Oct 1 1970
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos CCCLXVI from Baikonur into orbit with 288-km (179-mi) apogee, 202-km (125.5-mi) perigee, 89.4min period, and 64.9° inclination. Satellite reentered Oct. 13: (GSFC SSR, 10/31/70; SF, 4/71, 138)
At NASA Hq. press briefing, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight Dale D. Myers and, program officers gave status of programs, plans for 1970s, and studies leading into 1980s. Dr. Rocco A. Petrone, Apollo Program Director, announced selection of Hadley-Apennine site for lunar landing of Apollo 15, scheduled for launch July 25, 1971. Site, cut by large gorge along base of mountains, was 3° east of moon's center and 25° north of lunar equator on edge of Sea of Rains. Apollo 15 crew would collect material from base of Apennine Mountains, examine Hadley Rille area, sample fresh-looking mare and volcanic-like features, and deploy ALSEP. Apollo 16 would be launched in January 1972 and Apollo 17, in June 1972. High-priority landing sites were Copernicus, Davy, Descartes, and Marius Hills. To improve CSM return capability in emergencies after landing on moon, an LM descent battery and third tank would be added to Apollo 14 SM. Additional potable water would be generated and stored on way. to moon. Douglas R. Lord, Deputy Director of Space Station Task Force, described plans for 12-man space station weighing 49 985-54 400 kg (110000-120 000 lbs) that could remain in earth orbit for up to 10 yrs. Richard J. Allen of Space Shuttle Task Force said NASA was developing plans for shuttle with 100-mission reusable capability. Myers said DOD was "very much involved" with shuttle activities. "We have a joint committee operating with the Air Force. . .for continuous communication and review of requirements." He. saw "possibility of international cooperation on certain flights and [U.S.] military use of the vehicle on others." Myers said he had discussed with European officials possibility of participation in Space Shuttle program on three levels: orbit-to-orbit space tug, "cleanly separable and easily interfaced piece of equipment" that would probably be managed by European consortium and financed with European dollars; subcontracts from American companies to European contractors without transfer of American money; and use of technological contributions from European national space activities and national aircraft establishments. (Transcript; NASA Release 70- 162)
Twelfth anniversary of NASA, established by the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958. (Space Act)
Report on the Closing of the NASA Electronics Research Center was released by Planning Steering Group for ERC closing. Report was prepared by Deputy Administrator for Administration Boyd C. Myers 11, Steering Group Chairman, and members of group; ERC Task force; and DOT. Following ERC closing on June 30, 1970, new DOT center functioned "reasonably well." All but 85 former ERC employees had jobs; NASA had programs and equipment it needed. DOT had ample equipment for new center and 27 universities were pursuing new work relevant to NASA interest. "Most important, the government and the nation were in a position to fully utilize a national capability of nearly $60 million in facilities and equipment and over 740 highly capable people on new programs. NASA had retained the highest priority work and related equipment." Move was almost completed in six months but personal equipment packing and shipping and disposition of leased space would take about 60 days. Dr. Thomas O. Paine, NASA Administrator at time of ERC closing, had directed disposition priorities: people first, program second, and physical facilities third, with every employee placed in appropriate job at higher salary. "While these objectives could not be entirely achieved sequentially, there was no question about the prime importance Dr. Paine placed on the actions affecting each individual employee." (Text)
Fire protection system for large passenger aircraft had been tested by ARC scientists, ARC reported. System, using ARC-developed fire-retardant paints and foams, was believed capable of protecting air craft during 10 min of maximum-intensity fuel fire on ground, permitting firemen to subdue fire and remove passengers and crew. (ARC Release 70-11)
MSC announced it was negotiating with Lockheed Missiles & Space Co. on $699 000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for 18-mo study of Space Shuttle cryogenic systems. (MSC Release 70-110)
ICAO Council approved U.S. proposal for multilateral agreement on sanctions against countries that failed to extradite or prosecute aircraft hijackers or to permit passengers and crew of hijacked aircraft to continue their journey or to return aircraft and cargo to their owners '[see Sept. 21]. Vote was 14 to 3, with 10 countries abstaining. Minimum support of 14 countries was needed for approval. (AP, W Post, 10/2/70, A2)
Senate voted 47 to 5 against S.R. 433; which would disapprove Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970, calling for establishment of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (CR, 10/1/70, S16943-64)
National Transportation Safety Board released contents of its letter to FAA recommending safety measures to protect Boeing 747 passengers. And Reuben B. Robertson III of Ralph Nader's Center for Study of Responsive Law, in letter to Secretary of Transportation John A. Volpe, charged FAA with suppressing news of "near tragedies" aboard 747s. Later Washington Post said both actions stemmed from Sept. 17 and 18 incidents in which 747 engines had disintegrated in flight. There had been no injuries. (Hoffman, W Post, 10/2/70, A3)
USCG called off search for three balloonists downed Sept. 21 in storm south of Newfoundland after attempting to make first transatlantic balloon crossing. (AP, W Post, 10/2/70, A3)
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 31
