Jan 21 1971
From The Space Library
USAF launched unidentified satellite by Titan IIIB-Agena booster from Vandenberg AFB into orbit with 244-mi (392.7-km) apogee, 130.4-km (81-mi) perigee, 89.2-min period, and 110.8° inclination. Satellite reentered Feb. 9. (Pres Rpt 72)
Cosmos 392 was launched by U.S.S.R. into orbit with 276-km (171.5- mi) apogee, 203-km (126.1-mi) perigee, 89.2-min period, and 64.9° inclination. Satellite reentered Feb. 2. (GSFC SSR, 1/31/71; 2/28/71)
USAF X-24A lifting-body vehicle, piloted by NASA test pilot John A. Manke in joint program, completed 21st flight from FRC. Objectives of powered flight were to expand flight envelope to mach 1.5, determine lateral-directional derivatives, and obtain longitudinal trim and, lift-to-drag data with 40° upper flap at 0° rudder bias. Two of four engines were shut down because of sticky angle-of-attack indicator; alternate two-engine flight plan was followed and completed successfully. (NASA Proj Off)
ATM acceptance checkout at MSFC was nearing completion and ATM would be ready for prototype acceptance testing in early March, MSFC announced. ATM would fly on Skylab cluster in 1972. (MSFC Release 71-11)
Grumman Aerospace Corp. confirmed that investigators of Dec. 30, 1970, crash of first prototype F-14A Tomcat fighter aircraft had found probable cause to be crack in titanium hydraulic lines caused by vibrations in hydraulic pumps. Grumman and USN investigators had recommended replacing titanium hydraulic lines with heavier stainless steel and installing mufflers on hydraulic pumps. (Newsday, 1/22/71, 15)
AFSC announced award of $8.2-million contract to Bendix Corp. Instrument and Life Support Div. for 7053 improved aircraft altimeters. Improved altimeters-to be delivered to USAF and USN beginning in early 1972-had two operating modes and plus-minus accuracy factor of no greater than 76 m (250 ft). Some previously used systems had errors in excess of 305 m (1000 ft). (AFSC Release 5.71)
President Nixon nominated R/A Don A. Jones as Director of National Ocean Survey of NOAA and R/A Harley D. Nygren as Director of the Commissioned Officer Corps of NOAA. Both had held these positions in acting capacity since October 1970. (PD, 1/25/70, 85)
January 21-22: Mockup of 12-man space station concept being studied by McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co. for NASA was inspected by 100 Government and industry representatives attending quarterly review at MSFC. Mockup was 10 m (33 ft) in diameter and 15 m (50 ft) tall, with four decks and large simulated power section. Concept called for tunnel section in center with 3-m (10-ft) diameter. (MSFC Release 71-13 ; MSFC PIO )
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