Apr 13 1966
From The Space Library
Gamma-ray spectrum of the lunar surface obtained by LUNA X indicated that the moon's crust was similar to the earth's, Tass announced. The satellite had detected lunar gamma rays from two sources: one was "an increased intensity of gamma radiation caused chiefly by interaction of cosmic rays with the surface layer of lunar material"; the other was "natural radioactivity from the lunar rocks associated with uranium, thorium, and potassium. "Compared with the analogous radioactivity of earth rocks, the observed spectrum comes close to the radioactivity of basic rock basalts." (Sullivan, NYT, 4/14/66, 1, 21)
NASA Nike-Tomahawk sounding rocket launched from Churchill Research Range carried GSFC payload to 184-mi. (296-km.) altitude for simultaneous measurements of magnetic and electric fields, low energy electrons, and low-energy protons in a visible aurora. Secondary objectives were rocket aspect measurement and evaluation of xenon flashing light for trajectory determination. (NASA Rpt. SRL)
GEMINI VIII Astronaut Neil A. Armstrong and his family were honored with a gala parade on their arrival in Armstrong's hometown of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Ohio's Governor James A. Rhodes announced plans for the construction of a $200,000 airport near Wapakoneta to be named for Armstrong. Sen. Frank J. Lausche (D-Ohio) and Rep. William M. McCulloch (R-Ohio) announced a congressional resolution of tribute to Armstrong and his fellow GEMINI VIII Astronaut David R. Scott. (AP, Balt. Sun, 4/14/66; Wash. Post, 4/14/66, D16)
Pan American World Airways, Inc. (Pan Am), would purchase 25 new Boeing 747 jet transports-including twenty-three 490-seat passenger models and two all-cargo models which would carry 214,000 lbs. freight-for over $525 million, announced Pan Am's chairman and chief executive, Juan T. Trippe. Deliveries of order, reported to be largest and most expensive in airline history, would be made between September 1969 and May 1970. The 680,000-lb. aircraft would be powered by new Pratt & Whitney JT9D-1 fan-jet engine capable of delivering 41,000-lbs. thrust and would have 45,000-ft. cruise altitude nearly one mile higher than current transports-and mach .90 cruise speed-compared with mach .82 for current models-and would provide "safety margins superior to any previous commercial airliner" with multi-gear landing system which would require only 9,150 ft. of takeoff runway. Trippe forecast lower passenger fares and reduced cargo tariffs because of 747's large capacity and efficiency of operation. (Pan Am Release; Bedingfield, NYT, 4/14/66, 1; Edwards, Wash. Post, 4/14/66, K1)
AFSC Commander Gen. Bernard A. Schriever was presented the American Legion's General William E. Mitchell Memorial Award-highest honor bestowed by the Legion's Aviator's Post-at a luncheon ceremony in New York`s Wings Club. Schriever was cited for his "outstanding contributions to the aerospace science and military posture of the United States." (AFSC Release 76.66)
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