Dec 3 1973
From The Space Library
NASA'S Pioneer 10 (launched March 2, 1972) became man's first spacecraft to reach Jupiter as it passed 130 000 km (81 000 mi) from the planet at 9:25 pm EST, after traveling 641 days and 826 000 000 km (513 000 000 mi) [see Nov. 3-Jan. 9]. (NASA prog off)
President Nixon wired congratulations to scientists at Ames Research Center on Pioneer 10's encounter with the planet Jupiter: "Our nation takes profound pride in so impressive a scientific achievement. On behalf of the American people, I want to express my admiration and gratitude to you." The President said Pioneer 10 had "demonstrated that man's ability to explore the heavens is on the threshold of the infinite." (O'Toole, W Post, 12/4/73, Al; W Star-News, 12/4/73, A3)
The Skylab Saturn IB/Apollo rescue vehicle, readied for rescue of Skylab 4 astronauts (launched Nov. 16), was rolled out from Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39, Pad B. By Dec. 19 the vehicle would complete flight readiness tests, the two-day final overall test of spacecraft systems and ground support equipment, and a simulated launch. On Dec. 21 the rescue vehicle would be within nine days of launch readiness and would hold at that point until needed in an emergency or returned to the VAB at the end of the mission. The rescue command module was equipped with two additional crew couches and additional life support and communications connections to permit it to return the three Skylab 4 crewmen and the two rescue crew members, Vance D. Brand and Dr. Don L. Lind. (KSC Release 283-73)
President Nixon conferred the four-star rank on Adm. Hyman G. Rickover (USN, Ret.) in a White House ceremony. The President said: "He, of course, will be remembered . . . because he leaves as a monument not only the fact that there are now more ships and a stronger Navy, but that superb breakthrough in technology-Polaris, Poseidon, Trident. No one can ever speak of these breakthroughs without thinking of Admiral Rickover." (PD, 12/10/73, 1385)
The House passed H.R. 9430, a bill naming a Federal building and carrying an amendment that repealed the 1972 naming of Jet Propulsion Laboratory after former Rep. H. Allen Smith (R-Calif.) . (CR, 12/3/73, H10468)
President Nixon accepted the resignation of John A. Love as Assistant to the President and Director of the Energy Policy Office. (PD, 12/10/73, 1448)
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