Sep 18 1970
From The Space Library
Astronauts Alan B. Shepard, Jr., and Edgar D. Mitchell completed testing of Apollo 14 LM in vacuum chamber at KSC, in preparation for launch to moon Jan. 31, 1971. (W Post, 9/19/70, A7; SBA 9/21/70, 85)
NASA announced formation of steering group, headed by NASA Associate Administrator for Organization and Management Richard C. McCurdy, for comprehensive study of "the complete NASA acquisition process." Study would include the "definition of requirements; the review and approval process; the source evaluation and selection process; contracting methods and governing policies; and management of the acquisition process by project, program, and functional organizations." (NASA Release 70-152)
Science editorial by Dr. Preston E. Cloud, Jr., geologist of Univ. of California at Santa Barbara, scored cancellation of Apollo 15 and 19: "The moon is the only other planet we can hope to study in sufficient detail for close comparison with our own. We have just begun that study. It is as if we were trying to understand North America by examining Plymouth Rock." Billions had been spent to get within reach of primary scientific goals on moon. "Only a small fraction of the investment already made would see the job to a fruitful conclusion. To stop short for reasons within our control would, in retrospect, be seen as one of history's most irresponsible follies. Nothing less than the early institution of a comprehensive automated program to get similar information and sample return could begin to ameliorate such a failure." (Science, 9/18/70, 1159)
After Sept. 17 and 18 press reports of hints from President Nixon that U.S. would be prepared to intervene in Jordan if Syria and Iraq entered civil war, Washington Post reported from Beirut warning by PFLP that U.S. hijack hostages could be killed if U.S. entered conflict. (FonF, 9/17-23/70, 670)
Introduction to the Solar Wind by John C. Brandt was reviewed in Science by Roger A. Kopp of National Center for Atmospheric Research. In 1958 it had been argued that sun's 995 800 K (1000000°F) corona must expand continuously into space with supersonic velocities near earth's orbit. Subject had remained in controversy until 1962 observations from Mariner II indicated plasma outflow from sun with 400-km-per-sec (249-mps) velocities and mean particle density of about 10 per cc (0.06 cu in) at orbit of earth. "The obvious place to begin a discussion of the solar wind is at the sun, and the author sets the stage by summarizing current knowledge of classical solar physics." (Science, 9/18/70, 1195-6)
Twenty-third anniversary of USAF. Official anniversary was established Sept. 18, 1947, with swearing-in of first secretary of the Air Force W. Stuart Symington. Gen. Carl Spaatz was sworn in as first USAF Chief of Staff on Sept. 26; 1947). (Airman, 9/70, 15)
Communist China was producing medium-range, twin-engine jet bomber that could carry nuclear weapons to targets 2400 km (1500 mi) beyond its borders, Washington Post reported U.S. sources had said. Aircraft was copy of Soviet Tu-16 Badger in service with Soviet air force since 1955. Production versions of first jet bomber manufactured inside mainland China had been spotted by high-flying U.S. reconnaissance craft, "either satellites or U2s." (Getler, W Post, 9/18/70, A1)
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