Sep 8 1970
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos CCCLXI from Plesetsk into orbit with 338-km (210,0-mi) apogee, 195-km (121.2-mi) perigee, 89.8-min period, and 72.8° inclination. Satellite reentered Sept. 21. (GSFC SSR, 9/30/70; SBD, 9/9/70, 38)
MSC and NR Space Div. announced selection of Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm of Munich, West Germany, and BAC of Bristol, England, to conduct subsystems studies for NASA's Space Shuttle. In major step toward international cooperation in space. Messerschmitt would study attitude-control system and BAC would study structures, aerodynamics and flight-test instrumentation, and data handling under contracts financed by their governments. Work would be performed in Downey, Calif. (MSC Release 70-98; NR Release NS-59)
NASA study of advanced exhaust nozzles for jet aircraft had shown "surprising potential ability" of plug nozzle to reduce noise without affecting aircraft performance, NASA reported. Experimental inlets and nozzles had been ground-tested and then flight-tested on modified supersonic jet F-106 aircraft operated by LeRC at Selfridge AFB, Mich. Aircraft was flown as low as about 90 m (300 ft) to obtain good noise signals at microphone-tape-recorder ground station. (NASA Special Release)
Series of reviews to select flight design of Saturn Workshop, part of Skylab program, was announced by MSFC. Government engineers, astronauts, and industry representatives would determine any changes necessary before final approval of Workshop scheduled for 1972 launch into earth orbit. In Sept. 9-10 review at MSFC, astronauts would study Workshop procedures in mockup. Sept. 14-18 critical design review at McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co. Huntington Beach, Calif., facility would be attended by more than 200. At Workshop crew station review Sept. 21-24 at MSFC, astronaut crewmen would "walk through" Skylab tests. Results of reviews would be considered during preliminary review at Huntington Beach Sept. 28-29 and at Workshop Critical Review Board meeting at Huntington Beach Oct. 2. (MSFC Release 70-181)
U.S., U.K., Switzerland, and West Germany began efforts through International Red Cross toward release of passengers held hostage in Jordan after Sept. 6 multiple aircraft hijacking. U.S. Secretary of State William P. Rogers met in Washington, D.C., with representatives of 10 Arab countries. International Federation of Airline Pilots met in London on Israeli proposal of aviation boycott of Arab countries in reprisal. U.N. Secretary General U Thant urged international community "to adopt prompt and effective measures to put a stop to this return to the law of the jungle." (FonF, 9/3-9/70, 638)
MSFC announced McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co. had received $97 057 455 supplement to $1026 393 830 NASA contract for S-IVB program realignment caused by schedule stretchouts. Contract covered storage and maintenance through July 31, 1972. (MSFC Release 70-182)
Apollo 13 Astronaut John L. Swigert, Jr., told news conference at Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn.: "In the past it has taken a war to force technology to advance at an abnormal rate. The space program did it in peacetime, and to me this makes much more sense." Swigert defended proposals for Mars exploration: "If we can learn more about our solar system and have those benefits accrue to the economy, I would say it is worthwhile." (AP, W Post, 9/10/70)
Electrical engineer J. Dominguez Rego received U.S. patent No. 3527 for Electrojet engine that produced electricity by magnetoplasmadynamics-generating electricity directly from fuel burning at high temperature. Some particles of combustion became ionized, or electrically charged, and current could be drawn off. Engine eliminated gas turbine, thus removing limitations on heat and quality of exhaust gases and increasing efficiency while permitting use of cheaper fuels. (Jones, NYT, 912/70, 35; Pat Off PlO)
Establishment of FAA Office of Air Transportation Security to cope with criminal acts against aircraft and airports was announced by Secretary of Transportation John A. Volpe. Office would replace FAA Office of Investigations and Security and would emphasize deterrence of aircraft hijacking. Carl F. Maisch, Director of Office of Investigations and Security and former FBI agent, had been named director of new office. (FAA Release 70-81)
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