Dec 19 1967
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos CXCVI into orbit with 887-km (551-mi) apogee, 225-km (140-mi) perigee, 95.5-min period, and 45° inclination. Equipment and instruments performed satisfactorily. (AP, NYT, 12/20/67, 35; SBD, 12/20/67, 258; GSFC SSR, 12/30/67)
Uprated Saturn I (SA-211) 1st stage was successfully static-fired for 35 sec at MSFC by Chrysler Corp. personnel. Stage would be shipped to Michoud Assembly Facility for post-firing checkout after completion of a 145-sec, full-duration captive firing. (MSFC Release 67-243)
JPL scientists continued efforts to reestablish contact with Surveyors V and VI resting on the moon. Surveyor V (launched Sept. 8) had responded immediately to turn-on commands during its fourth lunar day Dec. 14 and later transmitted 67 recognizable 200-line pictures. Following unsuccessful attempts to reposition the Antenna/Solar Panel Positioner on Dec. 16, transponder signals were lost, and complete loss of signal occurred. Surveyor VI (launched Nov. 7) had also responded to turn-on commands Dec. 14, but telemetry lock-up was poor, and erratic signals were lost completely after 2« hrs. Attempts to reactivate both spacecraft for simultaneous communications and additional data would continue until end of lunar day Dec. 22. (NASA Proj Off; AP, NYT, 12/20/67, 29)
USA-USAF-USN X-22A V/STOL research aircraft designed and built by Bell Aerosystems Co. under USN contract completed its 100th successful test flight at Niagara Falls (N.Y.) International Airport. The four-engine, dual-tandem, ducted-propeller aircraft had made 239 vertical and 100 short takeoffs and 245 vertical and 94 short landings. During 40.9 hrs of actual flying time 54 vertical/horizontal transitions had been conducted. Present aircraft was second of two models in X-22A program; first model crashed Aug. 8, 1966, after completing 15 flights. Second model would be tested through 1968 and would then be delivered to a tri-service group at Patuxent (Md.) Naval Air Test Center for further evaluation. (Bell Release 92; NYT, 12/25/67,42)
In its final 1967 session U.N. General Assembly unanimously endorsed new space rescue treaty and urged signature by all countries. Primary provisions: (1) immediate notification when astronauts landed in other countries; (2) assistance to these astronauts, including rescue efforts on the high seas; (3) safe and prompt return of the astronauts; and (4) notification and return of objects launched into outer space. Treaty would be open to all nations and would become effective when ratified by US., USSR., U.K., and two other countries. President Johnson, praising the agreement, said: "I hope that this agreement will help to ensure that nations will assist astronauts in the event of accidents or emergency. The agreement would carry forward the purpose of this administration to promote international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space." (Teltsch, NYT, 12/17/67, 1; Estabrook, W Post, 12/20J67, A20; UPI, NYT, 12/21/67, 29; SBD, 12/21/67,263; PD, l/l/68,1763)
NASA announced establishment of Apollo Lunar Exploration Office within OMSF to increase effectiveness of directing Apollo lunar exploration and planning for post-Apollo lunar exploration. New office, headed by former Lunar Orbiter Manager Lee R. Scherer under general direction of Apollo Program Director M/G Samuel C. Phillips (USAF), would consist of Flight Systems Development and Lunar Science Divisions. It would be responsible to OSSA for scientific aspects of Apollo lunar exploration; OSSA would review operating plans, science SR&T tasks, mission objectives and plans, and scientific payloads and principal investigators for specific missions. (NASA Ann, 12/19/67)
NASA was negotiating with McDonnell Douglas Corp. on a $10-million, fixed-price-incentive contract for 10 improved 2nd stages for the Delta launch vehicle. Procurement for new stages would include modified versions, larger in diameter than original Delta, to be mated to new elongated Thor 1st stages which would be incorporated in the Delta configuration beginning in 1968. (NASA Release 67-306)
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