Apr 3 1968
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. successfully launched Cosmos CCX into orbit with 374- km (232.4-mi) apogee, 198-km (123-mi) perigee, 90.2-min period, and 81.3° inclination. Satellite reentered April 11. (SBD, 4/4/68, 197; GSFC SSR, 4/15/68)
Nike-Apache sounding rocket launched by NASA from Churchill Research Range carried GSFC payload to 81-mi (129-km) altitude to gather data on charged particle flux associated with aurora and to investigate distribution of electric fields in ionosphere, occurrence of radio noise, and ionospheric electron densities during auroral displays. Experimental results were 70% successful. (NASA Rpt SRL)
National Academy of Sciences president, Dr. Frederick Seitz, was elected president of Rockefeller Univ. to succeed Dr. Detlev W. Bronk, who would retire July 1. Dr. Seitz would divide his time between NAS and University until early 1969, when he would assume his full-time educational duties. Member of President's Science Advisory Com mittee and of DOD's Defense Science Board, which he chaired four years ending in March, Dr. Seitz had succeeded Dr. Bronk as NAS president in 1962. (Farber, NYT, 4/4/68; NAS-NRC-NAE News Report, 4/68)
Dr. Harold A. Rosen, Assistant Manager of Hughes Aircraft Co. Space Systems Div. and Manager of Hughes Satellite Systems Laboratories, was named recipient of AIAA'S first Aerospace Communications Award for his "leadership in making synchronous satellite communications a global reality, thereby opening a new challenge for the progress of mankind." Award also honored late Don Williams, former Chief Scientist for Communications Satellite Systems at Hughes, for "his early recognition, technical judgment, inventiveness, and singular dedication in pioneering the development and design of synchronous communications satellites." (AIAA News; AIAA PIO)
USAF was flight-testing tactical photographic image transmission (TAPIT) subsystem which would enable tactical fighter aircraft to perform as reconnaissance vehicles. TAPIT, self-contained in pod mounted under aircraft wing with small control box in cockpit, took panoramic pictures from low altitudes; developed film in seven seconds; electronically scanned photos; and transmitted signals to ground stations within 100-mi radius. (AFSC Release 24.68)
Marshall Space Flight Center awarded IBM's Space Guidance Center $1,303,758 contract for spare parts and logistics support of instrument units that guided Saturn IB and Saturn V launch vehicles. (MSFC Release 68-63)
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