Jun 7 1978
From The Space Library
The Marshall Star announced it had begun ground-vibration tests of the Space Shuttle, using a computerized shaker system turned on by engineers in instrumentation trailers located near the test stand. The shaker system, the Shuttle modal test and analysis system (SMTAAS), had applied vibration cycles and force inputs and had acquired response information from the vehicle suspended inside a tall stand and canted 9° from vertical. In upcoming months engineers would use SMTAAS to "tune in" to the vehicle's various vibration modes, comparing responses to mathematical predictions. Results of the tests would allow engineers to verify predictions of Shuttle reaction to the much more severe vibrations expected during launch. (Marshall Star, June 7/78, 1; JSC Round-up, June 9/78, 1; DFRC X-Press, June 16/78, 2; Av Wk, June 19/78, 75)
MSFC announced plans to begin thermal-vacuum testing of NASA's second high-energy astronomy observatory, HEAO-B, as part of a series of environmental tests on the satellite before scheduled launch in Nov. TRW Systems, Inc., HEAD prime contractor, would conduct the 2wklong test to simulate thermal-vacuum conditions in space. HEAO-B had already undergone a number of environmental tests, including acoustic and mechanical vibration tests. (Marshall Star, June 7/78, 1)
A House subcommittee on space science and applications would hold panel discussions later in June on opportunities for international cooperation in space, the U.S. House Committee on Science and Technology announced. Moderated by Dr. Jerry Grey of the American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the discussions would follow subcommittee hearings scheduled May 16, 17, and 18 on international space programs. Panelists reviewing the hearings would make recommendations on international cooperation for publication with the hearings. Rep. Don Fuqua (D-Fla), subcommittee chairman, said he favored use of the space environment "not only for our own nation but for the benefit of all mankind. All reasonable efforts should be made in the international community to assure that worldwide understanding and mutual commitments are developed to provide sound basis for these future efforts." (U.S. House Committee on Sci and Tech Release, June 7/78)
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