June 1970
From The Space Library
Hypersonic aircraft technology and applications were discussed in Astronautics & Aeronautics by Dr. Alfred J. Eggers, Jr., NASA Assistant Administrator for Policy; Richard H. Petersen, Senior Research Scientist in ARC Mission Analysis Div.; and Nathaniel B. Cohen, special assistant in NASA policy research program. Because of long-life requirements of its structure, it was unlikely that hypersonic transport would be developed until operational experience was available on some other hypersonic aircraft. Therefore, hypersonic transport would benefit not only from technology developed for space-shuttle vehicle, but very probably from experience gained during shuttle operation. Operating experience with high-temperature structures would help immensely in developing longer life structures for hypersonic transport and gain considerable new knowledge of hypersonic aerodynamics. In contrast to situation in aerodynamics and structures, technology program being planned by NASA to support development of rocket propulsion for shuttle would not contribute significantly to hypersonic airbreathing-propulsion system technology. Current generalized scramjet research program had amply demonstrated feasibility of such engines. Developing air breathing propulsion for either hypersonic transport or second- generation air breathing 1st stage for Space Shuttle would require applied program focused specifically on scramjet. (A&A, 6/70; 30-41)
Aerospace said USAFs Vela nuclear test satellite program had been credited with longest continually operating spacecraft, saving Government $26 million and achieving 100% of its objectives. April 8 launch of two Vela satellites had been final launch in program. (Aerospace, 6/7/70)
North American Rockwell Corp. received applications from more than 1000 unemployed aerospace workers during week following June 5 announcement that NR had been awarded $1.35-billion USAF B-1 bomber contract. (Wright, NYT, 6/10/70, 63)
Two NAE reports to NSF had proposed that NSF's authority to support applied research not be used to assume burdens of Federal agencies, NAS-NRC-NAE News Report said. Federal Support of Applied Research by task force headed by Cal Tech President Harold Brown and Priorities in Applied Research: An Initial Appraisal by NAE Committee on Public Engineering Policy had urged that NSF support stop short of developmental work. Support should be directed toward projects for which there was widespread need but little or no other support. Highest priorities were recommended for research "intended to deepen our understanding of the structure and dynamics of the biosphere," with emphasis on atmospheric and hydrological processes and perturbed ecosystems. (NAS-NRC-NAE News Rpt, 6-7170; NAE Release, 7/1/70)
Potential for spotting pollution from space was discussed in Space/ Aeronautics by Kurt R. Stehling, author and former NASA Office of Program Planning and Evaluation scientist: Full-scale program would require development of new and improved sensors and establishment of highly efficient data-management system. "The answer lies either in larger aircraft, capable of flying at higher altitudes, . or... in spacecraft complemented by aircraft." (S/A, 6/70; 47-9)
George Washington Univ. published International Aspects of Earth Resources Survey Satellite Programs by John Hanessian, Jr., reprint of article published in Journal of the British Interplanetary Society: International participation in experimental earth resources survey satellite program was possible in several forms, each both advantageous and disadvantageous for U.S. and participating country. "The technical constraints and realistic expectations need to be carefully considered in any feasibility evaluation that may be carried out. . . ." Technical assistance from industrialized countries or regional or international multilateral agencies would be necessary for developing countries. "It is also quite possible that private industry could play a leading role in such efforts." Potential participation of U.S.S.R. "must be viewed not only with the optimism engendered by recent statements, but also by reflection on the experience of a decade of space history." Survey satellite concept "could provide an ideal opportunity for the technologically advanced nations of the world to converge their interests with the aspirations of the many developing countries in their effort to build a just, peaceful, and economically progressive world community." (Text)
- June
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