Apr 2 1971
From The Space Library
Click here to listen to Space Shuttle Press Conference April 2 1971
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos 03 from Plesetsk into orbit with 213-km (132.4-mi) apogee, 205-km (127.4-mi) perigee, 88.6-min period, and 8L3° inclination. Satellite reentered April 14. (GSFC SSR, 4/30/71; SF, 10/71, 386)
NASA'S supercritical wing, flown on TF-8A jet aircraft piloted by test pilot Thomas C. McMurtry, successfully completed third flight from FRC. Objectives of flight-to expand flight envelope to higher altitudes and higher speeds, evaluate augmented stability and control, and determine loads and buffet boundaries-were achieved. Aircraft reached 10 700-m (35 000-ft) altitude and mach 0.8. (NASA Proj Off)
NASA announced is was expanding its airborne research program by acquiring two Lockheed U-2 high-altitude aircraft under loan agreement with USAF and concentrating flights over four ecological test areas in U.S. Program objectives were to simulate data output of ERTS scheduled for 1972 launch, collect data simultaneously over various test sites with passes of ERTS and Skylab after they were orbited, sup-port earth resources survey programs of other agencies, and make observations in astronomy, atmospheric physics, and geophysics for NASA's physics and astronomy programs. (NASA Release 71-60)
Dr. John S. Foster, Jr., Director of Defense Research and Engineering, testified on DOD space activities during authorization hearings before Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences: DOD space funding program for FY 1972 called for $1552.6 million, slightly under the $1553.1 million of FY 1971. "The design and fabrication of a new set of satellites intended to replace the interim Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) will be completed in 1971. These satellites, to be launched next month, have significantly higher power and greater bandwidth than their predecessors, and each is equipped with a versatile set of antennas capable of serving fixed and transportable users dispersed over large areas of the earth. Among these are steer-able antennas which can be oriented to satisfy contingency needs in changing global situations. To exploit the potential of this new system, we will need better surface terminal equipment. Accordingly, we intend to continue the intensive development of new reliable terminals and modulation and anti jamming equipment." In FY 1972, DOD expected "to start developing a satellite communications system that operates in the military ultra-high- frequency (UHF) band and is tailored to the characteristics of the mobile users. When deployed, this system should allow us to retire much of our HF radio equipment." Use of navigational satellites "has the potential of attaining a continuous, highly accurate worldwide position-fixing system. That system could support many ground, sea, airborne and space applications." In FY 1972, DOD planned "to undertake system definition and design studies of the next-generation Defense Navigation Satellite System (DNSS)." Under Doppler Geodetic Satellite Program coordinated by Defense Intelligence Agency, geodetic Doppler receivers would observe USN navigation and other Doppler-equipped satellites. Program would provide worldwide geodetic data. DOD proposed "to continue a small effort in FY 1972 to develop propulsion technology for high-energy orbit-to-orbit stages that will be compatible with the shuttle system, with a view to future space maneuvering missions projected for the late 1970's and early 1980's." (Transcript)
USAF planned to measure static electrification on Titan IIIC missile from pre-ignition to orbit at KSC during second quarter of 1971, AFSC announced. Data would be gathered from two field meters one on missile and one on ground and would help define electrostatic requirements for future missile systems. (AFSC Release 82.71)
AEC announced it was developing plutonium-fueled water recovery and waste management system for crew on extended space flights. Device converted liquid wastes into sterile drinking water by high-temperature processing and disposed of nonmetallic cabin wastes by incineration. System would meet needs of four astronauts for up to 180 days. (AEC Release 0-47 )
LeRC announced award of $4 264 734, fixed-price, supplemental agreement to United Aircraft Corp. Pratt & Whitney Div. for 12 RL-10 rocket engines for Centaur boosters. (LeRC Release 71-11)
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