Dec 21 1971
From The Space Library
First complete details on Mars 2 and 3 instruments were telexed by Soviet scientists to NASA scientists at JPL over direct line in-stalled for exchange of Mariner 9 and Mars 2 and 3 data. Message said Soviet Mars spacecraft each had two radiometers, four photometers, one magnetometer, one ion trap, one spectrometer, and device to measure cosmic radiation. Analysis of data from Mars probes had been delayed while Soviet scientists investigated interruption of TV transmission from capsule dropped on Mars by Mars 3 Dec. 2. Message did not state cause of interruption or whether transmission had resumed. JPL officials later said Soviet message had given location of Mars 2 spacecraft but Soviet scientists had asked that information not be publicized. (AP, Long Beach, Calif, Independent-Press Telegram, 12/22/71)
Flight version of multiple docking adapter (MBA) for Skylab was transported from Denver to St. Louis, Mo., aboard Super Guppy aircraft for mating with airlock module (AM) being manufactured by McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co. After mating, all systems would be tested and mated modules would be placed in large altitude chamber where manned and unmanned simulated missions would be conducted. (MSFC Release 71-241)
Gunman disarmed and held captive four Univ. of Maryland security guards outside chemistry building during alleged attempt to break into laboratories where lunar samples were kept. Later Dr. Cyril A. Ponnamperuma, former ARC scientist, said he believed unsuccessful attempt had been made to steal lunar samples. Dr. Ponnamperuma was analyzing samples at Univ. of Maryland for traces of amino acid, hydrocarbons, or other building blocks of life. (Meyer, W Post, 12/22/71, Cl )
Identification of galactic x-ray source GX3 +1 with known star by British astronomers using lunar occulation-new technique "employing co-ordinated observations from two sounding rockets- had been reported by U.K. Science Research Council, New York Times said. Observations-from Skylark rockets launched from Woomera, Australia, Sept. 27 and Oct. 24, when GX3 +1's approximate position was known-had indicated two times during which x-ray source had disappeared behind moon. Data had enabled Royal Greenwich Observatory astronomer L. V. Morrison to pinpoint area in which x-ray source lay by using photographic plate of region that contained star. Attempts to confirm identification would be made in next two months but report conceded possibility that x-ray source could be associated with fainter star not visible on existing plates. (NYT, 12/21/71, 22)
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