Mar 5 1970
From The Space Library
Nike-Tomahawk sounding rocket was launched by NASA from Dew Line Station, Bar Main, Barter Island, Alaska, carrying GSFC payload to measure electric fields over wide range of latitudes crossing auroral zone and extending into polar cap region. Rocket, last in Alaska series [see March 4], released four barium clouds that were photographed from ground. (NASA Rpt SRL)
Jerome F. Lederer, director of OMSF safety programs, was appointed NASA Director of Safety, succeeding Bob P. Helgeson who died Jan. 17. Lederer would continue in charge of manned flight safety, with staff and activities merged into safety director's office. Philip H. Bolger would become Assistant Director for Safety Programs and Research and Daniel F. Hayes would become Assistant Director for Industrial Safety. Assistant Director for Aviation Safety would be appointed shortly. (NASA Release 70-36)
Milton Klein, Manager of AEC-NASA Space Nuclear Propulsion Office and Director of AEC Space Nuclear Systems, testified before Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences: "During the past year, the AEC program to provide technology for space nuclear power has furnished operational systems for an earth satellite and the surface of the Moon, and in the near future will provide nuclear power for a new navigational satellite and probes of Jupiter and Mars. Moreover, nuclear power will be imperative for the deep space unmanned planetary missions, the space station/space base and a variety of other missions planned for the new decade and beyond." Basic technology program had demonstrated "nuclear rocket technology is ready to fulfill this vital role in space and forms the basis for the development of the flight rated NERVA." (Testimony)
Nuclear nonproliferation treaty went into effect. President Nixon in Washington, D.C., and Soviet Premier Aleksey N. Kosygin in Moscow presided in ceremonies at which last of 47 nations deposited instruments of ratification. (Finney, NYT, 3/6/70, 1)
President Nixon signed E.O. 11514, putting into effect policies and responsibilities of National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. No. 91-190, approved Jan. 1, 1970). (PD, 3/9/70, 320-1)
Wallops Station announced selection of General Electric Co. and Computer Sciences Corp. for competitive negotiations leading to $400 000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide engineering and technical services at Wallops through March 1971. (WS Release 703)
Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird told Washington, D.C., news conference he was limiting F-111 procurement to four wings. "In order to have four wings of the F-111, it would be necessary to purchase an additional 40 aircraft. The decision as to whether those 40 aircraft will be purchased or not is dependent upon the scientific review that we are making now and the Air Force has set up a special committee of outstanding scientists and technical advisors" to make review. (Transcript)
FAA released report by Air Traffic Control Advisory Committee on capabilities and needs of FAA it traffic control system. Report said semiautomated third-generation air traffic control system being implemented nationwide by FAA "must be substantially upgraded if it is even to accommodate the aviation growth of the 1970s." With major modifications, useful life of system could be extended into the 1990s, at which time fourth-generation system might be needed. (FAA Release 5770)
Pawel Elsztein's Rakiety Sondujace Atmosfere, published in Warsaw, Poland, listed site of U.S.S.R.'s Baikonur Cosmodrome at 47° 22' north latitude and 65° 45' east longitude, Space Business Daily re ported. U.S.S.R. had said launch site was in south, east of Aral Sea, but had never revealed exact location. (SBD, 3/5/70, 24)
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