Apr 1 1980
From The Space Library
MSFC reported the first sustained operation of the Space Shuttle main engine at full power level, 109 % of rated power for 6 minutes, in static firing tests March 31 at NSTL. The engine ran for 10 minutes, 10 seconds, reaching the objectives attempted in an aborted run the previous week. (MSFC Release 80-47; NASA Release 80-42)
NASA reported that LaRC would manage a nine-month $900,000 design study of alternative thermal protection for the Shuttle orbiter, aimed at reducing costs and determining whether the present system was the best now available. The ceramic covering originally chosen in the early 1970s was the best then available; no study of alternative systems had taken place since. The study would center on technological advances in reusable surface-insulating materials such as metallic or reinforced carbons; coping with various loading conditions as well as handling, inspection, and maintenance; and deficiencies in present technology needing further research. (NASA Release 80-40)
JSC reported that the Gossamer Albatross, a human powered aircraft that crossed the English Channel last June, would appear on display at JSC's Building 9A during April as part of a nationwide tour. NASA had just completed a month of tests on a sister ship at DFRC to study its unique aerodynamic traits, especially its low-speed flight at low Reynolds numbers. The test flights used various power sources (motor power, cycle power, and towing) to demonstrate the craft's maneuverability and to define performance under varying conditions. (JSC Release 80-020)
MSFC announced the award to BDM Corporation, McLean, Va., of a $699,864 contract for engineering support of a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) coal-gasification plant, first large-scale commercial operation of this type in the United States. Besides helping to ensure efficient operation, MSFC would work with TVA to define advanced technology that could be applied in areas where NASA had some expertise, such as materials, combustion dynamics, instrumentation, and control. (MSFC Release 80-49)
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