Sep 26 1966
From The Space Library
Astronaut Richard F. Gordon, Jr., pilot of Sept. 12-15 GEMINI XI mission, said at MSC mission summary news conference that 80 per cent of his energy during Eva was spent trying to hold still and in keeping his arms and hands in front of him while connecting spacecraft to Agena with tether: “. . . a little simple task that I had done many times in training to the tune of about 30 seconds lasted about 30 minutes.” Gordon recommended development of restraint system to keep astronauts in position to use both hands while outside spacecraft. He said stiff spacesuit worn on mission hampered his movements; his arms and legs tended to float upward because of spacesuit’s configuration. ‘‘(MSC Roundup, 9/30/66, 1-2; Waldron, NYT, 9/27/66, 14; AP, Wash. Eve. Star, 9/27/66, A4)’’
Japan’s first attempt to orbit satellite failed when Lambda 4S-1 rocket went off course after ignition of 4th stage. The 8.48-ton, 55-ft. booster was launched from Uchinoura Range, Kyushu Island, and carried 57.2-lb. instrument package designed to radio back scientific information on the ionosphere. Scientists from the Univ. of Tokyo had scheduled second launch attempt-using 39-ton Mu rocket-for December. ‘‘(NYT, 9/27/66, 16; Tech. Wk., 10/3/66, 13)’’
U.S.S.R. began carrier rocket tests in the Pacific, to last until Oct. 25. Tass said center of area with 74-km. (46-mi.) radius had coordinates of 37°14’ north latitude and 172°49‘ east latitude. Ships and aircraft were requested not to enter this area daily between noon and midnight local time. ‘‘(Tass, Pravda, 9/25/66, 2)’’
NASA and NAS-NRC jointly announced that a “limited number” of appointments as scientist-astronauts was being made available. To qualify, a scientist must be a U.S. citizen on or before March 15, 1967, be no taller than six feet, be born after Aug. 1, 1930, and have a doctorate in the natural sciences, medicine, or engineering. Applicants would also be required to meet physical qualifications for pilot crew members. After the Academy had done initial screening, NASA would make final selection. Deadline for applications was midnight, Jan. 8, 1967. Applicants would be informed of their status by March 15, 1967. ‘‘(NASA Release 66-255; NAS-NRC Release)’’
NASA Administrator James E. Webb expressed appreciation to USAF, on its 19th anniversary, in a letter to Air Force Assn. President Jess Larson: “The technology developed by the Air Force for its needs in the period before 1958 has served as the foundation for the manned and unmanned missions which NASA is carrying out. . . . “An. . .important aspect of the growing aerospace strength of the United States is the close cooperation between the Air Force and NASA in planning for future projects. . . .” ‘‘(Text, AF/SD, 11/66, 85)’’
Comparing earth to a “manned spaceship hurtling through the infinity of space,” Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey said in address at San Fernando State College that exploration of space would bring home the fact that “earth is a mere speck in the universe.” He said it would seem increasingly absurd we had not better organized our living together on this planet: “Our experience in space can be a powerful stimulus to all of us, wherever we live, to move towards a world of law, a world without war. And may we find also in the space effort that ‘moral equivalent of war’ for which philosophers have been searching over many centuries. Like war, it stretches our human capabilities to the utmost. It demands all that we possess of ingenuity, determination, persistence, and intelligence and, on the part of our gallant astronauts, the highest degree of courage and resourcefulness in the face of danger. Space activities -even competition in space-can be a substitute for aggression, a bridge for mutual understanding and the identification of common interests with other nations, and a major tool of arms control and disarmament.” ‘‘(Text)’’
Columbia Univ. oceanographic research ship Vema was fixing position off the coast of Iceland by means of three USN Transit navigational satellites. This marked first civilian use of space navigation systems for oceanographic research. Primary function of satellites, launched in July 1964, was to help guide USN ships and Polaris submarines. ‘‘(Wilford, NYT, 9/26/66, 41)’’
Pan American World Airways’ fan-jet Falcon claimed new speed record for business aircraft when it flew from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Lisbon, Portugal, covering 2,388 mi. in 4 hrs. 38 min. 28 sec. North American Aviation’s Sabreliner had set previous record of 4 hrs. 45 min. 59.4 sec. on Oct. 26, 1963. Both flights had been piloted by George Eremea of Petit Jean Air Service. ‘‘(NYT, 9/29/66, 86)’’
U.S.S.R.’s “period of inactivity in manned space flight” received editorial comment in Kansas City Star: "About all the West can do is wait until something happens. Meanwhile, the US. program moves ahead with significant achievements. But while guessing can be fun, a word of caution: Let’s not make the mistake of counting the Russians out of the space race.” ‘‘(Kansas City Star, 9/26/66)’’
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