Jun 17 1968
From The Space Library
Tests to evaluate propellant lines for J-2 engine had been successfully conducted in vacuum chamber at Arnold Engineering and Development Center, B. J. Richey reported in Huntsville Times. Engineers had discovered that frosting which enveloped lines and provided extra protection when engine was fired at ground temperatures failed to form in vacuum or simulated vacuum, so lines burned through. Lines leading to engine's augmented spark indicator, believed to have caused engine shutdowns and restart failure during Apollo 6 flight April 4, had been redesigned and strengthened without affecting engine performance. (Richey, Huntsville Times, 6/17/68)
Tests at ARC VTOL Static Test Facility had shown that inverted "V" fence of porous metal could prevent soil erosion around landing pads for VTOL aircraft. Fence, developed for USAF Aero Propulsion Laboratory by Northrop Corp. Norair Div., was less than 16 in high; placed between aircraft and edge of pad, it permitted some of blast to flow through and deflected some upward at 45°, diffusing downblast. (AFSC Release 83.68)
Subcommittee on Science, Research, and Development submitted to House Committee on Science and Astronautics its report Managing the Environment. Subcommittee recommended development of national policy for environment, including: use of environment for benefit of all mankind; maximizcd productivity consistent with continued usage into very long-term future; systematic management of applied science and technology; incentives to industry, land developers, and local governments; international agreement on projects with widespread or longterm effects; assessment of new and extended applications of science; avoidance of speculative statements and emotional appeals; and increased education and information program in ecological principles. (Text)
Washington Post editorial suggested House-approved bill H.R. 3400 granting FAA authorization to control aircraft noise might cause conflict of interests by instructing FAA to consider safety, "technical practicability," and "economic reasonableness" as well as noise. Many citizens would feel FAA already considered these criteria "too much." Nor could it be ignored that FAA also was charged with building U.S. SST potential "boom maker." House bill merited Senate support, however, as a first step. Its significance was "that finally the demands of the public are being heard in Congress over the roar of aircraft, airline, airport, air-traveler and air-bureaucrat interests too little concerned with noise." (W Post, 6/17/68, A18)
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
