Dec 1 1969
From The Space Library
NASA announced Australis Oscar-A, 39-lb spacecraft designed and constructed by amateur radio operators at Melbourne Univ. in Australia, had been accepted for launch Jan. 9, 1970, as secondary payload on Tiros-M. Radio Amateur Satellite Corp., group of U.S. amateurs, was preparing satellite for launch, testing and qualifying it to comply with NASA requirements. Australis Oscar-A would transmit low-power signals on two amateur bands-29.45 mhz in 10-meter band and 144.05 mhz in 2-meter band-that would be used by radio amateurs throughout world for training in satellite tracking and for radio propagation experiments. Australis Oscar-A would be fifth satellite launched under Project Oscar and first accepted by NASA as secondary payload. Four previous satellites had been launched by group of U.S. radio operators on Pacific Coast in conjunction with DOD spacecraft. (NASA Release 69-157)
In interview released by United Press International Dr. Wernher von Braun, MSFC Director, said he knew of nothing which could feasibly send man to the stars in the predictable future. NERVA prototype, only working model of new-generation engine in U.S., was too bulky for flight. Refined version, scheduled for test flight in mid-1970s, was expected to land man on Mars. Beyond that all was conjecture. "There is no design concept and even the basic idea of a controlled thermonuclear reaction has not been demonstrated." It was not known what thrust could be generated by fusion engine. U.S.S.R. had announced development of plasma-jet or ion-thrust engine which, as designed, would not be useful in deep space or close to earth. U.S. scientists had been working on plasma-jet theory and electric propulsion machine. Science fiction concept of space distortion or warp through which spacecraft could travel in "null space" where distances were shorter and speeds faster had some basis according to Einstein's theory of relativity. In Univ. of Maryland experiments "presence of gravitational radiation has been tentatively discovered . . . [and] can be interpreted as the interaction of such a warp with the sensor used in the experiment." Despite this, "there does not appear to be any possibility of utilizing such interactions as a space propulsion system." (W Star, 12/1/69, A5)
Roger Lewis, President of General Dynamics Corp., announced appointment of Dr. George E. Mueller, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, as General Dynamics Vice President, effective immediately. Dr. Mueller's resignation from NASA would be effective Dec. 10. (General Dynamics Release 1491)
Apollo 11 Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., and Michael Collins visited Canadian Parliament in Ottawa. Canadian Prime Minister Pierre E. Trudeau said astronauts, contributions to science and humanity "will live as long as mankind lives." Astronauts would conclude two-day Canadian visit with Dec. 2 visit to Montreal and tour of nearby factory where LM landing pads were made. (UPI, W Post, 12/4/69, B3)
Eleven scientists and technicians joined Apollo 12 astronauts in quarantine at Lunar Receiving Laboratory after accidental exposure to lunar samples. (UPI, NYT, 12/2/69, 49)
Role of ERC in electronics-related aeronautical R&D was described by ERC Director James C. Elms in testimony before House Committee on Science and Astronautics, Subcommittee on Advanced Research and Technology. Center had continued research on electronic components and devices, especially application of microelectronics and large-scale integrated circuits to advanced avionics systems; on application of advanced technology to instrumentation for sensing and controlling aircraft motion and attitude; on optics and microwaves; on psychological instrumentations; on data processing; and on electrical power systems. ERC had 14 programs in aeronautical R&D, including air traffic control, v/STOL guidance, navigation and flight control, collision avoidance, use of navigational and communications satellites in aviation, support technology, remote detection of clear air turbulence, physiological monitoring, and NASA intercenter research in high-speed flight using YF-12 aircraft. (Testimony)
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