Feb 26 1970
From The Space Library
President Nixon sent message to Congress setting forth Federal Economy Act of 1970: "I propose reduction, termination or restructuring of 57 programs which are obsolete, low priority or in need of basic reform. These program changes would save a total of $2.5 billion in the fiscal year 1971." Among "most significant" items in total savings effort was space program. "After the recent successful Apollo missions, scientific needs for more manned lunar explorations were reassessed. We concluded that fewer manned expeditions to the moon were needed, and production of additional Saturn V launch vehicles and spacecraft has been suspended. Eight Saturn Vs remain in our inventory for manned flights during the early 70s: Savings as a result of these and related space research decisions total $417 million in fiscal year 1971 appropriations." (PD, 3/2/ 70,271-5)
President Nixon sent to Congress Annual Report on Activities and Accomplishments under the Communications Satellite Act of 1962. He said: "Communications between Earth and the Moon, while certainly the most dramatic use, is only one of many ways in which satellite communications can now be employed. The Intelsat Consortium of more than 70 nations has been highly successful in bringing the benefits of communications satellite technology to the people of many nations. This report reflects the steady progress being made toward an improved global communications network. Already we see major improvements in international telecommunications capabilities-improvements that will ultimately benefit all of the world's people." Report said 1969 "saw the largest annual increase in the number of operational earth stations in the history of INTELSAT." At year's end, 41 earth station antennas were in operation in 24 countries. "Nine other stations or additional antennas are expected to be in service within the first six months of 1970." (PD, 3/270, 275; H Doc 91-264)
Dr. George M. Low, NASA Deputy Administrator, testified in NASA FY 1971 authorization hearings before House Committee on Science and Astronautics: "Our most serious problem in recent years has been our inability to hire newly graduated scientists, engineers and administrative professionals in sufficient numbers. The average age of NASA employees is now increasing 8/10 of a year each year. While we were able to hire 965 graduating college students in 1966, the number dropped to 738 in 1967, 567 in 1968, 253 in 1969, and an estimated 180 in 1970." NASA Civil Service staffing would decline from 31350 at end of FY 1970 to 30 550 at end of FY 1971. Of this reduction, 600 would result from phasing out of ERC employees. Total of 200 would be reduced at manned space flight centers and NASA Hq. (Testimony)
NASA Associate Administrator for Tracking and Data Acquisition Gerald M. Truszynski testified before House Committee: Tracking networks had supported 101 manned and unmanned missions in addition to Apollo 11 in 1969: Meeting basic requirements of flight projects when budget was at "minimum level" had required significant reductions in overall network capability. Planned improvements had been deferred in FY 1969 for second year and, for first time, sustaining equipment items had been deferred. FY 1971 request of $299.3 million-$298.0 million for R&D and $1.3 million for construction-included MSFN equipment to support Apollo Applications program while continuing ALSEP support. Satellite Network reductions to FY 1969 had terminated or greatly reduced support of several in-orbit spacecraft still capable of transmitting valuable scientific data. Remaining workload of some 45 satellites continued to require .around-the-clock operations at most net-work stations. Many satellites already aloft would require support in FY 1971, as would 10 new spacecraft scheduled for launch. FY 1971 equipment replacement program was critical. Network could support only portion of spacecraft passes and reliability was essential. Continued support from DSN overseas facilities would be needed to support four on-going Pioneer missions and Mariner VI and VII. Major increase in workload in late FY 1971 with launch of dual Mariner '71 mission would require substantial preparatory engineering effort, as would multimission capability for future programs of Pioneer F and G, Mariner/Mercury '73, and Hellos. (Testimony)
Dr. William H. Pickering, JPL Director, announced formation of Mariner Venus-Mercury Office at JPL, headed by project manager Walker E. Giberson. (JPL Release 543)
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