Jul 16 1970
From The Space Library
Nike-Cajun sounding rocket, launched by NASA from Wallops Station, carried GCA Corp. and Univ. of Illinois payload to 142.8-km (88.7-mi) altitude to measure electron concentration, electron collision frequency, electron temperature, and electric field intensity during daytime intense-blanketing sporadic E at altitudes of 100-110 km (62-67 mi). Rocket and instruments functioned satisfactorily and usable data were obtained. (NASA Rpt SRL)
Dr. George M. Low, NASA Deputy Administrator, testified before House Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Aerospace Museum Study on H.R. 10771, introduced April 30, 1969, to authorize NASA study of advisability of establishing permanent NASA Aerospace Museum in western U.S.: "It is our view that a study for a Western Aerospace Museum should be the responsibility of the Smithsonian Institution, and not of NASA." NASA would support study. Dr. Low submitted copy of 1967 NASA-Smithsonian agreement on custody and management of NASA historical artifacts. NASA felt arrangement was "working well" and believed construction of National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., "should proceed as expeditiously as possible when funding can be made available. NASA recommended existing museums, such as Goddard Rocket and Space Museum in New Mexico, be considered in study and that existing legislation for museum be taken into account so that legislation establishing second museum would provide for administration of both by Smithsonian. Study was expected to cost $50 000 to $75 000 and take slightly more than one year. (Testimony)
New mineral found in Apollo 11 samples had been named "armalcolite," incorporating letters of Apollo 11 astronauts' names, Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., and Michael Collins, MSC announced. Name had been included in Proceedings of Apollo 11 Lunar Science Conference of Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta (cq.), dedicated to Apollo 11 crew, and had been approved by Nomenclature Committee of International Mineralogical Assn. (MSC Release 70-82)
Sen. William B. Spong, Jr. (D-Va.), introduced S.J.R. 221, providing for construction of monument in Washington, D.C., commemorating Apollo 11 lunar landing. Resolution was referred to Senate Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. (CR, 7/16/70, S11535)
Twenty-fifth anniversary of firs atomic bomb explosion near Alamogordo, N. Mex. New York Times commented: "The destructive power that thundered at Alamogordo, was almost trivial in comparison with that which exists in any one of thousands of atomic and hydrogen bombs now in the arsenals of five nuclear powers. But the ingenuity and industry which have added so much to the effectiveness of the military atom have not yet been matched by corresponding political accomplishment aimed at protecting all mankind, at guaranteeing there will be no successors to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Today's reality among the major powers is a peace based on mutual terror. . ." (NYT, 7/16/70, 32)
For first time in 25 yrs of nuclear age, "powerful and once-unquestioned interests that have grown up around this nation's atomic technology are being forced onto the defensive by a rising public clamor for reform," Anthony Ripley said in New York Times. "Bitter, often emotional accusations of carelessness, duplicity and indifference are being sounded over a broad range of subjects by scientists, politicians, peace groups, environmentalists and laymen concerned about health and safety." Government and industry had established more than 100 atomic-electric plants in 31 states during last few years. AEC had been "gearing up its weapons plants to increase Defense Department's supply of strategic nuclear warheads" by almost 300%. Public knowledge about atomic energy was focused on weapons, power plants, and Project Plowshare to find peaceful uses for atomic explosions but much of AEC's funding went for projects like atom smashers, including 200-bev accelerator under construction at Batavia, Ill., for $250 million. U.S. had spent about $49 billion on atomic energy since 1940, with about two thirds for weapon development. While five-man AEC watched over "massive operation," real power was wielded by Congressional Joint Committee on Atomic Energy. President Nixon had proposed that AEC Div. of Radiation Protection Standards be shifted to new Environmental Protection Agency. Plan was expected to meet strong opposition in Joint Committee as was Administration plan for remaking AEC into agency dealing with all forms of energy. (NYT, 7/16/70, 1)
In letter to President Nixon, Walter Binaghi, President of ICAO Council, conveyed declaration made by ICAO Assembly during June 16-30 extraordinary session to consider unlawful interference with inter national civil aviation and its facilities. Declaration condemned all acts of violence directed against aircraft, crews, passengers, and civil aviation personnel; recognized need for international cooperation for civil aviation safety; requested action toward suppressing acts that jeopardized safety and development of international civil air transport; and requested application of Assembly recommendations to prevent and deter such acts. (PD, 8/17/70, 1063-3)
Washington Post editorial commented on July 13 death of Manhattan Project head, L/G Leslie R. Groves: "The ultimate appraisal of Leslie Groves' contribution to his country and to mankind must await a future judgment-perhaps a Judgment Day. He was a superb soldier. The talents for organization and administration, the daring and imagination he brought to his mammoth assignment were peculiarly American, reflective in a sense of the genius of America. Their imprint on the world is, in any event, indelible." (W Post, 7/16/70, A22)
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