May 16 1966
From The Space Library
NIMBUS II meteorological satellite was reported “working beautifully” by GSFC. Among the thousands of photographs transmitted were those of the GEMINI IX recovery area. The 912-lb. spacecraft had been launched May 15. (UPI, NYT, 5/17/66, 77)
Live commercial TV coverage of GEMINI IX recovery would be provided under an agreement between FCC, ITT, USN, NASA, and ComSatCorp, Aviation Week reported. ITT would operate a station on the U.S.S. WASP in the Atlantic Ocean recovery force. Signals would be transmitted to the US. via EARLY BIRD 1 comsat. (Av. Wk., 5/16/66,33)
Soviet space doctors’ examination of dogs Ugolyek and Veterok after their 22-day flight in COSMOS CX during which they had been harnessed and force-fed through stomach tubes-indicated that prolonged stay in space produced functional changes in animals which increased upon return to earth and then gradually disappeared. X-rays of dogs’ skeletal systems showed that calcium had been “washed out.” Muscle mass had changed, preventing full resumption of normal motor activity until eight or 10 days after return. High pulse rates and dehydration-findings common to both U.S.S.R. and US. manned experiments-were observed, and on fourth to fifth day after dogs’ return there was “rather considerable speedup” of erythrocyte sedimentation reaction and an increase in number of leucocytes in blood, both apparently in response to normal gravity. In summary, doctors said that while functional changes did occur during flight, they were not irreversible. Whether or not zero gravity could change functional state of organism to extent that it could not return to normal was not yet known. (Tass, 5/16/66, USS-T Trans.; M&R, 5/23/66, 12)
Sen. Karl Mundt (R-S.D.) informed Senate that Subcommittee on Government Research expected to make specific recommendations to improve Federally-financed research and development program, for which almost $16 billion was being expended during FY 1966. Sen. Mundt, ranking minority member of the subcommittee, said primary task of group was to determine and enunciate a more definitive, longer-ranging science policy. He said US. had reached the crossroads, where “it has become painfully obvious that we cannot continue to support all who demand support, but must be selective in the allocation of research funds.” This indicated that one of the most pressing questions was how to direct NASA efforts, with Apollo program reaching its goal and no follow-on approved: “NASA now is on the threshold of placing a man on the Moon within this decade. After this what? This question concerns the leaders of this fine NASA organization as well as its highly trained, scientific and technical staff. Where do we turn? Shall the space program continue on its present course, or shall it be broadened to better serve the everyday needs of the American people? This is a priority crossroads. . . .” (CR, 5/16/66)
NASA awarded Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. and RCA $90,000, six-month contracts to study characteristics for proposed Orbiting Data Relay System (ODRS) which would eliminate gaps in communications and provide continuous contact with spacecraft. Studies would probe kind of synchronous satellite and ground facilities required to relay data from spacecraft in earth orbit to NASA’s mission control centers at GSFC, JPL, and MSC. (NASA Release 66-119)
ComSatCorp had negotiated $441,412 contract-largest ever negotiated by ComSatCorp with a foreign country-with Nippon Electric Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, for multiplex subsystem equipment for earth stations a t Oahu, Hawaii, and Brewster Flat, Wash., which would be completed by 1967. System would modulate signals received from communications carriers for transmission over satellite links, demodulate signals received from satellite for relay to land distribution systems, and provide continuous monitoring for quality of all signals being passed through the system. (ComSatCorp Release)
Possible space developments in 1970’s were listed by Dr. Edward C. Welsh, NASC Executive Secretary, in a letter to Rep. Olin E. Teague (D-Tex.), chairman of House Committee on Science and Astronautics’ Subcommittee on NASA Oversight: (1) improved propulsion, including nuclear; (2) merging of aeronautics and astronautics in development of lifting bodies and winged spacecraft with maneuverable reentry capability; (3) lunar surface exploration and possible establishment of lunar bases; (4) manned earth-orbiting space stations; (5) unmanned probes within solar system and manned expeditions to planets “whenever that becomes promising and practicable”; (6) voice and TV direct communications from satellites to home receivers “throughout large sections of the world,” and advances in operations and research on other applied satellites. (Text)
Discussing “problems of prosperity” confronting airlines in the jet age, Robert Hotz said in Aviation Week that growing number of air travelers meant larger segment of US. population was concerned with “how much of this increasing airline prosperity is being shared with the traveling public in better service and lower fares. . . .” Noting that CAB chairman Charles Murphy had been urging airlines for about one year to “revamp their fare structure” in their own way to avoid Federal intervention, Hotz said airlines could either “take a vigorous industry approach” that would satisfy customers and retain corporate solvency or “continue their traditional piston-powered attitudes and have an angry public goad federal legislators and regulators into drastic solutions that could leave both the airlines and their customers in a worse muddle than ever.” (Hotz, Av. Wk., 5/16/66, 21)
AFSC had completed 110 successful tests of Bak-11 (Barrier Arresting Component)--device to stop aircraft on runway during emergency-at Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC), Edwards AFB. Device, developed by Research, Inc., consisted of an arresting cable which engaged main gear struts when actuated by aircraft’s wheels rolling over switches mounted on the runway. (AFSC Release 46.66)
May 16-27: US. sponsored communications satellite seminar to provide new and developing countries with basic knowledge and practical information on economic and technical requirements for earth stations. Seminar, conducted under auspices of International Telecommunications Union, included lectures, panel discussions, informal exchanges, and equipment exhibits by 17 countries. Talks were in English with simultaneous interpretations in Spanish and French. Representatives of 44 nations attended. (State Dept. Release 108)
Click here to listen to the Gemini 9 contractors briefing held on this day.
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