Aug 5 1972
From The Space Library
Pravda published interview with unidentified designer of U.S.S.R.'s Venus 8 Venus probe (launched March 27). "The vehicle was designed for prolonged work on the planet's surface. Everything is aimed at delaying the apparatus' `thermal death.' New devices and additional scientific instruments were fitted to the descent apparatus. Therefore, the task was to reduce some of the weight and lighten the apparatus chiefly at the expense of the body. A new system for releasing the cover from the parachute section and an improved parachute system are used on the . . . descent apparatus. The parachutes were tested on a special stand .. , like a wind tunnel with a gas current heated to 500 degrees [centigrade; 773 kelvins] being blown through it. Carbon dioxide-the chief component of the Venusian atmosphere-was passed through the tube. With the help of sensors and a movie camera the testers thus had the opportunity of observing the behavior of the parachute system under near natural conditions." Spherical capsule had been repeatedly tested in high-pressure chamber that simulated physical conditions of Venus landing. (FBIS-SOV, 8/8/72, L2)
Nike-Apache sounding rocket, carrying Goddard Space Flight Center pay-load, was launched by NASA from Churchill Research Range. Objectives were to measure intensity and energy spectra of low- energy protons, helium nuclei, and heavier nuclei during polar cap absorption event; examine relative abundances of charge species; and study changes in intensity with time during event. Rocket and instrumentation performance was not satisfactory. Radar beam malfunctioned at liftoff, telemetry signal was lost after 128 sec, 2nd stage apparently failed to ignite, and payload was not recovered. Launch was second of two; first had been Aug. 4. (NASA Rpt SRL)
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