Feb 6 1970
From The Space Library
At NASA Hq. industry briefing on space program for 1970s and beyond, Dr. Thomas O. Paine, NASA Administrator, said: "I think that when we talk about reducing the overall aerospace program by 12 percent, we have to look at the other side of the point too... we will still be spending $3.3 billion in the 71 budget, and I think by any possible measure that puts the space program very, very high in the nation's priorities." Major reduction would be in manned spaceflight "from a little over $2 billion in FY 70 to $1,474,000,000 in 71." With "the manned lunar landing behind us, with almost all the initial buy of 15 vehicles now completed, we are able to take a major reduction in the Apollo account as that program reaches a logical termination. We had hoped to continue the Saturn V at limited production of several a year. The decision was made under these austere conditions that we would terminate that production and take the savings." Peak NASA expenditure of $6 billion in 1965 included outlay for buildup of total NASA base. Fact "that we are now down between the three and four billion mark by no means that we will be operating at a substantially lower space activity than we had at the peak. It reflects more the fact that the base is now completed; we can put a much higher percentage of our expenditures into program." However, FY 1971 budget would delay Apollo Applications flight until end of 1972; stretch Apollo lunar flights to two a year, with Apollo 16 occurring before AA program launch in 1972-1973 and Apollo 17 and 18 after AA program missions; delay ATS-F and ATS-G by one year, and Viking-Mars lander from 1973 to 1975; and reduce NASA operational base by shutting down ERC and possibly mothballing Mississippi Test Facility.
Dr. Paine said NASA aeronautics effort would increase. "We feel that much of the work that will be going forward in the shuttle program will probably have some spin-off into the aeronautics area." Emphasis would be placed on V/STOL and quiet engines. Orbiting Solar Observatory launch recommended by Space Task Group for 1975 would be delayed to 1976. Interplanetary Monitoring Probes originally scheduled for 1971 and 1972 would be launched in 1972 and 1973 and Isis would be moved from 1970 and 1972 to 1971 and 1973. Synchronous Meteorological Satellites each would slip one year, to 1972 and 1973, and Applications Technology Satellites; one year, to 1973 and 1975. Lunar roving vehicle would be carried on Apollo 16, 17, 18, and 19. Decision on whether to fund two or three Space Shuttle definition studies would be made after proposals were received. In space station area experimental requirements would be emphasized. Two Phase-B definition studies were under way. Summer study of utilization of space stations would be international conference "with, we hope, strong participation from the European space research organization." NERVA studies would continue.
Dale D. Myers, Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, told conference that "with the technology we already have in hand" antipollution program could be initiated "to produce a space reflector-maybe it will have to be a mile [1.6 km] in diameter-that can direct the sun's energy to create holes over our cities which would act as chimneys to evacuate smog." (Transcript)
Value of space program to national defense was discussed by SAMSO Commander, L/G Samuel C. Phillips (USAF), before Executives' Club in Chicago. Program had produced "greatly improved military communications, strategical and tactical; the ability to detect and monitor nuclear detonations anywhere in the world; new capabilities for precise navigation of fast-moving aircraft, ships, submarines or land vehicles; and a variety of capabilities for early warning and other defensive space systems." First defense comsat system had been transmitting "substantial load of voice communications between Washington and Vietnam since 1967. It can also handle high speed digital data such as tactical reconnaissance photographs. Improved adaptations of this 26-satellite initial system have been developed for the United Kingdom and NATO." In year's time "we will be launching a still further improved Phase II United States system with greater traffic handling capacity, higher reliability and longer life expectancy." First experimental satellite had also been launched "in development of a new tactical communications capability that will enable troops... to communicate with each other in spite of intervening obstacles like mountain ranges or enemy forces. Another new defense capability was built into our VELA satellites. . launched in October of 1963 to monitor the nuclear test ban treaty." Velas had become "oldest man-made functioning systems in space; they still respond to command, although their duties have largely been taken over now by more advanced versions." Velas had performed scientific chores like "monitoring the level of solar radiation during manned space flights, to ensure against danger to the astronauts." USAF navigation satellites under study would permit pinpoint accuracy in navigation of supersonic aircraft and surface and subsurface vehicles. They held promise for prevention of midair collisions. "We're also doing extensive studies on a Space Shuttle system that would be... a reusable space booster capable of supporting both military and civilian space operations." It could pit satellites into orbit, service satellites operating in space, supply manned space station, or assist in rescue of astronauts in space emergencies. (Text)
Saturn V 1st stage (S-IC), scheduled to become part of SA-513 launch vehicle, was successfully static-fired at MTF. (MSFC Release 70-7; MSFC PIO)
NASA awarded Service Technology Corp. one-year $3.5-million cost plus-award-fee contract to provide technical services for development and verification testing of space propulsion systems and related subsystems for follow-on MSC missions. (MSC Release 70-22)
R&D aspects of Nixon Administration's FY 1971 budget were discussed in Science. Total Federal obligations in support of R&D would continue to decline-from $16.4 billion in FY 1970 to $15.8 billion in FY 1971. Obligations for basic and applied research would increase by $260 million, from $5.54 billion to $5.80 billion. Obligations for R&D facilities would drop from $727 million to $585 million, "the decrease chiefly reflecting a big drop in atomic energy spending." (Boffey, Carter, Hamilton, Science, 2/6/70, 845-8)
Sen. Winston L. Prouty (R-Vt.) introduced S. 3412, authorizing appropriations of $498 million for National Science Foundation during FY 1971. (CR, 2/6/70, S1343)
Sen. Howard H. Baker, Jr. (R-Tenn.), introduced for himself and Sen. Edmund S. Muskie (D-Me.) S. 3410, "to establish a structure that will provide integrated knowledge and understanding of the ecological, social and technological problems associated with air pollution, water pollution, solid waste disposal, general pollution and degradation of the environment." (CR, 2/6/70, 51341-3)
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