Dec 10 1970
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos CCCLXXXIV from Plesetsk into orbit with 277-km (172.1-m) apogee, 203-km (126.1-mi) perigee, 89.2-min period, and 72:8° inclination. Satellite reentered Dec. 22. (GSFC SR 12/31/70; SBD, 12/17/70,191)
Nike-Tomahawk sounding rocket launched by NASA from Wallops Station carried West German payload to 257.5-km (160-mi) altitude. Payload, launched for West German Federal Ministry for Education and Science, consisted of leeches in Biosonde. Primary objective was to test under weightlessness a newly developed life-support system designed for use in satellites. Secondary objective was to obtain information on behavior of leeches when subjected to high stress conditions of rocket launch. Weightlessness was maintained for 71/2 min and data were obtained on operation of special oxygen-producing electrolytic cell in life-monitoring system. Data were also obtained on' leeches' behavior by monitoring their movement. Payload was recovered by USNS Range Recoverer 158 km (85 nm) southeast of launch site. Launch, first in series of two, was conducted on cost-reimbursable basis in support of bioinstrumented tests for Univ. of Frankfurt, Germany. Second launch would be conducted Dec. 16. (WS Release 70-24)
Sert II Space Electric Rocket Test, launched Feb. 3 to accumulate 4383 hrs of electric ion thruster operation, was adjudged unsuccessful by NASA. Thruster No. 1 had operated 3782 hrs and No. 2, 2011 hrs. Both had failed apparently because of electrical shorts in high voltage system. Although endurance objectives were not met, secondary objectives were met and mission was considered significant contribution to advancement of ion system. (NASA Proj Off)
House-Senate Conference Committee voted appropriation of $210 million for development of SST. (Hoffman, W Post, 12/11/70, 1)
President Nixon commented on SST during Washington, D.C., press conference: "I have satisfied myself, after long deliberation. . that the arguments with regard to the environment could be met, that this prototype should be built. What is involved here is not just 150,000 jobs which will be lost if we don't build it, not just the fact that billions of dollars in foreign exchange will be lost if we do not build it; but what is lost here is the fact that the United States of America which has been first in the world in commercial aviation from the time of the Wright Brothers decides not just to be second but not even to show." (PD, 12/14/70, 1652)
House Committee on Science and Astronautics published The National Space Program-Present and Future, compilation of papers prepared for Subcommittee on NASA Oversight. Papers represented attitudes of Government, aerospace industry, and academic community on objectives of national space program during next decade and funding level needed to support program. Statements had been prepared for hearings, originally scheduled for September and October 1970, that had been canceled because of press of legislative business and "uncertain status of the NASA appropriation measure" for FY 1971 because of Presidential veto. Dr. George M. Low, Acting NASA Administrator, had urged that "new initiatives proposed for the 1970s represent not only a space program that will maintain our Nation's leadership, but also an opportunity to utilize resources which will otherwise remain idle or grossly underemployed. In this sense the 'real cost' to the society of NASA's programs for the 1970s is very low and the cost-benefit of these programs correspondingly high." Dr. Thomas O. Paine, Vice president and Group Executive of General Electric Co. and former NASA Administrator, said in statement that U.S:-U.S.S.R. discussion on common spacecraft docking had been "excellent step forward" in space programming. "The United States, Western Europe, Australia, Canada, and Japan should also work more closely together in the forefront of space science and technology, eliminating duplicative projects and obsolescent developments for purely nationalistic purposes. Space activities are inherently global; they challenge us to develop new international institutions as advanced as our technologies. Attractive new international arrangements should also be established for the developing nations to help them take full advantage for new application opportunities." Dr. Wernher von Braun, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Planning, urged vigorous space program with Space Shuttle as "cornerstone." Answers to question "Why go to the moon?" would not be found in budget books and cost-benefit analyses but "in the hearts and minds of men, who, responding to a mystical, metaphysical imperative, join hands and reach out to the stars." Committee found "clear consensus. .. .that a vigorous aeronautics and space effort is in the National interest, since it sets the pace for the country's technological advancement. There is also general agreement that a revitalized space program, given strong direction and adequate funding, is needed for the United States to retain its technological preeminence in the decades ahead." (Text)
President Nixon issued Proclamation 4024 to Observe Dec. 17 as Wright Brothers Day: "The names of Orville and Wilbur Wright symbolize American ingenuity and courage." Their Dec. 17, 1903, flight was "forerunner of the aviation and space technology which today strengthens America's defense and contributes to better understanding throughout the world by promoting commerce and encouraging travel." (PD, 12/14/70, 1649)
Findings of international team of scientists aboard NSF-sponsored 14th voyage of deep-sea drilling ship Glomar Challenger were discussed by Columbia Univ. geologist Dr. Dennis E. Hayes at New York press conference. Voyage between Lisbon and Puerto Rico had ended Dec. 1. Deep-sea drilling data had shown eastern margin of Atlantic Ocean off northwest African coast appeared to be younger than western margin off U.S. Discovery suggested that North Africa and North America were not joined millions of years ago, but had been drifting apart from what once was probably much smaller "proto-Atlantic" ocean. (Wilford, NYT, 12/11/70)
NSF reported local government R&D expenditures had doubled from $20 million in 1966 to $40 million in 1969 but constituted less than 0.1% of total local government expenditures for all purposes during period. In 1968 state governments had overall expenditures of same level as local governments but R&D expenditures nearly five times as great. (NSF Highlights, 12/10/70, 1)
December 10-11: U.S.S.R.'s Lunokhod I completed nine-hour exploration mission, traveling 244 m (800 ft) over lunar surface. Vehicle traveled in and out of crater 16 m (52.5 ft) in diameter and 2 m (6.6 ft) deep, experiencing 271 list and 17° trim, and transmitted TV pictures of landscape and data on soil-properties and operation of Lunokhod systems. (SBD, 12/14/70, 173; 12/15/70, 180; Tass, Sov Rpt, 12/30/70)
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