Feb 2 1969
From The Space Library
Development of laser tracking techniques permitting accurate 24-hour tracking of orbiting spacecraft was announced by NASA. New technique-particularly important in geodetic studies, which required precise angle and distance measurements between satellite and ground stations-offered greater measuring accuracy than RF methods, required only lightweight reflectors on satellite, and was less affected by transmission-impeding environmental disturbances. First operational daylight tracking with laser had been accomplished by GSFC team Oct. 21,1968. (NASA Release 69-18; A&A 68)
Apollo 8 Astronaut Frank Borman and family departed on USAF jet for 18-day Presidential goodwill mission to Europe. Itinerary: London, Feb. 2-5; Paris, Feb. 5-7; Brussels, Feb. 7-10; The Hague, Feb. 10-11; Bonn, Feb. 11-12; West Berlin, Feb. 12-13; Rome, Feb. 13-17; Madrid, Feb. 17-19; and Lisbon, Feb. 19-21. (NASA Int Aff; W Star, 2/2/69, A3)
NASA'S Apollo 8 mission and USN navigation satellite system developed by Johns Hopkins Univ. Applied Physics Laboratory had been named two of top four engineering achievements of 1968 by National Society of Professional Engineers. (W Star, 2/2/69, B2)
In New York Times Magazine, Dr. Ralph E. Lapp, physicist, wrote: ". . . I would urge that we alter the U.S. space program as follows: First, make a firm decision to terminate the manned space program soon after the initial lunar landing. . . . I would reserve the remaining Apollo craft for future unmanned missions to the planets and I would mothball the single-purpose manned space flight facilities. At the same time, I would continue a N.A.S.A. program of long-range space development aimed at advanced modes of propulsion, compact energy sources and improved long-distance communication. High priority would be assigned to the development of nuclear energy both for propulsion and for on-board power. "Second, greatly expand N.A.S.A.'s present program for exploiting applications of space science and technology. The potential of satellites for communications . . . needs to be enhanced by the development of new techniques. It should not be too difficult to develop orbital systems for the control of intercontinental air traffic. Perhaps the greatest benefits from satellites are to be expected in the survey and evaluation of earth resources, such as underground water, mineral deposits and plant-forest cover. . "Third, establish a high priority within N.A.S.A. for fundamental research using unmanned space vehicles . . . 10 to 20 years in duration and . . . aimed at finding out more about our planet, the sun and the rest of the solar system. The most expensive-and probably the most dramatic-of these projects would be the planetary probes designed to fly by, orbit or land on the nearby planets." (NYT, 2/2/69, 32-40)
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