Mar 4 1968
From The Space Library
March 4-16: NASA'S 1,347-lb Ogo V (OGO-E) Orbiting Geophysical Observatory, carrying 24 experiments in most comprehensive study of particle-wave processes in space during period of maximum solar activity, was successfully launched at 8:06 am EST from ETR by Atlas (SLV-3A) -Agena D booster, being used for first time. Spacecraft entered highly elliptical earth orbit with 92,078-mi (148,186-km) apogee, 168-mi (271-km) perigee, 63.3-hr period, and 31.3° inclination. Primary mission objective was to acquire correlative scientific data at high information rates in magnetic fields, energetic particles, and plasma disciplines through leading quadrant of magnetosphere into geomagnetic tail, both in interplanetary medium and within large sec- dons of magnetosphere. Secondary objectives were to demonstrate technological capability of OGO's three-axis stabilization system in highly elliptical orbit for extended operations of 135 days or more and to con duct electric-field, gamma-ray, and radioastronomy observations. On March 16, second of two 30-ft-long extendable antennas was deployed to complete post-launch checkout and NASA reported Ogo V was operating satisfactorily. All experiments except one, low-energy electrons and protons experiment, which had stopped operating March 11 when input power apparently failed, were acquiring data effectively. Data provided first observations of hydrogen cloud surrounding earth (geocorona), first detailed measurements of electric fields at shock and magnetospheric boundaries, and first spark chamber observations of gamma rays. Ogo V was fifth spacecraft in NASA's six-mission OGO series, last OGO planned for highly eccentric orbit, last spacecraft to be launched by Agena launch vehicle, and last to be launched from Complex 13. Agena would be replaced by Atlas-Centaur, and Complex 13 would revert to USAF. Scientific instrumentation for Ogo V's 24 experiments had been provided by six US. universities; four groups from U.K., France, and the Netherlands; four Government centers; and two private companies. Ogo V joined three other operational OGOs-Ogo I (launched Sept. 4, 1964), Ogo III (launched June 6, 1966), and Ogo IV (launched July 28, 1967)-in providing data for studies of earth's environment and solar-terrestrial interactions during period of maximum solar activity. Ogo II, launched Oct. 14, 1965, had been turned off in November 1967. Of 85 experiments assigned to four missions still operating, 68 were still obtaining useful data, including 12 for which instrumentation was working after 42 mo in space. OGO program was managed by GSFC under OSSA direction. LeRC was responsible for Atlas-Agena launch vehicle, and KSC for launch operations. (NASA Proj Off; NASA Releases 68-38, 68-53; LeRC Release 68-14; UPI, M Her, 2/25/68; W Star, 2/27/68, A9; NYT, 3/5/68, 17; W Post, 3/6/68, A7)
NASA Assistant Administrator for Policy, Dr. Alfred J. Eggers, Jr., told New Orleans AIAA conference on technology for manned planetary missions, "the manned planetary mission of first priority is the mission of man on planet Earth." He explained that only "minute" part of NASA's funding went toward research on manned planetary flight and described overall NASA program as "lean, but . . by no means lifeless. It is planned to emphasize the space applications and the supporting research and technology programs." He called for best in talent for achieving manned planetary flight "in the course of man's exploration of space." (Text; AP, NYT, 3/30/68, 31M)
Gen. Bernard A. Schriever (USAF, Ret.), former AFSC Commander, delivered Dr. Robert H. Goddard Lecture to National Space Club in Washington, D.C. He warned the U.S.S.R. had moved forward steadily with new and more diversified strategic threat highlighted by development of orbital missile and sophisticated space systems. U.S. comparative missile strength, he noted, was declining steadily, with emphasis still on updating existing force. "What is missing so far in our military space program is the necessary high priority research and development aimed at protecting us in the high ground of space. In space, as elsewhere, the Soviets say one thing-even sign agreements-but consistently do whatever is in their own self-interest. The orbital missile is merely the latest example of their policy. In light of their development of an orbital missile, it would be totally irresponsible . . . to assume that we do not need to initiate any R&D to prepare us to meet a Soviet space threat." Attributing loss of endorsement of national space program to change in national value scale because of Vietnam and domestic problems, Gen. Schriever said: "The old criteria, national security and national prestige, are no longer the only justifications for our space efforts, important though they are." If public understood "the practical, dollars and cents worth of the program to this country and to the world," they would support it. U.S. was on verge of receiving annual return larger than its annual investment in space, and within one decade, "those returns should be several times our annual investment." (Text; Aero Tech, 3/11/68, 16)
Current knowledge of effects of sonic boom on building materials and structures was insufficient to assess accurately kinds of damage SST might produce, NAS Physical Effects Subcommittee of NAS Committee on the SST-Sonic Boom report concluded. Assuming SSTs would fly over land and sonic booms along flight paths would be low enough in intensity to be publicly acceptable, probability of structural damage under normal operating conditions would be "very small." Subcommittee stressed, however, that more meaningful physical response was necessary, including simulator studies, laboratory tests of glass, and acceleration and expansion studies of atmosphere's bending and magnifying effects on sonic boom shock waves. (NYT, 3/5/68, 3; Science, 3/8/68, 1081)
Sen. Claiborne Pell (D-R.I.), member of Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released proposed draft of international treaty to govern exploration and exploitation of "ocean space." He said there was "probable danger of anarchy" beneath seas because "man's sea technology has brought him to the verge of total undersea capability." Treaty would apply to undersea areas same freedom-of-the-seas principles now governing ocean surfaces, create licensing body and sea guard, seek to prevent development of weaponry on ocean floor, and provide for disposal of radioactivity in seas. (Clark, NYT, 3/5/68, 19; SR 263, 3/5/68)
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