover from the spacecraft. The forward (apex) heat shield was jettisoned 0.4 sec. later to uncover the parachute containers. Dual drogue parachutes were deployed by mortars from the upper deck two seconds after the LES was jettisoned. They slowed the spacecraft's descent, then disreefed to stabilize the module in a blunt-end-forward position, When the drogue parachutes were jettisoned, three pilot chutes were deployed to extract the three main chutes from their containers. The main parachutes were deployed in reefed condition, then disreefed to lower the spacecraft to a gentle landing about one mile from the launch site. The flight sequence took about one minute. This was the first Apollo boilerplate to be reused. (NASA Release 65-202; UPI, Chic, Trib., 6/30/65; MSC Roundup, 6/25/65, 1)
President Johnson signed the bill authorizing $5,190,396,200 for NASA during FY 1966. (AP, Wash, Post, 6/30/65)
At Kennedy Space Center, NASA problems with radio frequencies forced at two-day postponement of an attempt to launch Tiros 10 weather satellite, designed to study hurricanes and typhoons. (Wash, Post, 6/29/65)
Ten firms had submitted proposals to the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center for preliminary design study of the Optical Technology Satellite being considered as part of the Apollo Extension System (AES) Two contracts would be awarded for parallel studies, Objective of the proposed OTS program was to advance NASA's capability in space optics technology by performing several engineering and scientific experiments in space. Selected contractors would review existing conceptual designs for OTS and analyze the technical feasibility and justification for the performance in space of experiments being considered. The contractor would then create a conceptual design with onboard experiments, In Phase the contractor would perform a conceptual design study of the OTS subsystem to establish a sound base for overall preliminary design. The program would be under NASA Office of Advanced Research and Technology. (NASA Release 65-213; MSFC Release 65213)
Capt. Joseph H. Engle (USAF) qualified for the military rating of astronaut by piloting the X-15 No. 3 research aircraft to an altitude of 280,600 ft. at a maximum speed of 3,432 mph (mach 4,94), By exceeding 264,000 ft. (50 mi.) Engle, 32, met the USAF astronaut requirements. Purpose of the flight was to use a scanning device to obtain measurements of the earth's horizon. The measurements would be used to establish the design criteria for navigational systems for future spacecraft. ( NASA X-15 Proj. Off,; NASA Release 65-201; X-15 Flight Log)
USAF awarded Hughes Aircraft Co, a $13,468,725 contract for modifications of missiles and space parts. (WSJ, 6/29/65, 9)
Pickets were removed from entrances to Kennedy Space Center, NASA, when printing and reproduction workers voted to end their 6-day-old construction-crippling strike and submit the dispute to the President's Missile Sites Labor Commission, Removal of the pickets would enable 2,200 construction workers who had honored the lines to return to vital space projects. (AP, Balt. Sun, 6/30/65)
The 10 crew members of a Pan American World Airways Boeing 707 jetliner that caught fire just after take-off and lost an engine and part of a wing would receive FAA'S Exceptional Service Citation and medals, FAA announced, Capt. Charles H. Kimes and his crew landed the plane safely at Travis AFB; all passengers were clear of the plane within the two-minute goal set by FAA as a maximum safe evacuation time. (NYT, 6/30/65, 59)
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