Apr 4 1971
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos 404 from Baikonur into orbit with 1009-km (627 mi) apogee, 817-km (507.7-mi) perigee, 103.1-min period, and 65.7° inclination. Satellite reentered same day. (GSFC SSR, 4/30/71; SF, 10/71, 386)
NASA manned space flight officials proposed four-launch program to place astronauts in earth orbit to map U.S., study earth resources, and study pollution. NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight Dale D. Myers said in AP-reported interview that program was in preliminary stages and would require additional funding from Congress. MSC Deputy Director Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., said project would keep U.S. in manned space flight business during period when U.S.S.R. would probably be very active in the field. Project would fill four-year gap between Skylab and manned space shuttle tests. It would also directly benefit mankind, Kraft explained: "The two-man crews will fly at a higher inclination than we've ever flown before in earth orbit. Using photographic and other sensing equipment developed in the space program, they could accurately map the entire United States, including Alaska. The astronauts also could make earth resources and environmental measurements." (AP, W Star, 4/4/71, A16)
Team of 108 scientists from U.S. and six foreign countries had been chosen from some 500 scientists who submitted proposals to participate in definition phase of proposed outer planets missions in late 1970s, NASA announced. Teams from 13 investigating areas would be represented by team leader on Outer Planets Mission Steering Group responsible for integrating overall science. Scientists represented 26 U.S. institutions and institutions in Canada, Denmark, West Germany, France, Sweden, and U.K. (NASA Release 71-56)
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