Sep 27 1971
From The Space Library
Feasibility study at MSC had ruled out use of small TV camera on LRV Rover while in motion during Apollo 16 mission, Los Angeles Times reported. Cost would exceed usefulness and pictures might be hazy and induce nausea in viewers because of up-and-down motion of Rover over lunar surface. Necessary adjustments to provide TV from Rover would cost almost $5 million. (LA Times, 9/27/71)
NASA announced assignment of Robert O. Aller, Manager of Space Station Operations, Space Station Task Force for OMSF, to Skylab Program Office as Director of Operations. Aller would be responsible for coordination and development of operationally related program and mission planning activities. (NASA Hq WB)
Willis H. Shapley, NASA Associate Deputy Administrator, testified before House Committee on Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Africa on operation of NASA tracking station in South Africa. Subcommittee was investigating U.S. business involvement in South Africa. NASA station was manned, staffed, and operated by South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). "Committed as we have been to attaining the important national objectives entrusted to us, we have thought of our stations overseas essentially in terms of their efficiency in supporting our flight missions. We have monitored station operations mainly from the standpoint of technical effectiveness and sound financial management. While we have recognized that human factors can have a direct bearing on performance, we are limited in our ability to control these factors, particularly in societies where statutes and practices differ markedly from our own." NASA wished "to do all we can to see that the NASA station in South Africa reflects to the greatest degree that local circumstances permit, the practices and ideals which govern employment at our domestic facilities." (Testimony)
AFSC announced establishment by Aeronautical Systems Div. (ASD) of Prototype Program Office at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Office, headed by Col. Lyle W. Cameron, would manage aeronautical prototype programs for USAF. USAF had identified as candidate aeronautical projects advanced STOL transport, very low radar-cross-section (RCS) test vehicle, lightweight fighter aircraft, and quiet aircraft. (AFSC Release 240.71)
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