Nov 14 1973
From The Space Library
The U.S.S.R. launched Molniya 1-25 communications satellite from Baykonur Cosmodrome into orbit with a 39 798-km (24 729.3-mi) apogee, 566-km (351.7-mi) perigee, 717.9-min period, and 64.8° inclination. The satellite would help provide a system of long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications in the U.S.S.R. and would transmit Soviet central TV programs to the Orbita network. (GSFC SSR, 11/30/73; Tass, FBIS-Sov, 11/15/73; SBD, 11/15/73, 96)
The countdown for the twice-delayed launch of the Skylab 4 mission [see Nov. 6, 12, and 13] proceeded smoothly toward Nov. 16 launch. The Apollo spacecraft's electrical system was activated and the 1st stage of the Saturn IB launch vehicle was loaded with 157 cu m (41 500 gal) of fuel. Skylab 4 Astronauts Gerald P. Carr, Dr. Edward G. Gibson, and William R. Pogue inspected the spacecraft and received final briefings on the Apollo systems and the solar telescopes in the Orbital Work-shop (launched May 14). (KSC press briefing transcript, 11/14/73; Wilford, NYT, 11/15/73, 6)
Dr. Dixy Lee Ray, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, read a message from President Nixon during a speech before the annual meeting of the Atomic Industrial Forum and American Nuclear Society in San Francisco; It was "important that the AEC aggressively pursue research and development of the harnessing of thermonuclear fusion to produce electric power. While the fusion program is a longer-range effort, we have a responsibility to future generations to do our very best to perfect this process, since it promises to provide mankind with a virtually limitless supply of clean energy. Nuclear power in all its forms -both present fission and breeder reactors and fusion-must accept a greater share of the world's energy load in the years ahead." (Text)
The Federal Aviation Administration released Census of U.S. Civil Air-craft for 1970 and 1971. Civil aircraft at the end of 1971 totaled 166 785, of which 131 870 were listed as "active." End-of-1969 figures had shown 190 749 aircraft, of which 133 814 were listed as "eligible to fly." (FAA Release 73-197)
A planned layoff of 2500 workers-including scientists, engineers, and blue collar personnel-had been announced by Lockheed-California Co., the Associated Press reported. The work force reduction of 9% of the 29 000 employees would follow earlier signing of an agreement with Eastern Airlines, Inc., in which the airline asked for delayed delivery of wide-bodied Lockheed Aircraft. Eastern had lost $10 million during the first eight months of 1973. (W Post, 11/15/73, C13)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
