May 25 1967
From The Space Library
U.S.S:R. successfully launched Molniya 1-5 comsat into orbit to relay television signals from the Soviet Far East to Moscow and on to Paris. Orbital parameters : apogee, 31,658 km (19,672 mi); perigee, 459 km (285 mi); period, 11 hr 55 min; and inclination, 64.8°. Tass said primary goal of the Molniya I series of comsats was "further checking and experimental exploration of a system of long-distance two-way television, telephone, and radio communications." Molniya 1- 5 comsat was believed to be replacement for Molniya 1-2 comsat which had reentered prematurely March 17. (UPI, NYT, 5/2G/67, 3)
Report by NRC Space Science Board on the concept of orbiting large reflecting mirrors concluded that there was no overwhelming evidence that scientific damage would result from the deployment of a single reflector system. It recommended, however, that such a satellite not be considered in the future unless the ability to destroy it by ground signals were an inherent part of the design and unless detailed studies of its effects on ecology, biology, and astronomy were previously conducted and made public. It said it could see no scientific merit for such a satellite system commensurate with its cost to the public and its nuisance to science. Report was prepared by Board`s Committee on Potential Contamination and Interference from Satellites as a result of NASA's 1966 announcement that it had asked five aerospace companies to study feasibility of orbiting large reflecting mirrors that could illuminate land masses at night. Dr. Donald F. Hornig, Special Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, confirmed in a letter to NAS President Dr. Frederick Seitz that the Government no longer had plans for such a project. (NAS-NRC-NAE News Report, 5/67,2)
National Academy of Sciences Panel on Applied Science and Technological Progress had concluded that the "most important invention in the pursuit of modern . . . applied science is the big mission-oriented industrial or Government laboratory," and had underlined importance of a symbiosis between mission-oriented institution and university. Panel's report, forwarded to House Committee on Science and Astronautics, also recognized Government's special responsibility for integrity and sufficiency of man's environment and for dealing with national and regional social questions. It urged adaptability of large, interdisciplinary Government laboratories to new national problem areas. (Text)
JPL announced that 24-hr efforts-begun May 23-to reactivate NASA's SURVEYOR III spacecraft on the moon after two-week lunar night were continuing. Officials said they were not concerned about spacecraft's temporary failure to respond, noting that it had taken seven days to reestablish contact with its predecessor Surveyor 1. (UPI, NYT, 5/21/67, 2)
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