Aug 10 1968
From The Space Library
NASA's 860-lb Ms IV (ATS-D) (Applications Technology Satellite) was launched from ETR by Atlas-Centaur booster on mission to evaluate gravity-gradient system for spacecraft stabilization in synchronous orbit and to obtain data on experiments during first 30 days in orbit. Centaur ignited, successfully injecting spacecraft into elliptical parking orbit with 475.8-mi (765.7-km) apogee, 115.4-mi (175.7-km) perigee, and 29.1° inclination. Centaur engines, which were to have reignited to inject spacecraft into 22,300-mi-altitude synchronous equatorial orbit west of South America, failed to ignite. Since programmer did not receive accelerometer burn indication, it did not issue command to separate and spacecraft and Centaur stage remained joined, tumbling uncontrollably, in parking orbit. Three attempts to fire apo- gee kick motor were unsuccessful because firing was inhibited by separation switches. Efforts would be made to operate all experiments possible, but information beyond proof of operation was not expected. Although exact rate and direction of tumble had not been determined, preliminary assessment indicated rate was too high for successful boom deployment. Ats IV was fourth in series of seven satellites designed to improve spacecraft technology, develop long-life control systems, advance spacecraft communications, and improve long-range weather predictions. First spacecraft to be placed in earth orbit by Centaur booster, Ats IV was 56 in in dia, 72 in long, and would have been 251 ft across with gravity-gradient rods fully deployed. Spacecraft carried four applications technology experiments-gravity-gradient stabilization system, day-night Image Orthicon Camera (IOC , microwave communications experiment, and ion engine-and no science experiments. Ats I (launched Dec. 6, 1966) had exceeded its test objectives and was still operating satisfactorily. Ats II (launched April 5, 1967), though judged a failure because of eccentric orbit, had transmitted some useful data. Ats III (launched Nov. 5, 1967) , last ATS spacecraft scheduled to be launched by Atlas-Agena D booster, had operated successfully and transmitted color photos of earth. ATS program was managed by GSFC under OSSA direction. (NASA Proj Off; NASA Release 68-127; UPI, NYT, 8/12/68, 34; AP, P Inq, 8/12/68; Lewis News, 8/16/68, 1)
Dr. George E. Mueller, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, told British Interplanetary Society in London: "I believe that the exploitation of space is limited in concept and extent by the very high cost of putting payload into orbit, and the inaccessibility of objects after they have been launched. Therefore I would forecast that the next major thrust in space will be the development of an economical launch vehicle for shuttling between earth and the installations, such as the orbiting space stations which will be operating in space." Dr. Mueller said efficient earth-to-orbit transportation system would be needed to shuttle thousands of tons of material in and out of space, operating in mode similar to that of large commercial air transports and compatible with airports. Same technology could be applied to terrestrial point-to-point transport. (Text)
New York News editorial criticized severe cut-backs in space funding: "Most ominous, we think, are the delays and curtailments likely to be economy-compelled in the Apollo moon program . . . too-drastic cutbacks in funds for space programs and researches would be foolish at best, and suicidal at worst, considering Russia's known efforts to develop space weapons for world blackmail. What if Queen Isabella had limited Christopher Columbus to one little ship and a skeleton crew?" (NY News, 8/10/68)
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