Dec 15 1970
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R.'s Venus VII, launched Aug. 17, reached atmosphere of Venus. At 8:02 am Moscow time (12:02 am EST) orbital module and descent package separated, Tass announced. After aerodynamic braking of descent package, parachute system was deployed, antennas unfolded, and transmission begun. Data was transmitted for 35 min during descent. Soviet scientists later reported surface of Venus had been calculated to have temperature of 773 K (500° C, 932°F) and pressure of 100 atmospheres. On Jan. 26, 1971, Tass announced Venus VII had landed and had continued transmitting data from surface for 23 min. Longest survival time of three previous Venus landing missions attempted by U.S.S.R. had been 94 min, recorded for Venus IV Oct. 18, 1967. (Sov Rpt, 12/20/ 70; 2/2/71; SBD, 12/21/70; 204; O'Toole, W Post, 12/16/70, A25)
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos CCCLXXXVI from Baikonur into orbit with 270-km (167.8-mi) apogee, 215-km (133.6-mi) perigee, 89.3-min period, and 64.9° inclination. Satellite reentered Dec. 28. (GSFC SSR, 12/31/70; SBD, 12/17/70, 191)
NAS released Venus: Strategy for Exploration, report of NASA-Supported study by scientific panel chaired by Harvard Univ. astronomer Dr. Richard M. Goody and Kitt Peak National Observatory astronomer Dr. Donald M. Hunten. Report urged unmanned scientific study of Venus with Planetary Explorer spacecraft, 385-kg (850-lb) "universal bus" capable of carrying entry probes, orbiters, balloons, and landers. Estimated cost of unmanned Venus probe program was $100-million total for first three missions and up to $25 million for each succeeding mission. Program would be undertaken in addition to planned NASA program of planetary exploration. Panel urged Venus exploration because information on cloud cover blanketing planet and planet's carbon dioxide atmosphere could contribute to understanding of general atmospheric systems, including earth's, and conflicting theories could be tested with relatively simple measurements. Determination of concentration of hydrogen atoms and compounds could reveal whether oceans once covered Venus and, if so, what happened to them. Panel urged that higher failure risks be accepted for Venus missions to lower equipment costs, that experimental operations be simplified, that landers be permitted to impact on Venus, and that NASA cooperate with space organizations of other nations in planning and carrying out investigations. (Text)
Meeting at MSFC reviewed parallel studies of proposed chemical interorbital Space Shuttle by North American Rockwell Corp. and McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co. Analyses of modifications required to adapt either 2nd or 3rd stage of Saturn V launch vehicle into interorbital shuttle between earth and lunar orbit were to lead to preliminary designs, determine orbital launch operations and procedures, and gather data on preliminary costs, logistics, and facilities. Discussions included results of analyses to date, definition of systems requirements, necessary system and subsystem trade-offs, and selection of preliminary configurations. (MSFC Release 70-262)
House approved, by vote of 319 to 71, Conference Report on H.R. 17755, $2.5-billion FY 1971 DOT appropriation bill that included $210 million for SST development. (CR, 12/15/70, H11700-12)
Dynalectron Corp. announced it had been awarded $3 805 000 NASA contract for maintaining and servicing lunar landing training vehicles and aircraft used by astronauts and management at MSC. Contract was one-year renewal of ':agreement under which Dynalectron had carried out management, maintenance, engineering, technical, and logistic functions in support of aircraft at MSC. (Dynalectron Release)
State Dept. spokesman said USN would build $19-million post for satellite communications on British island of Diego-Garcia in Indian Ocean. As part of joint U.S.-U.K. project, island would also serve as air base for reconnaissance aircraft monitoring increased U.S.S.R,. naval presence in Indian Ocean, (Reuters, B Sun, 12/16/ 70, 6; DOD PIO)
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