Feb 25 1967
From The Space Library
Astrobee 1500 sounding rocket was launched from Wallops Island with radiometer payload to obtain spectral observations in high frequency within the near-earth (up to 2,500 km) environment. Some of the hardware would be for eventual use on proposed Pilgrim satellite. Peak altitude was 1,475 mi (2,380 km). Rocket performance was satisfactory. Improper antenna deployment probably caused loss of most scientific data. (NASA Rpt SRL)
NASA Administrator James E. Webb issued statement based on third interim report by Deputy Administrator Dr. Robert C. Seamans, Jr., on work of Apollo 204 Review Board. Webb observed: (I) "The risk of fire that could not be controlled or from which escape could not be made was considerably greater than was recognized when the procedures for the conduct of the test were established. Our experience with pure oxygen atmosphere included not only the successful Mercury and Gemini flights but a number of instances where a clearly positive source of ignition did not result in a fire. . . ." (2) Apollo spacecraft had been equipped with such items as Velcro adhesive pads to hold frequently used equipment and nylon netting to catch dropped objects. "While most of these [items] were constructed of low-combustion-potential material, they were not arranged as to provide barriers to the spread of a fire. Tests conducted . . . since the accident have shown that an oxygen fire in the capsule will spread along the surface of Velcro and along the edges of nylon netting much faster than through the material itself. (3) Soldered joints in piping carrying both oxygen and fluids were melted away, with resultant leakage contributing to the spread of the fire. . . ." (4) Capsule burst in such a way that flames traveled over and around astronauts' couches toward rupture. "Under these conditions, and with just a few seconds of time available, the astronauts could not reach the hatch and open it. (5) This fire indicates that a number of items related to the design and performance of the environmental control unit will require the most careful examination and may require redesign. . . :' Webb announced that Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences would hold open hearing on Review Board's preliminary findings Feb. 27 and that House Committee on Science and Astronautics' Subcommittee on NASA Oversight would conduct full investigation of accident after completion of Board's inquiry, expected by late March. Dr. Seamans said in his report that an "electrical malfunction" was regarded as "most likely source of ignition" of the fire but the "Possibility exists that no single source will ever be pinpointed." Board was still considering chemical reactions in onboard materials, spontaneous combustion of certain materials, and possible electrical phenomena. Evidence indicated fire had had three distinct phases: originating in left side of spacecraft, it had burned several seconds unnoticed, then spread becoming more intense and causing cabin pressure to rise rapidly as atmosphere became heated. Fifteen seconds after crew first reported fire, cabin ruptured. During second phase, gases and flames flowed past astronauts' couches and through hole moving from left to right. With cabin's oxygen quickly reduced by rush of flames and gas outside, fire continued as localized flame, smoking heavily, in third phase. Dr. Seamans said Board noted: "The experience in flight and in tests prior to the accident had suggested that the probability of a spacecraft fire was low. Continued alertness to the possibility of fire had become dulled by previous ground experience and six years of successful manned missions. . . . Potential ignition sources inside the spacecraft had been treated so as to be considered safe; neither the crews nor the test and development personnel felt the risk of spacecraft fire to be high. . . ." Dr. Seamans emphasized that Board did not recommend changing pure oxygen system or planned cabin pressure for space flight, but did urge that "trade-offs between one-and two-gas atmospheres be re-evaluated . . . [and] pressurized oxygen no longer be used in prelaunch operations." It also recommended: (1) combustible materials be replaced where possible with nonflammable materials; (2) nonmetallic materials be arranged to maintain fire breaks; (3) systems for oxygen and liquid combustibles be made fire resistant; (4) full flammability tests be conducted with mockup of new configuration; (5) more rapidly and easily operated hatch be installed; and (6) on-the-pad emergency procedures be revised to recognize possibility of cabin fire. (NASA Release 67-38)
NAS had received 9223 applications for 20-30 positions in NASA's astronaut training program. Academy was expected to forward NASA a list of 60-75 recommended candidates in March for final selection. (Sehlstadt, Jr., B Sun, 2/26/67)
Europe was weak educationally and should greatly expand institutions of higher learning to close a "technological gap" that was widening in favor of US., Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara told students at Millsaps College, Jackson, Miss. "Europe's weakness is seriously crippling its growth. It is weak in general education, it is weak in its technical education, and it is particularly weak in its managerial education." (W Post, 2/25/67,11)
Electrically powered cars, trucks, and buses, with limited ranges and speeds, could be produced with existing technology, and their general usage would greatly reduce air pollution, Federal Power Commission (FPC) concluded in report to Senate Commerce Committee. Committee Chairman Sen. Warren G. Magnuson (D-Wash.) said he would hold hearings in March on the report which "hopefully will produce quick response from industry." (Ayres, Jr., NYT, 2/26/67, 69)
Quasars, which radiate as much light and energy as a galaxy, appear to have a diameter only 1% as large as galaxies, scientists from U.K.'s Royal Astronomical Observatory and Royal Radar Establishment reported in Nature. Theory was based on measurements of radio signals of 30 quasars, obtained by using two radio telescopes 80 mi apart in combination as if at extreme ends of single instrument. Data indicating quasars are smaller than previously believed compounded the problem of explaining their enormous quantities of energy. (W Post, 2/26/ 67)
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