Mar 30 1966
From The Space Library
USAF successfully launched the OV1-IV and OV1-V scientific satellites into circular orbits from Vandenberg AFB with Atlas-Agena D booster. OV1-IV satellite bore photosynthetic organisms to determine effects of zero-g and four types of thermal control coating samples to test durability and resistance to heat and radiation. Each of two thermally insulated sample holders on satellite carried two control surfaces and four circular samples, slightly less than an inch in diameter. Protected during launch, coatings would be exposed to space environment and thermistor measurements of erosion, corrosion, and changes in color telemetered during anticipated year in orbit. OV1-V measured optical radiation of earth, background, and space. ‘‘(AFSC, RTD Release 37.66; M&R, 4/4/66, 8; U.S. Aeron. & Space Act., 1966, 149)’’
Attempt to launch NASA’s Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (OAO) was halted by failure of one of the three engines in the Atlas booster to reach full 60,000-lbs. thrust upon firing. Launch was rescheduled for April 2, later for April 8. ‘‘(UPI, Phil. Inq., 3/31/66; UPI, NYT, 4/1/66, 15)’’
USAF launched unidentified satellite from WTR with Thor-Agena D booster. ‘‘(US. Aeron. & Space Act., 1966, 149)’’
Addressing the AAS in Hampton, Va., NASA Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications Dr. Homer E. Newell said: “ . . . as a science, space astronomy simply cannot thrive in separation from ground-based astronomy. In fact, the phrase ‘space astronomy’ is a disquieting one. The discipline is astronomy, the objective of which, broadly speaking, is to advance our understanding of the universe in which we live. The word ‘space’ in space astronomy refers simply to the fact that sounding rockets, satellites, and space probes are new tools that the astronomer can use in wrestling with the difficult problems of astronomical observation. In perspective, the astronomical community has before it the task of using these new tools in effective combination with ground-based observing so as to best advance the science of astronomy.” Dr. Nancy G. Roman, NASA Chief of Astronomy Programs, OSSA, said: ‘‘so far, all space astronomy has been automated. However, as the manned space program matures, plans are being made to incorporate the flexibility of manned operation to the program to an increasing extent.. . . We recognize that even simple operations by man could greatly extend both the lifetime and the versatility of an OAO, and therefore have been looking into the possibilities of using man in such maintenance activities. Looking further ahead, we also realize that eventually astronomers will want larger telescopes in space than are. possible with the current series of OAO’s. Therefore we have had a study conducted on the possibility of building, mounting, and using a telescope of approximately 120 inches in space. The problems are far from trivial, but they also do not appear insurmountable, given the resources necessary for the job.” ‘‘(Text)’’
ComSatCorp asked FCC for authority to build $5-million earth station near Moorefield, W.Va., to supplement ComSatCorp-operated facility at Andover, Me. Station would be in operation by late 1967, handling all types of commercial communications and supporting two Atlantic satellites, EARLY BIRD 1, and the proposed Apollo system. ‘‘(ComSatCorp Release)’’
Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Harold Brown, testifying before Senate Armed Services Committee and Subcommittee on DOD of Senate Appropriations Committee, said USAF was “working on” increasing procurements directly with prime contractors, but with Government furnished equipment. He added: “There comes a point, however, where the trouble that the Government buys itself by furnishing equipment is more than the money it saves . . . ‘‘(Testimony; Senate, Military Procurement Auth. for FY 1967, 907)’’
Dr. J. Allen Hynek’s report on investigation of UFO sightings in Michigan received commentary in the Christian Science Monitor: “Many saucer sightings have been merely glimpses of familiar things seen under unfamiliar circumstances. In this case, Dr. Hynek says it was marsh gas fire. But he also has said there is an impressive and constantly growing list of well-documented sightings that cannot yet be explained. . . . It is time for the scientific community to conduct a thorough and objective study of the ‘unexplainables.’ ” ‘‘(CSM, 3/30/66, A1)’’
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