Sep 25 1970
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos CCCLXV into orbit from Baikonur with 210-km (130.5-mi) apogee, 144-km (89.5-mi) perigee, and 49.5° inclination. Satellite reentered same day. (Spacewarn, 10/20/70, 2; GSFC SSR, 9/30/70; Spaceflight, 3/71, 94)
Black Brant IV sounding rocket was launched by Brazilian space team for NASA from Natal, Brazil, carrying MSC experiment to study energetic particles in South Atlantic Anomaly region. Rocket and instruments-including positive ion telescope, integral flux spectrometer, and two magnetometers-functioned satisfactorily. Launch was first of two in series; second would be launched Sept. 29. (SR list; MSC Release 70-105)
Cause of July 23 failure of ion engine on board orbiting Sert II had been identified and could be prevented in future, LeRC announced. Project Manager Raymond J. Rulis said beam from neutralizer had eroded and broken off small piece of metal from one of two grids at back of engine. Metal, attracted by forces of electric field between screen grid and accelerator grid, had been welded between grids by high voltages and had caused short circuit that shut down grid power lines. Although damaged thruster on Sert II could not be repaired, erosion problem could be prevented in future by relocating neutralizer and redirecting its beam to eliminate localized wear on grid. Second ion engine on board Sert II was operating satisfactorily after more than 1300 hrs. Engine would be shut down in late November for three months while spacecraft was in earth's shadow and then restarted to complete six-month test. (LeRC Release 70-49)
Japan's attempt to launch second satellite, 61.8-kg (136.4-lb) MS-Fl solar monitor, failed when Mu 4S1 4th stage malfunctioned after launch from Uchinora Space Center. Instrument package went dead 16 min 10 secs after launch, Mission had been postponed seven times since original Aug. 19 launch date because of inclement weather and technical problems. First satellite, Ohsumi, had been launched Feb. 11. (SBD, 9/28/70, 119; AP, W Star, 9/25/70)
President Nixon announced reorganization of Council on Physical Fitness and appointment of members. Apollo 13 Astronaut James A. Lovell, Jr., President's Consultant on Physical Fitness, would serve as Council Chairman. (PD, 9/28/70, 1264)
Science editorial by Philip H. Abelson discussed U.S. energy shortage: "The longer-term solutions to our energy problems involve becoming more prudent in the use of energy. The solutions also demand the skillful employment of coal and atomic energy. In principle, all our energy needs could be met for a long time with coal. This raw material could be processed to yield sulfur-free fuel, liquid hydrocarbons, and methane. In practice, however, the development of the use of coal is limping along and is underfinanced. A few hundred million dollars a year devoted to research, development, and demonstration plants could be the most valuable expenditure the government could make." (Science, 9/25/70, 9267)
September 25-29: Remaining airline hijack hostages in Jordan [see Sept. 12] were freed by Arab PFLP terrorists as part of deal for release of Arab terrorists held in Europe. (FonF, 9)24-30/70, 691)
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