May 27 1975
From The Space Library
27-28 May: The Saturn IB launch vehicle scheduled to launch three U.S. astronauts into orbit in July as part of the joint U.S.-U.S.S.R. Apollo-Soyuz Test Project underwent flight-readiness tests at Kennedy Space Center. During abort tests on 27 May, automatic checkout equipment was connected and the mobile service structure placed around the vehicle. Saturn IB heavy ordnance and the spacecraft's launch escape system were installed but not connected. Two abort procedure rehearsals were held. After a 28 May simulated countdown sequence, including propellant loading, umbilical ejection, ignition, holddown arm release, and liftoff, a 6-hr simulated mission was held. The launch team and a crew of astronauts conducted post-orbital and insertion checks, launch-vehicle guidance tests, computer updates, simulated burns of the spacecraft's engine, deorbit, reentry, and splashdown. (KSC Release 74-75; Spaceport News, 30 May 75, 1)
27 May-14 June: A one-third-scale model of the Space Shuttle Orbiter was tested in Ames Research Center's 40- by 80-ft wind tunnel, to gather low-speed flight data in support of approach and landing tests of the first full-scale Orbiter at Flight Research Center in 1977. In addition, data were gathered to calibrate the vehicle's air data probes. The model, built by Shuttle prime contractor Rockwell International Corp., was 13.1 m long and weighed 20 400 kg. Additional wind tunnel tests were scheduled for November 1975 and February 1976. (Astrogram, S June 75, 1; Young, JSC aerodynamic subsystems mgr, interview, 21 April 77)
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