Aug 14 1969
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos CCXCII from Plesetsk into orbit with 765-km (475.4-mi) apogee, 745-km (462.9-mi) perigee, 99.9-min period, and 74.0° inclination. (GSFC SSR, 8/15/69; SBD, 8/20/69, 169; UN Public Registry)
NASA announced that 8 of 14 aerospace research pilots trained for USAF's Manned Orbiting Laboratory program terminated June 10 would join NASA. One, L/C Albert H. Crews (USAF), would be assigned to Flight Crew Operations Directorate at MSC. Seven would be astronauts, bringing total number of active NASA astronauts to 54: Maj. Karol H. Bobko (USAF), L/CDR Robert L. Crippen (USN), Maj. Charles G. Fullerton (USAF), Maj. Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr. (USAF), Maj. Robert F. Overmyer (USMC), Maj. Donald H. Peterson (USAF), and L/CDR Richard H. Truly (USN). Effective date for new assignments had not been set. Maj. Bobko, Maj. Hartsfield, and Maj. Peterson would complete studies for graduate degrees before assuming astronaut duty. (NASA Release 69-120)
NASA announced appointment of eight-man failure review committee to determine why Intelsat-III F-5 comsat did not achieve planned orbit after launch from KSC July 25. (NASA Release 69-119)
Discovery of x-ray "star" between constellations Centaurus and Lupus from data relayed during July by two Vela nuclear detection satellites launched May 23 had been announced by Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory astronomers, New York Times reported. Dr. J. P. Conner, Dr. W. D. Evans, and R. D. Helian said object had twice the intensity of most brilliant x-ray sources previously known-in constellation Scorpius-and had not yet been identified in wavelengths observable by human eye. No obvious source of x-ray emissions had been identified, such as stars, stellar explosions, or pulsars. (Sullivan, NYT, 8/14/69, 7)
Cross-country ceremonies for Apollo 11 astronauts constituted "probably the single greatest peacetime celebration in the nation's history," New York Times editorial said. "It was more than a tribute to three courageous and able men; it was also an act of homage to the hundreds of thousands of workers, engineers, technicians and scientists whose hard work over almost a decade made the moon landing possible. At the most fundamental level, perhaps, the outpouring of national rejoicing stemmed from the renewed sense of purpose the Apollo's incredible feat had brought to a nation long torn and depressed by military travail abroad and racial and generational antagonisms at home. The essence of that sentiment was well stated by Mr. Armstrong when he declared at the United Nations that 'we citizens of earth who can solve the problem of leaving earth can also solve the problems of staying on earth.", (NYT, 8/14/69)
Research submarine Ben Franklin surfaced 300 mi south of Nova Scotia, ending 1,200-mi, month-long Gulf Stream Drift by Swiss oceanographer Jacques Piccard and team which included MSFC researcher Chester B. May [see July 14]. During journey team had noted Gulf Stream contained fewer fish, stronger current, and more turbulence than expected. (UPI, W Star, 8/14/69, Al; Blakeslee, NYT, 8/8/69, 38)
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