Feb 27 1966
From The Space Library
Two Nike-Apache sounding rockets were launched from Ascension Island, 24 and 36 hrs. after Feb. 26 Apollo reentry test. Experiment, conducted by GSFC and Univ. of Michigan’s Space Physics Research Laboratory, was designed to measure pressure, temperature, density, and winds at altitudes of 19-75 mi. (30-120 km.) using pitotstatic probe. First flight obtained necessary data for Apollo support program, attaining-82-mi. (131-km.) altitude. No useful data were obtained by second flight, because of breakup during 2nd-stage burn. ‘‘ (NASA Rpt. SRL)’’
Scientists were considering “capturing an asteroid” and, through nuclear propulsion, placing it in earth orbit where it could be analyzed, reported John Wilford in the New York Times. He said “experts” believed "capture of an asteroid will be possible as soon as it is possible to send manned expeditions to the surface of Mars or Jupiter.” Astronauts would take with them a separate rocket engine which they would anchor to asteroid’s surface. Rocket would have to “produce long-duration burn but because of asteroid‘s low gravity would not have to be very powerful to push the asteroid toward a new orbit.” ‘‘ (Wilford, NYT, 2/27/66,E7)’’.
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