Jan 9 1972
From The Space Library
Pravda article by scientists from Soviet Academy of Sciences Institute of Space Studies described preliminary results from U.S.S.R.'s Mars 2 and Mars 3 probes. Spacecraft (launched May 19 and May 28, 1971) had measured atmospheric humidity and surface temperature, photometered atmosphere and surface, and photographed surface. Temperature along route from 58° south latitude, 330° longitude to 30° north latitude, 190° longitude had been determined. Highest temperature-recorded near mid-day region-was 253 K (-20°C; -4°F). On night side of planet temperature dropped to 183 K (-90°C; -130°F). Dust storm that had covered Mars since Mars 2 reached planet Nov. 27, 1971, was subsiding. "Photometric recordings obtained by means of the red filtre show dark areas corresponding to the Martian `seas' that were previously absolutely undistinguishable. But the recordings made with the ultraviolet filter again showed bright clouds." Onboard instruments to record emissions in three spectral bands containing lines of hydrogen, oxygen, and argon atoms showed that hydrogen emissions stretched to more than 3400-km (2100-mi) altitude and oxygen atoms concentrated near surface up to 600-800 km (370-500 mi). (Tass, FBIS-Sov, 1/10/72, L3)
Space shuttle's "subtle costs" were discussed in New York Times article by John N. Wilford: "Because NASA must initiate shuttle development within its current $3.2-billion budget framework, other programs will presumably by sacrificed." Possible "victim" was Grand Tour mission planned for late 1970s. "The choice is certain to be unpopular with much of the scientific community" Scientists had criticized NASA's emphasis on "big-money manned projects at the expense of the less expensive science-oriented unmanned missions." Shuttle development also would "restrict the funds available for other scientific projects in NASA and elsewhere in Government." (NYT, 1/9/72, 6)
New York News editorial commented on space shuttle decision: "We would like to see the U.S. taking on, too, some of the more exciting space challenges that could be achieved with America's present know-how. But at least Mr. Nixon has furnished assurance that he will keep the U.S. in the space business. We can be thankful for that at a time when undeserved abuse is being heaped on the whole program by people who prefer to shut out the beckoning glitter of the stars so they can concentrate on the mud at their feet." (NY News, 1/9/72)
Interview with Mrs. Ruth Bates Harris, NASA Director of Equal Employ- ment Opportunity, was published by Washington Sunday Star. Mrs. Harris had adopted as her philosophy phrase, "We are all fellow astronauts on Spaceship Earth." She had said, "My position is to make sure the space program is for everybody. We have to get the alienated minorities into every NASA level, especially space exploration." (Trescott, W Star, 1/9/72, Cl)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
