May 24 1968
From The Space Library
Space News for this day. (2MB PDF)
U.S.S.R. successfully launched Cosmos CCXXI into orbit with 2,082-km (1,293.7-mi) apogee, 214-km (133-mi) perigee, 108.3-min period, and 48.4° inclination. (SBD, 5/27/68, 132; GSFC SSR, 5/31/68)
First satellite telephone link between U.S. and Australia began with opening of earth station at Moree, Australia. (W Star, 5/26/68)
Mathematical tools used to predict lunar motions were so imprecise that they hampered evaluation of lunar flights and use of moon as timepiece, according to two articles in Science by group of JPL scientists. Amplifying report, Dr. J. Derral Mulholland, JPL scientist in charge of revision of methods of prediction, said errors seemed to derive largely from inadequate emphasis on gravital influence of other planets, particularly Jupiter and Venus. JPL was preparing computer program to pre-diet lunar position for future space flights. (Science, 5/24/68, 874-8; Sullivan, NYT, 5/24/68, 47)
James T. Murphy, Deputy Manager in NASA Saturn V Program Office at MSFC, was named Director of MSFC's Safety Office. He would also serve as member of MSFC Flight Readiness Review Board. E. W. Neubert would continue as Chairman of MSFC Safety Board. (MSFc Release 68-114; Marshall Star, 5/29/68, 1)
Before Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce, Sen. Thomas H. Kuchel (R-Calif.) said, "What we need and what we lack is an administration which will allocate space dollars according to the skills and manpower and brain power available, rather than on the basis of political preference." No Federal program was more in need of public understanding than space and its relationship to balanced economy, he said. When looking at future space investment we needed to count "payoff" already gained. Spinoff from space technology was providing "enormous boon to both soldier and civilian." We needed space goals which clearly stated potential benefits of program to people, he said, "or the public will justifiably fight a single penny being thrown into space." (UPI, San Diego Union, 5/25/68; CR, 6/10/68)
Six-month slippage in launch date of U.K.'s Skynet comsat to spring 1969 was due to "normal R&D problems," according to USAF Space and Missile Systems Organization. Philco-Ford Corp.'s Space and Re-entry Systems Div. was building two Skynets compatible with U.S.Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program for delivery to U.K. While Skynet program was linked with U.K.'s latest defense review, Defense and Technology Ministry sources said its cancellation was not expected, though U.K.'s military withdrawal from Asia would substantially affect its use and scope. (Aero Daily, 5/24/68)
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