May 18 1971
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos 420 from Baikonur into orbit with 248-km (154.1-mi) apogee, 200-km (124.3-mi) perigee, 88.9- min period, and 51.7° inclination. Satellite reentered May 29, (GSFC SSR, 5/31/71)
Benefits of U.S.-U.S.S.R. cooperation in space under agreements signed by NASA and Soviet Academy of Sciences in October 1970 and January 1971 were described by Arnold W. Frutkin, NASA Assistant Administrator for International Affairs, during testimony before House Committee on Science and Astronautics' Subcommittee on International Cooperation in Science and Space: "If a cautious optimism proves justified, we can expect definite benefits. Each side will gain access to lunar materials from sites additional to those it had explored on its own. We will nearly double the coverage of our operational meteorological satellites. We shall have created a global network for sounding rocket observations of basic importance to world meteorological re-search. We shall have demonstrated a mutual participation in earth resources survey work. We can greatly expand our knowledge of the behavior of man in flight through data on Soviet missions in addition to our own. We shall make it possible to avoid any undesirable duplication of scientific work in space, to plan complementary missions, and to verify anomalous results-all helping us to develop opportunities for more rational and economic conduct of space science and exploration." Successful performance of rendezvous and docking agreement "will give us greater flexibility in space emergencies and for joint activities in space which could go a long way toward reducing international tensions and demonstrating common human interest." (Testimony)
Sen. Robert P. Griffin (R-Mich.) introduced for Sen. Edward J. Gurney (R-Fla.) S.R. 101, "to authorize and request the President to issue a proclamation designating July 20, 1971, as `National Moon Walk Day.' " (CR, 5/18/71, S7165)
FAA released annual statistical report on aircraft landing facilities in U.S. and its territories: Airports, heliports, and seaplane bases totaled 11 261 as of Dec. 31, 1970-net increase of 211 over end of 1969. Included were 20 facilities in Puerto Rico, 4 in Virgin Islands, and 11 in South Pacific Island territories. During 1970, 204 airports, 35 heliports, and 11 seaplane bases had been reported abandoned. Of national total, 4260 landing facilities were classified as publicly owned and 7001 as privately owned and operated. (FAA Release 71-68)
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