Apr 6 1963
From The Space Library
LUNIK IV passed within 8,500 km. (5,281 mi.) of the moon at 4:26 a.m. Moscow time, Tass reported. "The experiments and measurements which were conducted by means of the spacecraft are completed. Radio communication with the spacecraft will continue for a few more days. "Broad experimental data, which are of great value for the solution of a number of technological problems related to the conquest of the moon, were obtained. Measurement data are now being processed and studied in scientific centers of our country which are responsible for the investigation of cosmic space." Tass still did not reveal nature of probe's mission. Sir Bernard Lovell, Director of Jodrell Bank Experimental Station in England, was quoted as saying he believed the Soviets had failed in an attempt. to land instruments on the moon. "It is hardly conceivable, after a lapse of three years, with all the improvements in techniques, that the Russians would merely set out to do again what they did with LUNIK III." (Pravda, 4/7/63, EOS Trans.; AP, Wash,. Post, 4/7/63, A7; AP, Wash. Sun. Star, 4/7/63)
USAF satellite (1962 Beta Kappa-1), launched Oct. 26, 1962, to study artificial radiation, had discovered evidence that radiation from U.S. Starfish high-altitude nuclear test would last up to 10 years, Project Director Dr. Ludwig Katz of USAF Cambridge Research Laboratories disclosed. The previously unidentified satellite, called "STARAD," was built at non request when it became apparent artificial radiation might, be damaging orbiting satellites, carried nine different instruments for measuring the artificial radiation. USAF spokesmen said, in their opinion, data from this satellite were influential in Dr. James A. Van Allen's reversal of his previous position that the radiation would last only a year (see March 15). Dr. Katz said the satellite found there had been little decrease in artificial radiation's intensity since the satellite was launched. "The decay of the belt is so small that a lifetime of five to ten years would not surprise me." STARAD also detected increased radiation from Soviet high-altitude nuclear explosions of Oct. 28 and Nov. 1. It transmitted until Jan. 18 when its batteries deteriorated. (AP, Wash. Sun. Star, 4/7/63; Wash,. Post, 4/7/63; Av. Wk., 4/15/63,26)
Mining of water on the moon could provide rocket fuel for interplanetary spacecraft, thus eliminating need for more advanced rockets, John W. Salisbury of USAF Cambridge Research Laboratories said. Converting water to its components oxygen and hydrogen would provide the two fuel elements of Saturn V's upper stage. Salisbury said lunar water would be present either as subsurface ice or as one-eighth of silicate rock formations known as olivine. USAF was conducting studies to determine most efficient way of water thus trapped in the moon. (NYTNS, Wash,. Post, 4,/7/63, A7)
Dr. Otto Struve, prominent U.S. astronomer and former Director of National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank, W. Va., died at 66 in Berkeley, Calif. (Chicago Trib., 4/10/63)
Fourth annual Conference on Peaceful Uses of Space would be held in Boston in May 1964, NASA Administrator Webb announced. (Wash. Sun. Star, 4/7/63)
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