Oct 20 1966
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R.'s launch of two satellites was observed by leaders of eight Communist nations visiting U.S.S.R. for summit talks on Vietnam and Communist China. COSMOS CXXX, for continued space research, entered earth orbit with 340-km. (211-mi.) apogee; 211-km. (131-mi.) perigee; 89.9-min. period; and 65ø inclination. Equipment was functioning normally. Fourth MOLNIYA I comsat, for "further testing of . . . long range two-way television and telephonic-telegraphic radio communication," had orbital parameters of apogee, 39,700 km. (24,658 mi.); perigee, 485 km. (301 mi.); period, 11 hrs. 53 min.; and inclination, 64.9ø. Equipment, including broadcasting system, orientation system, orbital correction devices, and power supply, was functioning normally. (Tass, 10/20/66)
Sounding rocket launched by Spain from Arencillo base fell to earth within a hundred yards of launching site. Officials blamed failure in guidance system. Launch was part of series begun Oct. 15 to collect meteorological data from region at 30-to 60-mi. (48-to 97-km.) altitude. (Chic. Trib., 10/21/66)
No video information was on tape recorded by SURVEYOR I on Oct. 9 and transmitted to Deep Space Tracking Station, Johannesburg, South Africa, Oct. 10, JPL reported. Scientists said they had not been too hopeful, and had been surprised that spacecraft had responded at all on Oct. 8. SURVEYOR I, which had landed on moon's Ocean of Storms June 2, entered its fifth lunar night shortly after Oct. 8 telemetry was returned. It had completed its second lunar day operations on July 13. (Wash. Eve. Star, 10/20/66; Tech. Wk., 10/17/66, 10)
Rep. George P. Miller (D-Calif.), chairman of House Committee on Science and Astronautics, told Clear Lake (Tex.) Chamber of Commerce that he foresaw no curtailment of space program because of Vietnam war. If there were curtailment, "it will be aimed at all Government programs." (Amerine, Houston Chron., 10/21/66)
Dr. Homer E. Newell, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications, visited MSFC to review technological and scientific progress on work being conducted by MSFC for OSSA projects, including Apollo Telescope Mount, x-ray astronomy experiment, and several other astronomy experiments. Accompanying Dr. Newell were his deputies, Edgar M. Cortright and Dr. John E. Naugle, and directors of OSSA program offices. (MSFC Release 66-256)
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