Nov 29 1968
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos CCLV from Plesetsk Cosmodrome into orbit with 317-km (197-mi) apogee, 211-km (131.1-mi) perigee, 89.6-min period, and 65.4° inclination. Spacecraft reentered Dec. 7. (GSFC SSR, 11/30/68; 12/15/68; SBD, 12/2/68, 129)
SFC announced it had requested proposals from 11 aerospace companies for six-month design and definition study for dual mode lunar roving vehicle (LRV) capable of transporting astronauts on lunar surface and of performing automated, long-range scientific traverses across moon under remote control from earth. Vehicle was to permit manned sorties of up to 6 mi from landed spacecraft, with total round trip of more than 18 mi. After astronauts left moon, LRV would be placed in remote control mode for automated long-range (600 or more mi) geological and geophysical trips for one year. It would collect up to 200 lb of lunar samples and measure terrain, then rendezvous with manned spacecraft for return of samples to earth. (MSFC Release 68-274; SBD, 12/3/68, 134; Marshall Star, 12/4/68, 1)
FAA announced it had issued RFP for collection and analysis of information on engineering, economic, and operational aspects of proposed construction of airports on offshore water sites, including floating airports and those to be built on fill or piles or in areas protected by dikes. (FAA Release 68-75; NYT, 12/2/68, 94)
World's largest vacuum telescope, scheduled for spring 1969 completion at Sunspot, N. Mex., could provide method of predicting solar flares, Associated Press reported. Housed in 135-ft concrete needle atop mountain ridge 4,000 ft above WSMR, at Sacramento Peak Observatory, telescope was brainchild of USAF astronomer Dr. Richard Dunn, who told AP, "Prediction of solar flares would give us time to warn astronauts working outside the radiation shielding of a spacecraft to take cover and allow us to predict periods of radio communication interference." Project cost $3.5 million. (AP, NYT, 12/1/68, 65)
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