Nov 11 1971
From The Space Library
Two USAF comsats launched Nov. 2 from ETR by Titan IIIC as part of improved series of Defense Satellite Communications System (Dscs) satellites were in operational modes as programmed. After insertion into synchronous orbit over Pacific, first satellite had failed to turn on its telemetry system. Second satellite had turned on telemetry, but telemetry was sporadic. Subsequent efforts of ground controllers were successful and both satellites responded to ground commands. (SBD, 11/11/71, 55)
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory astronomers said in Cambridge that radio signals from Apollo 15 CM Endeavor had passed into radio "dead spot" behind moon on Aug. 3, faded away, and reappeared on receivers of observatory's 46-m (150-ft) radio antenna two minutes later. Subsequent analyses had confirmed that signals had been transmitted through moon's body. (AP, NYT, 11/13/71)
Political and Security Committee of U.N. General Assembly unanimously approved Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects. Treaty held space powers "absolutely liable" to pay compensation for loss of life, injury, or property damage. Amount of compensation would be determined by agreement between nation responsible for damage and country or countries suffering damage, or by three-member claims commission, whose decision would be recommendation not legally binding. Canada, Japan, Sweden, and Iran abstained from voting to signify dissatisfaction because treaty did not compel payment of compensation. Convention would be open for signature in Washington, Moscow, and London following General Assembly approval-which was assured, New York Times later said. Treaty had been completed after seven-year delay caused by U.S.S.R.'s contention that claims should be decided directly by governments through diplomatic channels and without arbitration. U.S.S.R. had agreed to compromise in June. (NYT, 11/12/71, 1; UN rio)
Retirement of Jerome F. Lederer as NASA Director of Safety Jan. 14, 1972, was announced by NASA. Internationally recognized authority on air and space flight safety had joined NASA as Director of Flight Safety for OMSF June 1, 1967, after having been Director of Flight Safety Foundation since 1947. Lederer, who had received NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 1969, would return to Flight Safety Foundation as part time consultant. (NASA Release 71- 224)
Magellanic Premium of American Philosophical Society was presented to JPL mathematicians Paul M. Muller and William L. Sjogren at Society's Annual General Meeting in Philadelphia. Muller and Sjogren were cited for "their discovery of lunar mascons leading to the first detailed gravimetric map of the moon." Magellanic gold medal had been presented only 22 times since inception in 1790. Most recent recipient had been Dr. William H. Pickering, JPL Director, in 1966. (JPL Release 604)
Mrs. Betty J. Baldwin, ARC computer programmer, had been selected one of top 10 business women of the year by American Business Women's Assn., for progress as NASA civil service employee and interests in educational and character-building programs, ARC Astrogram announced. (ARC Astrogram, 11/11/71, 1)
Delivery of first of USAF's 96 F-111D supersonic jet bombers, equipped with Mark II avionics package, to 27th Tactical Fighter Wing at Cannon AFB, N. Mex., was announced by non in memorandum to correspondents. (Kelly, W Star, 11/18/71, A4)
Future of Soviet airlines under new five-year plan being drafted by U.S.S.R. Supreme Soviet was described by G. Ustinov in Izvestia article: Draft "envisages the introduction on the civil airlines of new, comfortable, rapid, and more economic aircraft. The operation of the supersonic TU-144 . . . will begin. Almost all existing aircraft will be modified. The network of airports will be expanded. The transportation of passengers will increase considerably, and ... 100 mil- lion hectares [247 million acres] of fields and forests will be treated from the air." (FBIS-Sov-71-222, 11/17/71, K4)
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