Dec 30 1966
From The Space Library
NASA and ESRO signed first agreement under which foreign country or organization would purchase satellite launch services from US. on reimbursable basis. ESRO would furnish flight-ready scientific spacecraft and NASA would provide launch vehicle, range and launching facilities, and other support including initial tracking and telemetry reception. ESRO would reimburse NASA for launch vehicles and all identifiable direct costs of equipment and services furnished by or through NASA. First launch -ESRO's HEOS-A interplanetary physics satellite-was scheduled for late 1968. (NASA Release 66-332)
Successful full-duration static firing (364 sec.) of the S-II-1, first flight model of Saturn V's 2nd stage, was conducted at MTF. This was second and last full-duration acceptance firing for the stage, which would now be shipped to KSC. (MSF Historian)
NASA announced plans to begin powered flights of M-2 and HL-10 manned lifting bodies at Edwards AFB in early 1967. Equipped with 8,000-lb.thrust rocket engine, vehicles would be flown at altitudes up to 80,000 ft. and speeds of 1,000 mph in series of 8-min. test flights designed to simulate spacecraft reentry conditions. (NASA Release 66-329)
John A. Edwards, NASA Deputy Director, Gemini program, had been designated Director of Operations for Saturn/Apollo Applications in OMSF. (NASA Ann., 12/30/66)
MSFC awarded Douglas Aircraft Co. a $300,000 9-month contract to analyze needs of an orbital support facility for future astronomical research from space. (MSFC Release 66-302)
NASA awarded one-year, $360,094, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to Philco Corp. for engineering support services at Wallops Station. (Wallops Release 66-60)
Dr. Robert M, Page, retired as chief scientist and director of research at Naval Research Laboratory after nearly 40 yrs. service. One of foremost US. experts on radar and a pioneer in space exploration and rocket astronomy, Dr. Page warned that US. research was being threatened by "dangerous trends and controls.. . . A complete lack of confidence is being shown in the integrity and judgement of responsible operating officials which will certainly lead to bad management of Federal programs.' (Naval Research Lab.; Kluttz, Wash. Post, 1/8/67, A2)
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