May 1970
From The Space Library
In Astronautics and Aeronautics, JPL scientists William G. Breckenridge and Thomas C. Duxbury discussed applications of spacecraft- based navigation data for outer-planet missions and de scribed processing of spacecraft-based science and engineering data from 1969 Mariner Mars missions. They concluded: "Stringent navigation requirements for proposed outer-planet missions make even the projected ability of a solely Earth based system marginal., and so have emphasized the need for an onboard system." (A&A, 5/70, 449)
JPL Lab-Oratory reproduced crystallotype print from daguerrotype of moon made by John A. Whipple in 1851. Accompanying article included description by Whipple of difficulties in obtaining photo. Whipple account and daguerrotype had first appeared in July 1853 issue of Photographic Art-Journal. Daguerrotype was "one of the oldest close-ups of the Moon on record," JPL said. (Lab-Oratory, 5/70, cover, 3)
Avco Systems Div. engineer M. Mitrovich reviewed in Journal of Aircraft efforts at man-powered flight culminating in Nov. 9, 1961, 64-m (70-yd) "flight at maximum 2-m (6-ft) altitude by Southampton Univ. Man Powered Aircraft Group-"first flight with manpower." Since successful efforts relied "on wings with extraordinary aspect ratios," point might be reached "where the corresponding wing spans will become intolerable." Mitrovich diagrammed and described application of particular wing configuration to alleviate this dilemma. (JA, 5-6/70,246-51)
Space/Aeronautics editorial commented on Apollo 13 accident: "It has shown us how vulnerable are the men. who go into space in their tiny, fragile capsules. It has stunned us into the realization that accidents can and will happen in space, that not every mission will run off like clockwork, that manned space flight is, and will always be, dangerous. Public awareness, finally, that this is so could immeasurably strengthen the space program. If so, Apollo 13 may prove to be one of the most important missions we have flown to date." (S/A, 5/70,21)
Armed Forces Management editorial by Michael Getler said nuclear test ban treaty "came only after the Soviets unilaterally broke a testing moratorium to gather what they needed to know in the vital area of weapons effects, and the ink was barely dry on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space Treaty when the Pentagon announced the Russians were testing a new Fractional Orbital Bombardment System that was certainly a spiritual, if not technical, violation of that pact." (AFM, 5/70, 13)
Medical experience in Apollo 7 through 11 was summarized by Dr. Charles A. Berry, MSC Director of Medical Research and Operations, in Aerospace Medicine: "The 3105 hours of exposing man to spaceflight during the Apollo program have added greatly to knowledge of man's response to space travel." Spacecraft cabin environment had been "suitably maintained"; radiation environment had been "benign," with no solar flares occurring; crews had adapted well to weightlessness; and improvements had been made in inflight food. Body-weight losses which continued to occur were not entirely due to body fluid loss. Supplying potable water had been effective and "great strides have been made in removing gas bubbles in the water. ' Work-sleep cycles had been improved and bioinstrumentation had continued to function well. "Although a preflight preventative medicine program has been difficult to conduct, it has been effective in the later Apollo missions in reducing pre-, in-, and postflight illnesses, which had occurred in all flight phases and were usually viral upper respiratory and gastrointestinal infections." Although crews had adapted to motion environment, "this area will require continuing attention." Cardiovascular deconditioning had been identified after flight, along with "significant decrement in work capacity in immediate postflight period." Postflight neutrophilia had been observed after crew recovery. Loss of red cell mass observed in Gemini program had reoccurred only during Apollo 9, indicating that hyperoxia was responsible. Even small amount of nitrogen in atmosphere might protect red cells from lytic action of oxygen. Microbiological studies had shown that organisms transferred between crewmembers and that organism's growth was favored by shifts. EVA on lunar surface during Apollo 11 was conducted within expected energy costs, at average of 1200 BTU per hour. It appeared lunar surface time could be extended safely. (Aero Med, 5/70, 500-18)
Atlantic magazine article said U.S.S.R. had "used aid and trade, backed by its newly acquired sea power, to build a vast arc of influence around the northern rim of the Indian Ocean and up as far as the home islands of Japan." Included were "two large mooring buoys laid near the Seychelles Islands in connection with the Soviet space program." They provided "refueling base for the Soviet flotilla." (Atlantic, 5/70)
NSF published Resources for Scientific Activities at Universities and Colleges, 1969 (NSF 70-16), report of survey of 1969 employment and 1968 expenditures: In 1969, 253 500 full- and part-time scientists and engineers were employed in U.S. universities and colleges, increase of 8.1% over 217 200 employed in 1967. Yearly increase rate 19581967 had been 6.9%. Growth rate in teaching had averaged 10.5% per year 1967-1969 and 6.7% per year 1958-1967. Growth rate for number in R&D was 5.7% per year 1958-1967, but averaged only 2.9% per year 1967-1969, reflecting leveling off of Federal R&D support to universities and colleges in late 1960s. Life scientists made up 41% of professional science and engineering staff, social scientists 21%, physical scientists 14%, and engineers 10%. (Text)
NSF issued Scientific and Technical Personnel in the Federal Government, 1968 (NSF 70-24). Federal professional scientific and technical personnel numbered 207 000 in October 1968, about 1% more than in previous year. Engineers, largest of three major groups, numbered 82 800, scientists 78 100, and health professionals 46 200. Physical scientists accounted for 88% of scientist category. DOD personnel total of 79 800 was largest number at any agency. Most-93%-were scientists or engineers. About 29% of all Federal scientists and engineers were engaged in R&D. (Text)
NSF issued Research and Development in State Government Agencies, Fiscal Years 1967 & 1968 (NSF 70-22). State government agencies spent $131 million in FY 1967 and $155 million in FY 1968 for R&D and additional $5.1 million in 1967 and $4.5 million in 1968 for supporting R&D plant. Expenditures had grown at 20% annual rate since 1964, when expenditures were $77 million. Federal agencies provided funds for nearly one half of state agency R&D expenditures in both years. Applied research activity represented 50% of state agency R&D expenditures; development accounted for 20% of total in 1968 and basic research 23%. (Text)
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