Sep 24 1969
From The Space Library
Two photometers on board NASA's Ogo V orbiting geophysical observatory (launched March 4, 1968) had successfully scanned Lyman-alpha radiation, NASA announced. Data were expected to provide new information on Lyman-alpha emission from Milky Way and to help determine what portion of observed radiation was from geocorona and what portion was from outer space. On Sept. 12 Ogo V had pointed at sun and spun slowly while scanning mirror in Univ. of Paris experiment rotated, covering 30° of celestial sphere. On Sept. 14 spacecraft returned to normal three-axis-stabilized operation, where it would remain until December when second series of maneuvers would be conducted to cover remaining portion of sky and provide first complete mapping of extraterrestrial Lyman-alpha radiation. Univ. of Colorado photometer, which provided broader coverage of Lyman-alpha radiation at 180° to Univ. of Paris experiment, would be used to confirm measurements and verify calibration levels. Ogo V had 18 of 24 onboard experiments still operating. It had provided first measurements of electric fields in earth's bow shock and comprehensive data on particles and fields in earth's magnetosphere. (NASA Proj Off; NASA Release 69-137)
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos CCCI from Baikonur into orbit with 279-km (173.4-mi) apogee, 192-km (119.3-mi) perigee, 89.2-min period, and 65.4° inclination. Satellite reentered Oct. 2. (GSFC SSR, 9/30/69; 10/15/69; SBD, 9/25/69, 106)
NASA's X-24 A lifting-body vehicle, piloted by Maj. Jerauld R. Gentry (USAF), reached mach 0.62 after air-launch from B-52 aircraft at 40,000-ft altitude over South Rogers Lake Bed, Calif. Purpose of unpowered flight, fifth in series, was to obtain data on upper-flap control effectiveness, handling qualities during change from lower-flap to upper-flap control, and effect of rudder position on air flow around tail. (NASA Proj Off)
Aerobee 150 MI sounding rocket, launched by NASA from WSMR with VAM-20 booster, carried Univ. of Colorado Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics payload to 124-mi (199.5-km) altitude. Objective was to obtain high-resolution spectra of Carbon IV resonance doublet at 1,548 and 1,550 A using high-resolution, narrow-band spectrograph with echelle as principle dispersing element and SPARCS solar pointing control. Rocket and instruments functioned satisfactorily. (NASA Rpt SRL)
Board of Investigation which probed Feb. 17 death of Sealab III Aquanaut Berry L. Cannon had concluded probable cause was carbon dioxide poisoning due to faulty diving gear, USN announced. Gear had lacked substance for filtering carbon dioxide from exhaled breath. Associated Press said Sealab III project had been "shelved" because of insufficient funds for FY 1970 and quoted USN spokesman as saying it would be continued later. Project had been suspended since Cannon death. (DOD Release 794-69; W Star, 9/24/69, A9)
Shawbury, England, innkeeper Jack Warner had asked U.S. Government for license to open first pub on moon, Associated Press said. He would call it "The Space Inn" or "The Lunatic Tavern." (W Star, 9/24/69, A16)
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