Sep 13 1968
From The Space Library
Space News for this day. (1MB PDF)
Explorer XXXVIII (RAE-A), launched from WTR July 4, was adjudged successful by NASA. Satellite had completed 30 days of successful three-axis gravity-gradient-stabilized operation in orbit as of Aug. 22. Experiment instrumentation and all spacecraft support systems were operational and functioning satisfactorily. Recording of variations in galactic emission, low-frequency solar bursts, and radio signals from earth had been acquired. Some evidence had been found of enhanced noise bands at medium frequencies within magnetosphere, and strong noise enhancement had been observed in vicinity of South Atlantic anomaly. (NASA Proj Off)
Aerobee 150 sounding rocket launched by NASA from portable launcher at wSMR carried GSFC payload to 3.1-mi (5.05-km) altitude. Objectives were to flight-qualify production lot of VAM-20 variboosters, demonstrate Aerobee rail launch feasibility, determine exiting loads on rail launcher, establish procedures for rail launching, and verify boost-phase dispersion calculations. Booster web burning time, booster pressure, acceleration, velocity, and system impact were as predicted. (NASA Rpt SRL)
X-15 No. 1 was successfully flown by Maj. William J. Knight (USAF) to 254,100-ft altitude and 3,716 mph (mach 5.26) in test from Edwards AFB. Primary objectives were to conduct WTR experiment and check out horizon scanner, fixed alpha cone, and fluidic probe. (X-15 Proj Off)
Presidcnt Johnson selected Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg, AEC Chairman, to head U.S. delegation to 12th conference of International Atomic Energy Agency, which would open in Vienna Sept. 24. (UPI, NYT, 9/15/68, 34)
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