Feb 12 1971
From The Space Library
Space News for this day. (1MB PDF)
LRL scientists opened first box of lunar samples returned by Apollo 14. Samples included one rock almost pure white with some grey flecks and one with 10 times more potassium, thorium, and uranium than was found in Apollo 11 and 12 samples. Dr. Paul Gast, Director of Planetary and Earth Sciences at MSC, said preliminary studies of samples were "not inconsistent" with idea that lunar high- lands might represent lunar crust. "If this additional evidence that the (highlands) materials on the moon contain abundant rocks with high potassium and high uranium and high thorium ... it means the highlands are almost as old as the moon itself. What we're saying is that there is a layer of unknown thickness . . . on the surface of the moon which is of very different composition than the average moon." (AP, W Star, 2/13/71, Al)
Apollo 14 Astronaut Edgar D. Mitchell had tried personal experiment in mental telepathy during flight to moon and back, AP reported. Mitchell, who had life-long interest in psychic phenomena, had concentrated at prearranged times on symbols. Psychic in Chicago had concentrated at same time in attempt to receive signals. Mitchell confirmed that he had conducted experiment, but declined to reveal details. (AP, B Sun, 2/13/71, Al)
Analysis of low-frequency sound from Apollo 14 spacecraft passing 188 km (117 mi) over Bermuda, obtained from infrasonic sensors in Bermuda, was presented in Science by Columbia Univ. geologists. Signals, reminiscent of N-waves from sonic booms, were horizontally coherent, had nearly identical appearances and frequencies, and had supersonic trace velocities across tripartite sensor arrays. They had identical arrival times after spacecraft launch from KSC and were only coherent signals recorded over many hours. Observations "seem to establish that the recorded sound comes from the rockets at high elevation" but values of surface pressure appeared explainable by combination of "kinetic theory approach to shock formation in rarefied atmospheres with established gas-dynamics shock theory." (Cotten, Donn, Science, 2/12/71, 565-7)
Age and composition effects on alteration of lunar optical properties were described in Science. Evidence from Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 samples and telescopic spectral reflectivity measurements indicated that lunar seas "are similar in mineralogy on a regional scale and that the high-lands are consistent with an anorthositic-gabbro composition. Bright craters and rays in both regions expose materials that are relatively crystalline compared with their backgrounds, which are richer in dark glass. With age, bright craters and rays in the maria darken in place by meteorite impact-induced vitrification and mixing with the surrounding material. Highland bright craters and rays may, however, darken primarily through regional contamination by iron and titanium rich mare material." (Adams, McCord, Science, 2/12/71, 567-71)
MSFC announced appointment of Dr. William R. Lucas, Director of MSFC's Program Development Directorate, as MSFC Deputy Director, Technical, effective Feb. 15. Dr. Lucas' position would be assumed by James T. Murphy in acting capacity. (MSFC Release 71-25)
NASA announced publication of second annual Research and Technology Operating Plan (RTOP) Summary. FY 1971 edition identified and described hundreds of NASA research and technology efforts. (NASA Re-lease 71-18)
USN announced cause of Dec. 30, 1970, crash of F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft on second test flight was two pencil-thin hydraulic lines that ruptured after severe vibration. Findings confirmed those of aircraft manufacturer, Grumman Aerospace Corp. USN said problem could be corrected without major redesign or changes. (AP, NYT, 2/15/71, 44)
Philadelphia Evening Bulletin editorial commented on signing of seabed treaty: "A quarter century of fear and mistrust has left both the U.S. and U.S.S.R. with vast nuclear power, but little real security. The Sea-bed Treaty is not going to reverse this, but it is one more slim strand across the chasm of nationalistic rivalry upon which mankind may eventually suspend a bridge." (P Bull, 2/12/71)
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