Dec 19 1968

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NASA Aerobee 150 MI sounding rocket launched from SMR carried Cornell Univ. experiment to 100.3-mi (161.3-km) altitude to examine sky in far infrared (5 micron to 1,600 microns) using copper­doped-germanium, two gallium-doped-germanium, and indium-anti­monide detectors in conjunction with telescope. Rocket and instrumen­tation performed satisfactorily. Preliminary results indicated detectors functioned properly. (NASA Rpt

NASA issued Management Instruction establishing Committee on Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVA) , activities performed in space by astronaut outside space vehicle. Seven-member committee, serving for two-year period, would provide Deputy Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight with recommendations on overall NASA EVA planning and development by: identifying EVA capabilities which must be defined and developed to support manned space flight activities; identifying ground-based, orbital, and lunar surface experiments to establish re­quired EVA capabilities; providing recommendations on short- and long-term EVA program plans; reviewing proposed EVA flight experi­ments and making recommendations; and maintaining awareness of EVA-related activities of organizations other than NASA. (NMI 1152.36)

NASA announced renewal through August 1970 of 10-yr contract with NAS which provided one-year appointments for post-doctoral and senior post-doctoral scientists and engineers specializing in space-related work to conduct research at NASA field centers. NASA would pay NAS $2,390,­500 to carry out program. (NASA Release 68-218)

AEC announced it had conducted underground nuclear test of about one-megaton yield at Nevada Test Site. It was similar to April 26 test. Tests had been described in press as largest continental explosions an­nounced by AEC. Newsmen were permitted to witness test for first time in 10 yr. (AEC PIO; AEC Release L-288; Wilson, W Post, 12/20/68, A3; Hill, NYT, 12/20/68, 1; 12/25/68; AP, NYT, 12/18/68, 35)

U.N. General Assembly, by vote of 96-0, approved plans for permanent body of 42 members to study means of reserving seabed for peaceful purposes and of exploring resources beyond national jurisdiction. (Estabrook, W Post, 12/20/68, A12)


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