Oct 6 1971
From The Space Library
NASA test pilots successfully completed two flights of TF-8A, modified F-8 jet aircraft with supercritical wing, flown from Mc. Flight 15, flown by Thomas C. McMurtry, and flight 16, flown by Gary Krier, were part of accelerated series to obtain data for performance evaluation of TF-8A [see Sept. 15]. (NASA Proj Off)
Radiaastronomers had obtained first "picture" of distant galaxy from radio signals received by Synthesis radio telescope near Westerbork, Netherlands, New York Times reported. Picture of whirlpool galaxy had led astronomers to believe radio-signal photography using antenna systems under construction or planned might rival photography from exposures at visible wavelengths. Picture from Synthesis-l.6- km (1-mi) row of 12 identical dish antennas set along east-west line-seemed to confirm hypothesis that explosive events in core of each rotating galaxy sent waves spiraling outward. Success of Westerbork antenna array was being used to encourage congressional approval for very large array (VLA) proposed for construction in southwestern U.S. (Sullivan, NYT, 10/6/71, 43)
Senate by vote of 82 to 4 passed H.R. 8687, $21-billion FY 1972 military procurement authorization bill. (CR, 10/6/71, S15956--16004)
Rep. Joseph E. Karth (D-Minn.) resigned from House Committee on Science and Astronautics to take seat on House Ways and Means Committee. (Off of Rep Karth)
Rep. James G. Fulton (R-Pa.) died of heart attack in Washington, D.C. He had been ranking Republican member of House Committee on Science and Astronautics and member of House Committee on Foreign Affairs. In 1958 Rep. Fulton had volunteered at committee hearing to serve as astronaut. Washington Post obituary said he had fought hard for programs to keep U.S. from "dropping out of the space race." (Weil, W Post, 10/8/71, B8)
October Science fiction writer and space expert Arthur C. Clarke addressed Playboy International Writers Convocation in Chicago. He said, "Much of the criticism of space expenditure is a pure excuse-a deliberate or unconscious avoidance of real problems." Politicians, administrators, and Government officials, "often too stupid, too lazy or often too corrupt to deal with the abuses of society as they should and could, are absolutely delighted to have the space program as a scapegoat." Space was now "almost a dirty word." (NYT, 10/8/71, 25; Playboy PIO)
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
