Mar 5 1971
From The Space Library
Cold-cathode ion gauge left on moon by Apollo 14 astronauts had discovered first hard evidence of gas escaping from lunar surface, Dr. Gary V. Latham, Apollo program chief seismic investigator, said at MSC. At same time, seismometer left at Apollo 14 mission landing site had detected moonquake, suggesting quake might have released gas from moon or that sudden venting of gas trapped in cavern beneath lunar surface initiated quake. (O'Toole, W Post, 3/6/71, Al)
Analysis of magnetometer data from Explorer 35 (IMP-E) (launched July 19, 1967) was described in Science by ARC scientists J. D. Minalov and Charles P. Sonett, MIT scientist J. H. Binsack, and Univ. of Manchester, England, scientist M. D. Moutsoulas. Magnetization of selected nonmare areas on moon's far side was inferred from positive disturbances in magnitude of magnetic field exterior to magnetic signature of lunar cavity. (Science, 3/5/71, 892-5)
NASA launched two sounding rockets. Nike-Cajun, launched from Kourou, French Guiana, carried GSFC experiment to 23.1-km (14.4- mi) altitude to verify rocket vehicle and launch facility compatibility and rocket vehicle and radar tracking system compatibility in preparation for future launches. Rocket performed satisfactorily; no instrumentation was carried on flight. Launch was first in series of four. Arcas, launched from Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii, carried GSFC experiment to 58-km (36-mi) altitude to obtain ozone measurements in conjunction with overpass of Nimbus IV satellite and to study anomalous absorption detected by Areas launched Feb. 24. Rocket and instruments functioned satisfactorily and good data were acquired. (NASA Rpts SRL)
FAA plan to create V/STOL Special Projects Office to formulate and maintain development plan for V/STOL program, provide executive management of FAA v/STOL R&D, and make economic studies and market analyses of V/STOL sales and service potential was announced by John H. Shaffer, FAA Administrator. Jerold M. Chavkin, Special Assistant to Associate Administrator for Engineering and Development, would be acting Director (FAA Release 71-24)
Election of Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg, AEC Chairman, as honorary member of Soviet Academy of Sciences was reported in Washington Post. (W Post, 3/5/71, A18)
March 5-6: Apollo 14 Astronauts Alan B. Shepard, Jr., Edgar D. Mitchell, and Stuart A. Roosa spent 26 hrs in Chicago, during which they were honored at City Council meeting, attended civic luncheon, and presided at press conference with 3000 high school students. (Chicago Today, 3/7/71)
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