Dec 13 1968
From The Space Library
Explorer XXXIX (Air Density Explorer C) and Explorer XL (Injun V), launched as dual payload Aug. 8, were adjudged successful by NASA. Explorer XXXIX balloon had been ejected and fully inflated. Explorer XL had despun, extended booms, and turned on experiments satisfactorily. Malfunction in spacecraft's power subsystem had caused loss of one-third of power generated by solar panels, reducing quantity but not affecting quality of data. Satellite would enter full sunlight Sept. 18, 1969, permitting originally planned data-acquisition rate. (NASA Proj Off)
NASA announced agency and DOD had agreed jointly to make computer programs available to industry, educational institutions, scientific and technical organizations, and others through Computer Softwear Management and Information Center (COSMIC). Established in 1966 under NASA contract at Univ. of Georgia, COSMIC listed some 350 computer programs for sale at fraction of cost. More than 100 DOD programs, with additional NASA programs, would be added during 1969. Part of NASA Office of Technology Utilization effort to encourage secondary use of aerospace R&D results, COSMIC offered design information for electronic printed-circuit boards and programs for such jobs as inventory control, accounting, data control, stress analysis, equipment checkout, and structural testing. (NASA Release 68-212)
Cal Tech trustees announced choice of Dr. Harold Brown, Air Force Secretary, to replace Dr. Lee A. DuBridge, who resigned effective Jan. 20 to become Science Adviser to President-elect Richard M. Nixon. (UPI, W Star, 12/14/68, A3; W Post, 12/15/68, A6)
Naval Ship Systems Command had awarded $13.5-million contract to Todd Shipyards Corp. for first of nine oceanographic ships of radically new design. Prototype would provide USN with its first catamaran-style hull. Diesel-propelled, 246-ft-long ship would be designated GOR-16 (for general ocean research). (NYT, 12/13/68, 86)
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