Jul 5 1966
From The Space Library
NASA's Apollo/Saturn AS-203 mission was successfully launched from Complex 37 down ETR to obtain flight information on 2nd stage (S-IVB) and instrument unit (IU), which reflected Saturn V configuration as nearly as possible. Two-stage Uprated Saturn I (Saturn I-B) launch vehicle boosted unmanned payload composed of S-IVB stage, IU, and nose cone into 117-mi.-altitude circular orbit (88.21-min. period, 31.94ΓΈ inclination). S-IVB engine burned once in earth's atmosphere and was shut down. Engine's capability to restart after coast, as would be necessary during the Apollo mission, was demonstrated. No reignition was planned on this mission. Photos of liquid hydrogen fuel behavior were transmitted to four ground stations by one operable TV camera; attempts to repair malfunctioning second camera before launch had failed. During fourth orbit, while performing pressure differential test of S-IVB stage common bulkhead, internal pressure in the stage built up "well in excess of design values," and the stage fragmented. Initial evaluation of flight data indicated that all mission objectives were attained. Success of mission--second of three preliminary missions preceding first manned Apollo flight-was critical in meeting lunar exploration timetable. 58,500-133. S-IVB, heaviest satellite ever orbited by the US., was developed by MSFC and launched by KSC under direction of NASA Hq. OMSF. (NASA Proj. Off.; NASA Release 66-157; Wilford, NYT, 7/6/66, 1; UPI, Wash. Post, 7/7/66)
Reliable sources said France would build her own "Saros" comsat system to avoid U.S. domination in the field, UPI reported. Decision stemmed from realization that if France did not act soon, the Anglo-French supersonic transport Concorde would have to be flight-controlled by U.S. satellite when it entered service within the next decade. (UPI, Wash. Post, 7/6/66)
FAA awarded contracts totaling $1.95 million to Philco Corp. and IBM Corp., for first two installations of nationwide semiautomatic air traffic control system at FAA's National Aviation Facilities Experimental Center (NAFEC), Atlantic City, N.J. (FAA Release 66-62)
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