Apr 11 1968
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R.'s Luna XIV had entered orbit around moon "close to the calculated one" to study correlation between earth and moon and collect data necessary for landing cosmonauts on moon, Tass announced in first official statement since April 7 launch. Satellite had entered lunar orbit April 10 with 870-km (540.6-mi) apolune, 160-km (99.4- mi) perilune, and 2-hr 40-min period. (UPI, W Star, 4/11/68, A3; SBD, 4/12/68, 239-40; Reuters, NYT, 4/14/68, 8)
MSFC issued report on preliminary results of April 4 Apollo 6 flight. Although "basic source of the difficulties" had not yet been determined, scientists and engineers speculated that wires carrying cutoff commands to the malfunctioning engines were interchanged. First stage had performed as planned and stage thrust was near predicted during first portion of flight. Second stage had performed satisfactorily through 1st-stage boost, 2nd-stage ignition, and early portion of 2nd-stage powered flight. First indications of anomaly were decreasing temperatures on main oxidizer valve and its control line on fifth engine and steady decrease in second engine's yaw actuator pressure. Third stage performed satisfactorily through first burn and orbital coast. Although engine and stage prestart conditions appeared normal, engine received start signal, and valves opened properly, engine did not restart. Initial data suggested that leak in one of two propellant lines to engine's augmented spark igniter might have caused insufficient or inadequately mixed propellant for proper start condition. Investigations were continuing on longitudinal oscillation of vehicle. Guidance and other instrumentation functions, telemetry performance, and onboard TV camera operation were satisfactory. (MSFC Release 68-74; AP, NYT, 4/12/68, 20)
USAF and NASA had agreed to consolidate their photographic operations at ETR under one contractor to save estimated $1 million first year. Single contractor, selected by competitive bid, would report to ETR contract manager. USAF and NASA each would provide one technical manager to monitor performance. New operation would be effective Jan. 1, 1969. (KSC Release 68-151)
V/A Hyman G. Rickover (USN), testifying before House Committee on Banking and Currency hearings on H.R. 15683 to renew Defense Production Act of 1950 as amended, warned against emergence of "fourth branch of government," partnership of Federal bureaucrats and giant corporations "with men exerting power without political responsibil- ity." DOD'S industry-oriented philosophy, lack of inhouse capability, and absence of standardized accounting procedures permitted Government subsidization of civilian business of defense contractors and cost U.S. taxpayers billions of dollars, he said. (Transcript: Porter, W Post, 5/2/68, G2)
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