May 15 1970
From The Space Library
Saturn V and Saturn IB launches scheduled for 1972-1973 Skylab program would be launched from KSC Launch Complex 39 instead of Launch Complex 34, NASA announced. Change was made to take advantage of Launch Complex 39's modern facilities, including Vehicle Assembly Building; to save money by consolidating manpower and spacecraft support and checkout equipment; and to reduce transportation costs. Launch Complex 34, part of AFETR shared by NASA and DOD, had been operating since 1961 and would require extensive updating and repair for use in Skylab program. (NASA Release 70-70)
Analysis of photo of Phobos, largest of two Martian moons, taken 13000 km (86 000 mi) from Mars by Mariner VII was discussed in Science by New Mexico State Univ. astronomer and Mariner project scientist Bradford A. Smith. JPL photo-enhancement techniques indicated Phobos was nonspherical and was larger and had darker surface than previously thought. Satellite's limb profile measured 18 by 22 km (11.2 by 13.7 mi) and was elongated along orbital plane. Phobos had average visual geometric albedo of 0.065, lower than that known for any other body in solar system. It seemed probable Phobos had not formed by accretion around primordial Mars, but was captured at some later time. (Science, 5/1570, 828-30; NASA Release 70-66)
FAA was increasing required separation between jumbo jets and smaller aircraft on landing and takeoff from 4.8 km (3 mi) to 8 km (5 mi) as result of February tests with USAF F-104 and C-5A. Tests had shown severe effects of wake turbulence caused by larger aircraft on trailing smaller aircraft. However, earlier requirement that aircraft following Boeing 747 stay 16 km (10 mi) behind and 600 m (2000 ft) below 747 had been found unnecessary. FAA had since reverted to normal enroute requirement of 8-km (5-mi) and 300-m (1000-ft) separation for all aircraft, including 747. (WSJ, 5/15/70)
AFSC announced MIG James T. Stewart, AFSC Deputy Chief of Staff for Systems, had been nominated by President Nixon for promotion to grade. of lieutenant general. He would assume new duties as Commander of Aeronautical Systems Div. at Wright-Patters on AFB, Ohio, replacing MIG Lee V. Gossick, who would assume Gen. Stewart's current post, (AFSC Release 147.70)
Charles Scribner's Sons published first two volumes of 13-volume Dictionary of Scientific Biography, first comprehensive biographical reference work covering science exclusively. Project was under auspices of American Council of Learned Societies and had NSF financial support. (Whitman, NYT, 7/11/70; Charles Scribner's Sons)
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