Jul 18 1966
From The Space Library
NASA Aerobee 150 launched from WSMR carried two far-ultraviolet image converters to 83-mi. (134-km.) altitude in NRL experiment to obtain stellar spectra and photographs; rocket and instrumentation did not perform as expected, and no useful data were obtained. (NASA Rpt. SRL)
X-15 No. 3 was flown by NASA test pilot William H. Dana to 3,218 mph (mach 4.71) and 96,100-ft. altitude to check out MH inertial system, cockpit display, horizontal tail loads, and stick kicker. (X-15 Proj. off.)
System of two interconnected balloons 815-ft. long designed to test parachute deceleration system of NASA's Voyager spacecraft-scheduled to land on Mars in 1973-was lofted by USAF from Holloman AFB. Helium in small upper balloon inflated main balloon-largest ever launched to 26-million-cu.-ft. capacity as both rose to 130,000-ft. altitude where atmosphere was believed to be as thin as that on Mars. 1,800-lb. simulated Voyager spacecraft payload was jettisoned by radio command seven hours after launch, successfully parachuted to earth, and was later recovered near Phoenix, Ariz. Main balloon rose to higher altitude and ruptured as expected. Parachute program was managed by LaRC; Voyager program by JPL. (Sullivan, NYT, 7/19/66; Av. Wk., 7/25/66, 34)
Probability statistics for astronaut reactions to Apollo lunar mission radiation based on NASA-sponsored study at AEC's Oak Ridge National Institute of 2,100 persons exposed to radiation for medical reasons: basing estimates on a "better than 50% reaction of those exposed to each dose," it appeared that a 100-Rad dose would produce loss of appetite; 150 Rads, nausea and vomiting; and 225 Rads, diarrhea. (Tech. Wk., 7/18/66, 4)
House passed H.R. 14838 revising operation of National Science Foundation (NSF) to (1) give new emphasis to NSF's basic missions; (2) strengthen and increase functions of National Science Board; (3) unify and strengthen operational authority of director; and (4) modify and streamline NSF's organization and structure. (CR, 7/18/66, 15180-4)
John F. Stearns, former chief of National Referral Center at Library of Congress, became Director of NASA's Science and Technology Information Div., Office of Technology Utilization. He succeeded Melvin S. Day, who had been appointed Deputy Assistant Administrator for Technology Utilization June 5. (NASA Ann.)
USAF's Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) was "moving quietly but quickly toward its first test launch, now scheduled for Oct. 28 from Cape Kennedy," Aviation Week reported. Operational MOL would consist of modified Gemini spacecraft connected to a can-shaped" laboratory. USAF astronauts, while orbiting in space, would pass through door in spacecraft's heat shield to reach laboratory. October test would show whether configuration would endanger astronauts in spacecraft during reentry. (Av. Wk., 7/18/66, 25)
Delays at major U.S. airports totaling 20 million minutes cost aircraft operators $63.6 million in 1965, FAA reported in a staff study. One third of total delays was caused by air traffic controls, and the remainder by airport limitations such as weather conditions, ground congestion, and construction. (FAA Release 66-68)
July 18-21: GEMINI X rendezvous and docking mission-eighth manned flight in Gemini series-touched on all aspects of mission objectives for which two-man spacecraft was designed. Mission began at ETR's Complex 14 with launch by Atlas booster of Gemini Agena Target Vehicle (GATV), followed 100 min. later by launch from Complex 19 of Titan II booster orbiting GEMINI X spacecraft with Astronauts John W. Young as command pilot and Michael Collins as pilot. GATV X was placed in near circular orbit with 187-mi. (301-km.) apogee; 180-mi. (290-km.) perigee; and 90.5-min. period. The 8,248-1b. GEMINI X was launched into elliptical orbit with initial apogee of 167 mi. (268 km.) and 99-mi. (159-km.) perigee. Maneuvers were executed as planned, with docking of GEMINI X and GATV X occurring at 5:58 GET. Only about 380 lbs. maneuvering fuel of 940 lbs. at liftoff were left, whereas a 680-lb. remainder had been expected. An out-of-plane error had necessitated a major correction, with excessive fuel consumption. Mated spacecraft, using GATV X's primary propulsion system, attained 476-mi. (766-km.) record altitude for manned flight. Burn of GATV X's secondary propulsion system at 22:38 GET brought docked configuration into same orbit as GATV VIII -launched March 16 for GEMINI VIII mission-preparatory to later rendezvous.. Standup Eva began at 23:27 GET with Collins photographing stellar ultraviolet radiation through open hatch. Young ordered termination of Eva when both he and Collins experienced severe watering and irritation of eyes from an unidentified source. Separation of GEMINI X-GATV X-which had remained docked 38 min. 42 sec.-occurred at 44:40 GET. Series of maneuvers brought GEMINI X within 50 ft. of GATV VIII. Umbilical Eva began at 48:08 GET: Collins removed fairing from GATV VIII and retrieved micrometeoroid detection experiment-completing most productive work ever accomplished on Eva mission. Collins lost Eva camera; photographic coverage was limited to pictures taken by Young from spacecraft. Eva was terminated after 28 min. to conserve maneuvering fuel; 50 lbs. had been used, as against 35 lbs. estimated consumption for planned 55 min. Third hatch opening of mission occurred when astronauts, cramped by unstowed equipment, jettisoned 12 items. Reentry July 21 after 70 hrs. 47 min. in space and 43 revolutions was normal. At 5:07 p.m. EDT, GEMINI X splashed down in Atlantic Ocean 544 mi. east of Cape Kennedy-less than three miles off target and five miles from recovery ship U.S.S. Guadalcanal. Within minutes, USN pararescue team dropped from helicopters had attached flotation collar to spacecraft, and Young and Collins were transported by helicopter to recovery ship. GEMINI X had accomplished (1) two rendezvous, one involving longest docking yet achieved, the other a close approach to a passive satellite from which an object was retrieved; (2) two Eva exercises; (3) successful maneuvering by astronaut from one spacecraft to another and back; and (4) use of powered, fueled satellite to provide primary and secondary propulsion for docked spacecraft. (NASA Release 66-179; NASA Proj. Off.; Wilford, NYT, 7/19/69 1; Hines, Wash. Eve. Star, 7/19/66, A1, A3; 7/20/66, A1, A6; Wilford, NYT, 7/20/66, 1; Reistrup, Wash. Post, 7/22/66, A1, A4; Av. Wk., 7/25/66, 26-30)
Gemini Titan 10 Commentary flight transcript
Gemini Titan 10 Composite flight transcript
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
