Dec 4 1968
From The Space Library
USAF launched unidentified satellite from Vandenberg AFB by Titan III-B booster into orbit with 454-mi (730.6-km) apogee, 94-mi (151.3-km) perigee, 89.3-min period, and 106.2° inclination. Satellite reentered Dec. 12. (Pres Rpt 68)
Nike-Apache sounding rocket launched by NASA from WSMR carried Dudley Observatory payload to 95.8-mi (153.2-km) altitude to determine particle flux during quiet period preceding Geminid meteor shower (Dec. 13-14). Launch was first in series of two; second would be launched Dec. 14. Rocket and instruments performed satisfactorily. All collection trap functions occurred as programmed. Payload was tracked visually during descent and sucessfully recovered. (NASA Rpt SRL)
Eugen Sanger Medal of German Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics was awarded to U.S. X-15 research aircraft team in Bonn, West Germany, for X-15 program's contribution to advancement of space flight. Medal honored German rocketry leader, Dr. Eugen Sanger, first to define potential of hypersonic rocket aircraft, who died in 1964. John V. Becker of LaRC accepted award on behalf of NASA-USN-USAF team. (NASA Release 68-206)
Dr. Abe Silverstein, Lewis Research Center Director, received one of six $10,000, 1968 Rockefeller Public Service Awards-highest privately sustained honor for Federal career service-in Washington, D.C., ceremonies. (Causey, W Post, 12/5/68, A22)
In letter to National Council on Marine Resources and Development, President-elect Richard M. Nixon said his administration would "consider an integrated program in oceanology a first priority." (AP, NYT, 12/8/68, 74)
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