Oct 12 1970
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos CCCLXXI from Plesetsk into orbit with 757-km (470.4-mi) apogee, 750-km (466.0-mi) perigee, 99.8-min period, and 74.0° inclination. (GSFC SSR, 10/31/70; SF, 4/ 71,138)
NASA officials would meet with Soviet counterparts to discuss possible compatible space docking arrangements in Moscow Oct. 26-27, NASA announced. Discussions were outgrowth of correspondence during year between NASA and Soviet Academy of Sciences. Academy President Mstislav V. Keldysh had proposed Moscow meeting in Sept. 11 letter to NASA and had invited NASA to select dates. Dr. George M. Low, Acting NASA Administrator, had accepted invitation and proposed dates in Sept. 25 letter. Keldysh had confirmed acceptability of. dates. NASA officials attending meeting would be: Dr. Robert R. Gilruth, MSC Director; Arnold W. Frutkin, Assistant Administrator for International Affairs; George B. Hardy, Chief of MSFC Program Engineering and Integration Project; Caldwell C. Johnson, Chief of MSC Spacecraft Design Office; and Glynn S. Lunney, Chief of MSC Flight Director's Office. (NASA Release 70-173)
FRC announced tests had demonstrated that unpowered approaches and landing maneuvers of Space Shuttle could be made safely and readily by qualified professional pilots and did not require highly trained test pilots. United Air Lines captains Donald C. McBain and James V. Mitchell had flown landing approaches of four-engine jet transport configured to simulate Space Shuttle during NASA study of energy-management techniques for proposed shuttle orbiter. (FRC Release 18-70)
NASA announced selection of Brayton power conversion system for development of long-life space power source independent of sunlight and more compact than large solar-cell arrays. Two power conversion systems had been under study by DART, Brayton cycle and SNAP-8 mercury Rankine system, both of which provided closed-loop system without bringing in new fuel or emitting exhaust. Working fluid was circulated through heat exchanger (in Brayton cycle) or boiler (in Rankine cycle), turbo-alternator, condenser, pumps, back to heat, and on around. Although Rankine cycle could be developed for space use, Brayton equipment had inherent flexibility and potentially longer life capability for high-powered applications. (NASA Release 70-172)
Sen. Joseph M. Montoya (D-N. Mex.) introduced S. 4453, "to establish a Department of Science and Technology, and to transfer certain agencies and functions to such Department." Bill provided that NASA, NSF, and AEC be transferred to new department. (CR, 10/12/ 70, S 17689-95)
FAA announced it had adopted three-bar VASI (visual approach-slope glide indicator) to keep pilots of long-body jet aircraft on proper guide slope during approach for landing. Bicolor VASI system along side touchdown or aiming point of runway would indicate by bars of light whether pilot was on proper slope. System would be installed primarily for runways not equipped with instrument landing system. (FAA Release T 70-36)
President Nixon in Stamford, Conn., announced decision to continue Turbo train demonstration experiment between New York and Boston beyond scheduled Oct. 22 termination date: "This administration has been trying to apply some of the space age technology and expertise to practical problems such as rail transportation." (PD, 1019/70,1366-7)
With business getting more scarce, Government contractors were "fighting harder for the business, squeezing harder for more bucks, and contesting bidding procedures," Purchasing Week magazine said. In 1969 claims before Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals had jumped from 900 to 1100. Protests filed through GAO had increased from 554 to 583 despite downward trend in contract letting. (Purchasing Week, 10/12/70)
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