December 1970
From The Space Library
Discovery of two galaxies possibly only 10 million yrs old-one thousandth the age determined for galaxies under "big bang" theory that all material in universe had exploded in one place 10 billion yrs ago-was reported in Astrophysical Journal by Hale Observatory astronomers Dr. Wallace L. W. Sargent and Dr. Leonard Searle. Galaxies, about 100 light years in diameter against 100 000 for larger galaxies, contained only 1000 to 100 000 stars of short-lived blue type. Milky Way galaxy contained 10 billion stars, including those capable of living billions of years. If newly discovered galaxies were young, they would provide first evidence that galaxies evolved from infancy to old age and that galaxies could be created after "big bang." Dr. Sargent and Dr. Searle tentatively concluded that galaxies were "dense intergalactic clouds of neutral hydrogen in which the formation of massive stars is proceeding vigorously while the formation of low-mass stars is suppressed." (Astrophysical Journal, 12/70, L155-9)
Results of international deliberations on definitive working arrangements for INTELSAT were described in Astronautics & Aeronautics magazine. Australia and Japan had presented Document 39, management plan detailing proposed functions of board of governors and assembly. Board would represent investors. Each member of board would have vote proportional in weight to his country's investment. System would reduce maximum voting percentage of U.S. from 52% to 40% and attempt to avoid veto power for either one nation or small group of major users. Assembly of delegates from each member country would decide by simple majority whether to raise subjects for action, which would then take two-thirds majority to pass. Permanent agreement proposed six-year transition period during which ComSatCorp would remain as systems manager. Three international consulting firms would report best form of management organization during transition period. INTELSAT guideline would be to contract out as many functions as possible to avoid bureaucracy detrimental to efficiency. About 80 nations would sign new agreement at Plenipotentiary Conference in spring 1971. (A&A, 12/70, 15-6)
NSF published National Patterns of R&D Resources: Funds and Manpower in the United States, 1953-71 (NSF 70-46)
R&D expenditures were estimated at $27.8 billion for 1971, 3.7% increase from 1970, but actually no increase in constant dollars. Ratio of total R&D expenditure to GNP would drop from 3% in mid-60s to 2.7% in 1971 as R&D gains failed to keep pace with growth of economy. Federal R&D support rose 1% a year over past five years but in real terms support showed 3% annual decline. Over same period, non-Federal funding grew 10% annually in current dollars and 5% annually in real terms. Space and defense R&D efforts declined as emphasis shifted to other programs. DOD's intramural R&D spending declined, as did DOD basic research spending. (Text)
NSF problems in stabilizing U.S. basic science research during FY 1971 "with budgetary squeezes on mission-oriented agencies such as NASA, and AEC, and Mansfield-amendment effects rippling through DOD," were described by NSF Director William D. McElroy in interview published by Astronautics & Aeronautics magazine: "We can identify positively right now the order of $70 million [in basic science research] that has been previously supported by other agencies. . . we don't have $70 million additional money to pick that up, so there is going to be a squeeze here." Though NSF FY 1971 budget would show $73-million increase over FY 1970 amount of $438 million, only $10 million could be earmarked for picking up programs cut by other Government agencies, (A&A, 12/70, 12-14)
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