Oct 20 1970
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R.. launched Cosmos CCCLXXIII from Baikonur into orbit with 562-km (349.2-mi) apogee, 459-km (285.2-mi) perigee, 94.8-min period, and 62.9° inclination. Spaceflight magazine later reported that satellite made close approach to two other Cosmos satellites on days they were launched: Cosmos CCCLXXIV Oct. 23 and Cosmos CCCLXXV Oct. 30. Fragments of the other satellites were cataloged. (GSFC SSR, 10/31/70; SF, 4/71, 138-9)
Orbiting Nimbus IV satellite (launched April 8) was relaying temperature of steam emitted from 4392.2-m (14 410-ft) Mt. Ranier mountain on command eight times weekly, NASA and Dept. of Interior announced. Satellite received radio signals from special temperature-monitoring station on mountain's peak and relayed them to ground station at Fairbanks, Alaska, for transmission to GSFC. Temperature had varied only few degrees from 343,2 K (158°F) recorded at time of installation. Experiment marked first time volcanic temperatures had been relayed through satellite. (DOI Release)
Full-scale hypersonic research engine (HRE) under development by NASA was tested for first time in 8-Foot High-Temperature Structures Tunnel at LaRC. Mach-7.4 speed was reached at temperature of 1800 K (2000°F) and pressure of 6.2 meganewtons per sq m (900 psi). NASA project would demonstrate technology needed for engines to propel future aircraft at hypersonic speeds-more than five times speed of sound. (Pres Rpt 71; NASA Photo Release 70-H-1362)
NASA announced it had issued "Invitation for Participation in Mission Definition for Grand Tour Missions to the Outer Solar System" in late 1970s to U.S. and foreign scientists. Purpose was to obtain intensive participation of experimental and theoretical scientists with mission engineering team in missions' definition stages, not proposals for flight missions. Missions included series of three-planet swing-bys, which would result in flybys of all five outer planets. Scientific objectives for planets were to study physical properties and atmospheric composition; geological features; thermal regimes and energy balances; charged particles and electromagnetic environments; periods of rotation, radii, and other body properties; and gravitational fields. Scientific objectives in interplanetary space included studies of solar wind plasma and magnetic field, solar energetic particles, galactic cosmic rays, interplanetary dust, and theorized boundary between solar wind and interstellar medium. Proposals from scientists were due Jan. 18, 1971. NASA would select participating scientists by March 15, 1971. (NASA Release 70-175; Text, 10/170)
New Haven Register editorial commented on U.S.-U.S.S.R. space talks: "Those who despair about relations between the two powers have at least a straw to grasp at. While they may be miles apart in some areas, which; because of their nature, make the headlines, Washington and Moscow are quietly working together in less spectacular areas. And while politicians may glare at each other, the technologists are finding common interests." (N Hav Reg, 10/20/70)
October 20-27: Zond VIII automatic space station was launched by U.S.S.R. from Baikonur and placed on lunar trajectory. Tass, breaking traditional secrecy surrounding Soviet space missions, announced launch and said purpose was "to carry out physical research along the flight path and the near-moon space, take pictures of the lunar surface, of the earth and the moon at different distances, check on improved on-board systems, units and the construction of the spacecraft. Under the flight program Zond 8 will round the moon on Oct. 24, then change to an eastward path and return to earth on Oct. 27." On Oct. 24 Tass announced that Zond VIII had circled within 1120 km (696 mi) of moon, studied space, photographed moon, and was returning to earth. Spacecraft splashed down in Indian Ocean Oct. 27 and was recovered by Soviet vessel Tama. Tass said spacecraft brought back "extremely important photographs needed for studies of the geological and morphological qualities of the moon." Zond VIII was eighth spacecraft in Zond series and second spacecraft to land in water; first had been Zond V (Sept. 15-22, 1968). Zond VI (Nov. 10-17, 1968) and Zond VII (Aug. 8-14, 1969) had circled moon and returned to earth with data and photos. (GSFC SSR, 10/31/70; Gwertzman, NYT, 10/22/70, 1; SBD, 10/28/70, 249; 10/29/ 70, 256; B Sun, 10/28/70, A5; SF, 4/71, 138-9)
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