Aug 25 1964
From The Space Library
NASA launched EXPLORER XX scientific satellite into orbit from Western Test Range, Calif., using Scout booster rocket. Initial orbit: 625-mi. apogee, 540-mi. perigee, 104-min. period, and 80° inclination to the equator. The ionosphere Explorer satellite, nicknamed "Topsi," immediately began mapping the ionosphere and sending data back to earth. The findings of this satellite would be compared with those obtained by ALOUETTE, the Canadian-developed "topside sounder." (NASA Release 64-207; Wash. Post, 8/26/64; AP, Chic. Trib., 8/26/64; Av. Wk., 8/31/64, 25)
Team of NASA space scientists and engineers, including Astronaut Walter Cunningham outfitted in a pressurized spacesuit, began week-long mobility tests at McKenzie Pass lava area in central Oregon's Cascade Mountains, where they investigated man's ability to perform on surfaces thought to resemble that of the moon. (AP, Balt. Sun, 8/26/64)
About 1,600 astronomers representing every country except Communist China opened week-long assembly of the International Astronomical Union at Hamburg Univ., Hamburg, Germany. Soviet astronomer Viktor A. Ambartsumian, president of Liu, said in address that the accelerated rate of discoveries in 20th century astronomy would continue to challenge astronomers for a long time. He cited two developments since the last IAU assembly three years ago which deserved special attention: study of x-ray spectrum with use of rockets to carry instruments beyond the earth's atmosphere; and discovery that at least some galaxies have cores that seem to have tremendous mass and a nature unlike stars. (Sullivan, NYT, 8/26/64)
USAF XB-70A aircraft made fourth of series of taxi runs at Palmdale, Calif., reaching for first time the planned ground speed of 140 mph. Flight tests of the 185-ft. experimental bomber would be made after one or two more taxi checkouts down the runway. (AP, Balt. Sun, 8/31/64; Av. Wk., 8/31/64,25)
August 25-27 : Highlights of Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, which selected Lyndon Johnson and Hubert Humphrey as Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, were broadcast to 15 countries in western Europe's Eurovision network via TELSTAR II communications satellite. (AP, Wash. Post, 8/19/64)
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