Nov 27 1972
From The Space Library
NASA's TF-8A aircraft, equipped with supercritical wing and new fuselage fairings, was flight-tested at constant dynamic pressure of 9580 newtons per sq m (200 psf). Pressure distribution and wake survey measurements were made with instrumentation at outboard station. All tests with new fuselage fairings had been made with vortex generator off. Generators would be reinstalled and drag measurements made for direct comparison with previous tests with original fairings and vortex generators on and with wind tunnel results. Some measurement of shock wave dynamics was being made with microphones in-stalled on wings. (NASA proj off)
Apollo 17 astronauts began final week of training at Kennedy Space Center for Dec. 6 mission. NASA spokesman said countdown test begun Nov. 15 had proceeded so smoothly that launch pad technicians had "only to monitor the systems." Other technicians installed batteries and water in lunar landing vehicle and checked backup flight systems. (Wilford, NYT, 11/28/72)
Map of entire globe of Mars-first detailed map of another planet, prepared by U.S. Geological Survey from 1500 of 7000 photos taken by Mariner 9 (launched May 30, 1971) and processed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory-was published by New York Times. Map showed entire Martian surface in Mercator projection at scale of 1 to 25 million at equator and in two special polar projections. Other maps were being prepared for even more detailed study of Mars. Map reprinted in Times would be released by U.S. Geological Survey early in January. Times commented that map was produced in Flagstaff, Ariz., few miles from mountain-top observatory where Dr. Percival Lowell in 1877 observed presumed canals on Mars that "inspired so many tales of Martians," canals that were "nowhere to be seen on the map of Mariner 9." (Wilford, NYT, 11/27/72, 1, 30; USGS Map Info Off)
Flight Research Center began test series to evaluate method of simulating space shuttle orbiter in flight at subsonic speeds. Tests would be con-ducted on FRC's general-purpose airborne simulator (CPAs)-converted subsonic jet transport equipped with electronic variable stability and control system. Flights would determine aircraft's ability to match orbiter's final approach path in steep descent from 9 km (5.6 mi) down to landing. (FRC Release 21-72; FRC PAO)
Laser Doppler airspeed indicator 10 times more precise than best systems in commercial aircraft was being tested by Ames Research Center in Global Atmospheric Research Program, NASA announced. System-proved accurate to one tenth of one per cent- focused carbon dioxide laser beam 18 m (60 ft) ahead of aircraft where air was undisturbed by bow wave, detected backscatter from small aerosols, and measured Doppler shift in frequency proportional to aircraft's airspeed. Doppler shift was then measured digitally and recorded by digital data system. (NASA Release 72-228)
President Nixon exchanged remarks with President Felix Houphouet- Boigny in telephone call that inaugurated satellite communication service for Republic of Ivory Coast via ground station at Abidjan. President Nixon said he was pleased to talk "through this historic new satellite communication." (PD, 12/4/72, 1700)
U.S.S.R. had offered to launch a Highly Eccentric Orbit Satellite (HEOS) for European Space Research Organization (ESRO) free of charge as part of general agreement on satellite research, Aviation Week & Space Technology reported. First two HEOS satellites had been launched Dec. 5, 1968, and Jan. 31, 1972, by NASA with Thor-Delta booster for charges of $4.5 million and $6 million. ESRO officials had estimated cost of planned launch at $7.5 million. (Av Wk, 11/27/72, 28)
U.S.S.R. test-fired SSNX-8 Sawfly submarine-launched ballistic missile during series of tests announced Nov. 24. Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird said later that missile had traveled 7400 km (4000 nm). (Av Wk, 12/4/72, 5; Aerospace Daily, 12/15/72)
Air Force was sponsoring "fly-off" of new attack aircraft prototypes at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., to determine best aircraft, Wall Street Journal reported, Competition was "essential element" of Air Force A-X (attack-aircraft, experimental) program designed to produce new aircraft for supporting ground troops in battle at lowest possible cost. (Levine, WSJ, 11/27/72, 10)
Resignation of Clarence H. Linder as first full-time President of National Academy of Engineering at close of May 1973 annual NAE meeting was announced by NAE. Linder was resigning for personal reasons. (NAE Release)
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