Feb 19 1970
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Molniya I-13 comsat from Plesetsk into orbit with 39 309-km (24 425.4-mi) apogee, 335-km (208.2-mi) perigee, 703.4-min period, and 65.3° inclination. (GSFC SSR, 2/28/70; SF; 5/70, 189)
Nike-Apache sounding rocket was launched by NASA from Churchill Research Range carrying GSFC experiment to conduct auroral studies. Rocket and instruments functioned satisfactorily. (SR list)
In message read at opening of Warsaw exhibit of Apollo 11 lunar landing materials, Dr. Thomas O. Paine, NASA Administrator, said, "It is our sincere hope and belief that Poland, with its rich scientific heritage, will play an important role in these [space] ventures." (C Trib, 2/20/70)
Arthur S. Flemming Award was presented by Downtown Jaycees of Washington, D.C., to 10 young men for outstanding and meritorious service in Federal Government, including Apollo 11 Astronaut Neil A. Armstrong and Eugene F. Kranz, Chief of MSC's Flight Control Div. (W Post, 2/16/70, 136)
Scientists accidentally tranquilized wrong elk for Nimbus III tracking experiment [see Feb. 16]; since electronic collar fit, they attached it to the 227-kg (500-lb) elk and named her "Monique." Dart containing tranquilizer had missed intended target, one of two elk which had been wearing dummy collars in preparation for experiment. (AP, KC Star, 2/20/70)
President Nixon transmitted to Congress The Physical Sciences, second annual report of National Science Board. Board expressed desire to participate in preparation of Government-wide plan to realize excellence in science as national goal. "The United States scientific effort is currently threatened with possible mediocrity. Funding limitations currently imposed by the Federal Government on scientific research should be lifted before the present vitality of the physical sciences, which is essential to the progress of all science, is lost." (PD, 2/13/70, 246; Text)
Chairman Willard F. Rockwell, Jr., was named Chief Executive Officer and Robert Anderson was elected President and Chief Operating Officer of North American Rockwell Corp by board of directors at annual meeting. (NAR News, 2/20/70, 1)
February 19-20: Medical behavioral experiments to be conducted on Apollo Applications missions were described by NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight Dale D. Myers in authorization hearings before House Committee on Science and Astronautics: Experiments would seek "information required to understand man's capability for long-duration flight and to provide the confidence that man can participate in an optimal manner in these. . .activities." Four experiments to determine skeletal and muscular alterations during space flight and evaluate biochemical changes and nutritive requirements would measure input and output of calcium, nitrogen, and other biochemical constituents; make xray studies of bone demineralization; and assess hormonal and electrolyte constituents of blood and body waste products. Cardiovascular study would use lower body negative pressure-preflight, inflight, and postflight-to test cardiovascular system reflexes regulating regional perfusion pressure in distribution of blood throughout body as man changed posture on earth. Inflight measurements would allow establishment of onset, rate of progression, and severity of adverse changes in protective reflex responses. Investigations of hematology and immunology would be made. Two neurophysiological experiments would evaluate central nervous system responses. First, human vestibular experiment would extend studies initiated during Gemini program to investigate effects of weightlessness and subgravity states on perception and organization of personal and extrapersonal space and establish integrity of vestibular apparatus during prolonged weightlessness. In second, electroencephalogram (EEG) would determine effects of prolonged space flight on patterns of sleep and wakefulness and assess attention levels in task performance and work-rest cycles. Energy expenditure in space would be measured for first time by comparison of metabolic rate during rest, during calibrated exercise, and while performing operational tasks. (Testimony)
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