Aug 31 1970
From The Space Library
USAF launched unidentified satellite from ETR by Atlas-Agena booster into orbit with 39 831.3-km (24 750-mi) apogee: 31913.3-km (19 830-mi) perigee, 1441.9-min period, and 10.3° inclination. (Pres Rpt 71; AP, W Post, 9/2/70; GSFC Proj Ops Support Div)
USAF satellite launched July 23 "was placed in an unusual orbit which is especially suited to taking photos which could be used to police the cease fire in the Middle East," Aviation Week and Space Technology editorial noted. "The orbit was an inclination of only 60 deg., in contrast to most reconnaissance satellites.... Since the satellite went into its unusual orbit two weeks prior to the [Middle East] cease-fire, it should have been possible to obtain photos of Soviet missile deployment prior to the truce, if that is its intended function. If the U.S. has obtained such photos by satellite, this fact as well as the pictures themselves would be closely guarded.... Reconnaissance satellite pictures are among this nation's most closely guarded secrets." (Av Wk, 8/31/70)
FAA had ordered airlines operating Boeing 747s to inspect some of their newer engines, AP reported. Order followed request by National Transportation Safety Board prompted by explosion of high pressure turbine section of Air France 747 engine after takeoff from Montreal Aug. 17. Aircraft had landed safely after being diverted to New York. AP quoted spokesman for Pratt & Whitney Div. of United Aircraft Corp. as saying inspections had been ordered for all JT9D3 and JT9D3A engines that had operated for less than 100 complete trips. Air France engine failure had been caused by improper installation of part of turbine wheel. (B Sun, 9/1/70, A5)
Apollo CSMs would be modified to enhance potential use in emergency mode, NASA announced. Modifications included addition of 400amp-hour battery in SM as alternative power source, provision of storage space for additional 9 kg (20lbs) of potable water, and addition of third oxygen tank for SM. (NASA Release 70-144)
MSFC announced NR had been awarded two modifications to contract for Saturn V 2nd stage (S-1I): $1768 228 for changes to original contract awarded in 1962 for manufacture and test of 15 S-11 flight versions and $2429 005 to identify S-II's capabilities for launching space stations and determine what production impacts would result from MSFC space station studies. (MSFC Release 70-172)
Development of inexpensive, pocket-size laser for possible use in communications systems was announced at Bell Telephone Laboratories news conference at its Murray Hill, N.J., facility. Laser was semiconductor device that operated continuously at room temperature and could be powered by flashlight batteries. Single high-frequency light beam could carry thousands of TV signals, telephone. calls, or other messages and might find greatest application when' picture phones, high-speed computer conversations, and general communications needs expanded beyond existing carrying capacity. Bell scientists predicted laser ultimately would be pen-light size, cost a few dollars, and last a human lifetime. Laser included crystal semiconductor smaller than grain of sand, which operated on small current, eliminating need for extreme cooling. (Brody, NYT, 9/1/ 70)
NSF transmitted to President Nixon Federal Support to Universities, Colleges, and Selected Nonprofit Institutions, Fiscal Year 1969 (NSF 70-27). Federal obligations to universities and. colleges totaled $3453 million in FY 1969, second consecutive year in which Federal support increased by 2%. Federal obligations for academic science programs including R&D increased by 0.05%, from 2350 million in 1968 to $2361 million in 1969. R&D amounted to $1495 million in Federal obligations during FY 1969, 5% increase over 1968. Increase was accompanied by $47-million drop (45%) in Federal R&D plant investment, to $57 million, lowest level in 1963-1969 reporting period; (Text)
Time commented on resignation of Dr. Lee A. DuBridge as OST Director and President's Science Adviser: "Although he had initially warned the Administration that [budget] economies could turn the U.S. into a second-rate scientific power in some areas, he later seemed too willing to accept the cuts. Still, DuBridge could be an effective behind-the-scenes advocate." He had helped persuade President Nixon to curtail use of defoliants in Vietnam, played key role in decision to ban germ warfare, and helped focus attention on environmental problems. "But in the face of the Administration's tightfisted mood, it is doubtful whether he could have staved off the research cutbacks even if he had protested more vigorously." (Time, 8/31/70, 48)
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