Jul 8 1971
From The Space Library
NASA launched NRL'S Solrad 10 (Explorer 44) (Solrad-C) solar radiation satellite from Wallops Station at 6:58 pm EDT by Scout booster, Satellite entered orbit with 630.3-km (391.7-mi) apogee, 436.3-km (271.1-mi) perigee, 95-3-min period, and 51° inclination. NASA mission objective was to place satellite in orbit where it could monitor sun's x-ray and uv emissions. Solrad 10, 115-kg (253.5-lb) 12-sided cylinder, carried 14 experiments to monitor solar electromagnetic and uv radiation continuously and to measure, on command, stellar radiation from other celestial sources. Information gained by satellite was expected to contribute to better understanding of physical processes in solar flares and other solar activities and potential effects of this activity on shortwave communications and on manned space travel. Satellite was third in series of solar radiation satellites launched from Wallops Station in joint NASA-NRL program. Two previous satellites were Explorer 30 (Solrad 8, launched Nov. 19, 1965) and Explorer 37 (Solrad 9, launched March 5, 1968). Solrad program was sponsored jointly by OSSA and Naval Air Systems Command, with NRL providing project management for mission. (NASA Proj Off; NASA Release 71- 115; WS Release 71-13)
Technological intelligence concerning SALT was reaching U.S. through Soviet scientist who had defected to West under pseudonym of Anatoly Fedoseyev [see May 26 1971] but had been identified subsequently as Ignatiy A. Nikitrine, deputy director of Soviet space program in charge of electronics and cybernetics, Don Cook of Los Angeles Times reported in Washington Post. Meanwhile, AP said, British officials insisted scientist's real name was Fedoseyev and that he was expert in field of "powerful magnetrons" whose research had applications to Soviet space effort. (W Post, 7/8/71, Al; AP, W Post, 7/9/71)
U.S. and Soviet astronomers had concluded joint observations of quasars to determine their size and structure, Tass reported. Observations had been conducted from three locations-in Crimea, in eastern, and in western parts of U.S.-about 10 000 km (6200 mi) apart. Soviet scientists had used 22-m (72-ft) radiotelescope. (FSms-Sov-71-132, 7/9/71, Ll )
MSC announced selection of Lockheed Electronics Co., Inc., to receive $20-million, one-year, cost-plus-award-fee contract for general electronic, scientific, and computing center support services, at MSC. (MSC Release 71-48)
MSFC announced award of $325 000 contract to North American Rockwell Corp. for 12-month study of in space propellant logistics and safety. (MSFC Release 71-116)
Lockheed Aircraft Corp. had released market analysis that showed it could sell at least 400 new L-1011 TriStar jet airbuses-about 60% more than needed for firm to break even, Dow Jones reported in Washington Evening Star. (W Star, 7/8/71, B9)
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