Feb 16 1971
From The Space Library
Univ. of Tokyo's Space and Aeronautics Institute successfully launched Japan's second satellite, 63-kg (139-1b) Tansei (MST-1), from Uchinoura Space Center with four-stage Mu- 4S booster. Orbital parameters: apogee, 1110 km (689.7 mi) ; perigee, 990 km (615.2 mi) ; period, 106 min; and inclination, 29.7°. Purpose of mission was to conduct "engineering test for the launching of scientific satellites." Tansei, "Light Blue," was named for Univ. of Tokyo colors. First satellite, Ohsumi-named for district from which it was launched-had been launched Feb. 11, 1970. (UN General Assembly Release 71-03697; SBD, 2/17/71, 211; NASA Off Int Aff; W Star, 2/16/71, A7)
Scientists at MSC, after studying Apollo 14 photos and questioning crew, reported Astronauts Mitchell and Shepard had turned back within 25-50 m (80-165 ft) of Cone Crater during second EVA period. Crew was apparently misled by slight downhill slope around top of Cone Crater which led them to believe it was not part of crater. Ridge astronauts were struggling to reach appeared to have been southeast of Cone. (AP, B Sun, 2/17/71, Al)
European Space Conference President Theo Lefevre, Belgian Minister for Scientific Policy and Planning, told Brussels press conference that U.S. had refused at Feb. 11-12 conference in Washington, D.C., to sell U.S. launch vehicles for European comsats. Lefevre said State Dept. had told him, however, that if two thirds of Intelsat's 72 members agreed that launch vehicles should be sold' U.S. would sell. (NYT, 2/17/71, 14; W Post, 2/17/71, A13)
NASA announced publication of This Island Earth (NASA SP-250). Book, edited by LaRC Deputy Director Oran W. Nicks, contained color photos of earth taken on U.S. space flights. In foreword Dr. George M. Low, NASA Acting Administrator, said: "Photographs such as this book contains increase our understanding of the relationships between our activities and our environment. It is somewhat paradoxical that man's new ability to voyage in space has provided him with a valuable way to appreciate his Earth." (NASA Special Release, 2/16/71)
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