Oct 9 1964
From The Space Library
NASA launched EXPLORER XXII (BE-B) beacon-explorer satellite with four-stage Scout launch vehicle from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. Orbital data: 669-mi. apogee, 549-mi. perigee, 104.7-min. period, and 80° inclination to the equator. EXPLORER XXII was last of five satellites in first phase of NASA's ionosphere exploration and first of five satellites in NASA's geodetic satellite series. Ionosphere experiment involved satellite's transmitting radio signals down through the ionosphere. Ground stations around the world acquiring the signals measured electron distribution by the Doppler shift method and the Faraday rotation method. The international scientific effort with EXPLORER XXII was the most extensive ever for a U.S. space project. Network of more than 80 ground stations was being operated by some 50 scientific groups in 32 countries. Geodetic experiment involved laser beams sent from NASA Wallops Station to the satellite, on which were mounted 360 one-inch "cube-corner" reflectors to return the light. In addition a small supporting experiment, electrostatic probe, measured electron density and temperature in immediate vicinity of the satellite. (NASA Release 64-237; NASA News Conf. Transcript)
NASA launched second re-entry experiment for AEC, designated Reentry Flight Demonstration-2 (RFD-2 ), on a Scout booster from Wallops Island, Va. Nonradioactive mockup of nuclear isotopic generator was sent to 800-mi. altitude by three-stage Scout, before the payload re-entered atmosphere on its ballistic trajectory and impacted about 250 mi. southeast of Bermuda. Primary objective of RFD-2 was to acquire data on generator disassembly and fuel capsule burnup rate for use in advanced generator designs. In previous flight test (RFD-1 in May 1963), nonradioactive model of Snap-10A nuclear reactor was tested in atmospheric re-entry; RFD-1 demonstrated that space reactors can be designed to melt down and disassemble upon re-entry. The nonradioactive mockup in RFD-2 was a model of an isotopic-thermoelectric generator. Earlier testing had shown that heat created during re-entry could be used to burn up isotopic generator, leaving very minute particles which then would be dispersed at high altitudes to eliminate any radiation danger. (Wallops Release 64-72)
Four consecutive full-duration F-1 engine test firings at new Rocket Engine Test Site at Edwards, Calif., demonstrated the operational readiness of the site, which was officially accepted by NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Director Dr. Wernher von Braun from the Army Corps of Engineers. In the ceremonies Dr. von Braun assigned site operation responsibilities to Rocketdyne Div. of North American Aviation, Inc., which would use the site for qualification firings of F-1 rocket engines. (Marshall Star, 10/14/64, 10; NASA Release 64-259)
First major test of revamped NASA worldwide tracking network, part of preparation for manned earth-orbital space flights in Project Gemini. During nine-day drill, simulated flight missions were conducted which involved Goddard Space Flight Center, Mission Control Center, and eight sites in the worldwide tracking network. ,(MSC Roundup, 10/14/64, 1 ; Goddard News, 10/19/64, 1 )
DOD issued rebuttal to report issued the day before by Military Operations Subcommittee of the House Government Operations Committee criticizing DOD plans for a military communications satellite System. DOD said: "The Defense Department is being operated to provide the highest degree of combat readiness at the lowest possible cost. This policy is being followed in the development of communications satellites. As a result, the defense establishment will have a better satellite communications capability than originally foreseen at anticipated savings of $75-100 millions." (Finney, NET, 10/10/64, 1, 14)
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
