May 17 1968
From The Space Library
NASA Aerobee 150 sounding rocket launched by NASA from WSMR carried GSFC experiment to 102.5-mi (165-km) altitude to measure UV radiation from several early-type stars. Rocket and instruments performed satisfactorily. (NASA Rpt Sm.)
NASA announced it had notified agency elements to hold permanent employment to onboard strength at close of May 13, to minimize impact of potential manpower adjustments necessitated by cuts in FY 1969 budget. Field centers had been advised of possible further reduction by 75% of attrition May 14-June 30 (one replacement for every four losses). FY 1969 budget included positions for 32,727 permanent civil service employees. NASA installations had been requested to assess program impact of continued reduction, which could exceed 1,000 if current limitations continued. Actual supportable employment level for FY 1969 depended on final appropriation approved. (NASA Release 68-91; AP, NYT, 5/19/68, 80; SBD, 5/23/68, 114; Kluttz, W Post, 5/27/68, A21)
House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce approved bill to control aircraft noise levels and sonic boom. Committee, by voice vote, agreed on provisions empowering FAA to set standards for measurement and regulations for control. (H.R. 1463; W Post, 5/17/68, 5)
NASA named five-man board with counsel to investigate crash of Lunar Landing Research Vehicle piloted by Astronaut Neil Armstrong at Ellington AFB, Tex., May 6. Board would determine probable cause of accident, identify and evaluate corrective actions, and evaluate implication for LLRV and lunar module design and operations. (NASA Release 68-90)
LaRC Associate Chief of Flight Mechanics and Technology Div., John P. Campbell, had been selected by American Helicopter Society to receive its Paul E. Haueter Award for 1968, Langley Researcher announced. Award was given annually for significant contributions to development of vertical lift aircraft other than helicopters. Campbell was cited "for his personal contributions to and direction of NASA research programs which have provided a sound technology base for a large number of VTOL designs." (Langley Researcher, 5/17/68, 1)
NASA announced organizational change effective May 19. Functions and personnel of Procurement Management Div. of Management Operations Directorate, Office of Manned Space Flight, was transferred to Office of Industry Affairs. Procurement Office would become Program Support Div. (OMSF), reporting to Director of Procurement. (NASA Ann)
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