Nov 10 1969
From The Space Library
The Biomedical Foundations of Manned Space Flight: A Report of the Space Science and Technology Panel of the President's Science Advisory Committee was submitted to President's Science Adviser, Dr. Lee A. DuBridge: "In order to define an appropriate mix of manned and unmanned operations, NASA will need to 'qualify man for space flight, in the broadest sense. That is, NASA should pursue a biomedical program which explores the optimization of man's role in space, the limitations on his effectiveness and means to circumvent those limitations . . . a program to determine the best use of man as a space subsystem in interaction with automated subsystems. An effective program directed to this objective exceeds the present capabilities of NASA and involves resources not yet developed in the biomedical community." Report criticized NASA for not implementing previous recommendations toward strong biomedical research capability. "Pressures for early and reasonably certain success led to placing primary emphasis initially on validation of the capability to construct, orbit, and recover manned spacecraft, with long-range, scientific goals in the biomedical field set aside as potentially interfering with flight objectives. Scientific requirements were thus deemphasized at the very time when development of basic scientific knowledge and a cadre of scientific talent should have been begun." NASA was now faced "with the question of qualifying man for more complex tasks in space, for longer duration flights, and of evaluating man as an integral part of the spacecraft man-machine system, without sound biomedical foundation." In particular, "decisions concerning development directions for the next generation of manned spacecraft systems for use in earth orbit must be made without an adequate basis of understanding." NASA should plan overall biomedical program using resources, personnel, and experience of other Government areas, especially DOD, and support multidisciplinary environmental medical laboratories within universities. Report favored international cooperation in space exploration for peaceful purposes, close communications with biomedical community, and broadened participation of biomedical scientists in space flight programs. NASA should affiliate biologically and medically trained astronauts with research components of NASA or qualified institutions. They should be assigned to MSC flight-crew organization only when participating in specific missions. Report recommended that NASA consider separating space biomedical research from organization conducting space missions and from flight medical services. (Text)
NASA announced Apollo 12 LM guidance-system targeting for Site 7 landing point on moon's Ocean of Storms had been changed to improve crew's ability to observe landing point during late portion of descent. Crew would attempt to land close to [[Surveyor III]] spacecraft at 2.990 south latitude by 23.204 west longitude. Original aiming point was 2.982 south latitude by 23.392 west longitude-1,118 ft northeast of Surveyor III. (NASA Release 69-148B)
NASA announced resignation of Dr. George E. Mueller, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, effective Dec. 10. No successor was named and Dr. Mueller did not reveal his plans for future. Dr. Thomas O. Paine, NASA Administrator, said: "It is due to Dr. Mueller's creative leadership of the magnificent manned space flight organization that the flight of Apollo 11. . . achieved the national goal set in May, 1961. . . . We regret that Dr. Mueller has made the decision to return to private life, but recognize that decision comes at a time when the task he accepted is complete and a sound foundation for our future national space program has been established." Dr. Mueller, who had directed manned space flight program for six years, had received NASA Distinguished Service Medal, achieved early operational flight schedule in Gemini program, formulated concept for thorough and comprehensive ground testing permitting all-up flight testing and early operational availability of Saturn-Apollo hardware, introduced improved techniques that established efficient management of nationwide industrial complex for first lunar landing and return on schedule and within cost, and formulated low-cost space transportation and operations which were basis for space shuttle and space station programs. (NASA Release 69-151)
Senate considered H.R. 12307, FY 1970 Independent Offices and HUD bill which contained $3.715 billion NASA appropriation. It rejected by 22 to 46 amendment by Sen. William Proxmire (D-Wis.) that would have reduced FY 1970 NASA funds by $100 million. Conference report accompanying bill noted considerable concern about "future of funding for manned lunar programs because of budget constraints ... and a question of National priorities." Conferees suggested Congress, NASA, and Administration review manned lunar program policy for future "and decide and determine policy" and that Committees on Appropriations be "advised at earliest possible date." (CR, 10/11/69, D1046, S13989, S14010-6, S14025-50, 514053; House Conf Rpt 91-649)
Aircraft collision was "one of the most important specific difficulties facing the continuing expansion of aeronautical services in the United States," NASA OART said in prepared statement for National Transportation Safety Board [see Nov. 14]. Continuing increase in air passenger and cargo transportation and number of general-aviation aircraft would further increase collision risk. Advent of jumbo jet and SST would increase number of fatalities and value of equipment lost in individual collisions. Best long-term solution was "development of an adequate traffic control system, adequate airports, and adequate airspace utilization techniques." Until achieved, other means for preventing collisions must be developed for commercial and general-aviation aircraft. NASA was developing two approaches for needs of general-aviation. (Text)
Biggest engineering problem facing 108-yr-old MIT at close of 1960s was one of identity, Eric Wentworth said in Washington Post, "namely the increasingly disputed place of war-related research within its academic confines." MIT ranked first among U.S. universities in receipt of DOD funding, which in 1968 accounted for almost half of Institute's $17- million budget. Since March 4 day-long work stoppage by students and young faculty members protesting MIT's heavy military involvement, President Howard W. Johnson and other MIT leaders had moved to reassess MIT's role. They had declared temporary halt on accepting new contracts for classified research at Instrumentation Laboratory and Lincoln Laboratory and established commission to review laboratories, role. Commission had recommended continuing basic DOD research but avoiding advanced development of weaponry, reducing secrecy, and shifting efforts toward meeting domestic and social needs. Meanwhile, Instrumentation Laboratory had already "come to the end of an era." Its founder and head, Dr. Charles S. Draper, had been "eased out of his job as director although he may continue in other capacities." His accomplishments with laboratory had included onboard guidance navigation systems "that took Apollo 11 spacemen to the moon last summer." (W Post, 11/10/69, 2)
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