May 13 1971
From The Space Library
Uhuru (Explorer 42) Small Astronomy Satellite-launched Dec. 12, 1970-was adjudged successful by NASA. Satellite had completed full systematic scanning of galactic plane and substantially complete scan (95%) of celestial sphere. Experiment instrumentation was functioning in outstanding manner, exceeding many design objectives. Spacecraft control section performance- except for tape recorder and slight decrease in telemetry modulation, which had not affected data quality-was excellent. Acquired scientific data had touched on every aspect of observational x-ray astronomy and significant unexpected phenomena had been observed. Discovery of three new x-ray pulsars-Cygnus X-1, Centaurus X-3, and Lupus X-1-revealed class of pulsating x-ray source that differed in many respects from previously known x-ray pulsar in Crab Nebula. (NASA Proj Off)
Nike-Cajun sounding rocket was launched by NASA from WSMR carrying MSC experiment to study airglow. Rocket and instruments functioned satisfactorily. (SR list)
Senate Committee on Appropriations favorably reported H.R. 8190, supplemental FY 1972 appropriations bill that contained $85.3- million for further SST development. In New York Times Richard Witkin said bipartisan House effort to resurrect SST program, led by minority. leader Rep. Gerald R. Ford (R-Mich.), had been "kept at low key so as not to alert the opposition." Knowing issue could be raised when H.R. 8190 came up, "rescue team" had "sounded out colleagues to see if the job layoffs and other effects of the SST's defeat had raised doubts in the minds of some who had voted to cancel the program." Help had been enlisted from Administration and from AFL President George Meany. (CR, 5/13/71, D412; NYT, 5/13/71, 26)
Federal court in Orlando, Fla., had dismissed $5-million damage suit filed by widow of Astronaut Virgil I. Grissom, killed in Jan. 27, 1967, Apollo spacecraft fire, on grounds it was filed after statute of limitations expired, Washington Post reported. (W Post, 5/13/71, A9)
MSC announced selection of Dynalectron Corp. Land-Air Div. to receive $1 805 000, one-year, cost-plus-award-fee contract for support services at White Sands Test Facility, N. Mex. (MSC Release 71-33)
William M. Allen, Boeing Co. Chairman, received 1970 Robert J. Collier Trophy during Washington, D.C., ceremonies. Citation was to "the Boeing Company as leader of the Industry-Airline- Government team which successfully introduced the 747 into commercial service with particular recognition to Pratt & Whitney division of the United Air-craft Corporation and to Pan American World Airways." (NAA Release)
USAF cleared 40 F-111s to fly after main parachute compartments had been fitted with new ejection explosives. Entire F-111 fleet had been restricted April 29 following April 23 crash near Edwards AFB, Calif., that killed both crewmen. (UPI, NYT, 5/15/71, 9)
President Nixon designated Robert C. Tyson Chairman of U.S. delegation to World Administrative Radio Conference for Space Telecommunications in Geneva, June 7 through July 17, (PD, 5/17/71, 759)
Sen. Clinton P. Anderson (D-N. Mex.), Chairman of Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences, submitted to Senate resolutions authorizing printing of Committee reports International Cooperation in Outer Space: A Symposium and Soviet Space Programs, 1966-70 as Senate documents. (CR, 5/13/71, 56844-5)
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