Feb 27 1967
From The Space Library
Cosmos CXLIII was launched by U.S.S.R. into orbit with 302-km (188-mi) apogee, 204-km (127-mi) perigee, 89.5-min period, and 65ΓΈ inclination. All equipment was functioning normally. Satellite reentered Mar. 7. (Tech Wk, 3 /6/67, 15; GSFC SSR, 3/15/67)
NASA's previous approach to preventing spacecraft fires by "preventing their ignition" had been inadequate, Dr. George E. Mueller, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, testified at open hearing held by Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences on Jan. 27 Apollo tragedy. Also present were NASA Administrator James E. Webb, NASA Deputy Administrator Dr. Robert C. Seamans, Jr., and Dr. Charles A. Berry, MSC Director of Medical Research and Operations. NASA's future approach would seek to: (1) minimize possibility of ignition, recognizing "that this possibility will always exist"; (2 ) limit chance of fire's propagating once it has started; and (3) minimize consequences of fire to crew. Dr. Mueller outlined an extensive program of testing, redesign, and procedural changes, which included escape hatch for Apollo spacecraft that could be opened in two seconds; search for new, less flammable materials for cabin interior and spacesuits; and revised emergency procedures. All improvements and changes would be incorporated into an advanced version-Block II-of Apollo spacecraft. No more Block I spacecraft like Apollo 204 would be used for manned space flights. Dr. Mueller said no estimate of fire's eventual cost in time or money would be made until completion of Apollo 204 Review Board's investigation, but he indicated that it would be at least 8 to 10 months before next manned Apollo flight. Dr. Mueller testified that launch rehearsal during which fire had occurred had not been classified as "hazardous" because seven years of experience with Mercury and Gemini programs had never indicated such tests were particularly dangerous. Even if the test had been categorized as hazardous, he said, it would have still taken 90 sec for crew to open the double hatch and complete their egress. Crew died within 20 sec after detection of fire. Webb added that the handle for equalizing pressure, necessary precondition to opening hatch, had not been actuated. Dr. Berry said carbon monoxide had asphyxiated astronauts. He confirmed that bodies had had "some thermal burns of second and third degree" but "not of sufficient magnitude to cause death." Dr. Berry warned that "we are never going to be able to completely eliminate the risk of fire as long as oxygen is available." Dr. Mueller said "an atmosphere which will support life will also support combustion. Therefore the first answer . . . must be fire prevention in terms of strict control of both potential ignition sources and combustible materials." During the questioning session, Sen. Walter F. Mondale (D-Minn.) inquired about a 1965 report by Apollo Program Manager M/G Samuel Phillips (USAF). Dr. Mueller said that he did not recall such a report," and when asked to supply a copy, Webb said NASA would try and identify the specific report and would make it available to the Comptroller General "under any request that the Committee . . would make to him." (Testimony; Transcript, 3-4, 24, 41-2,61,70, Apollo Accident, Part 2,65-66, 75, 86, 97,108, 115, 125 ff., and 130 ff.)
NASA Administrator James E. Webb presented the Distinguished Service Medal-NASA's highest award-to former NASA General Counsel Walter D. Sohier in special Washington, D.C., ceremony. Sohier was cited especially for his efforts on the space law treaty, patent policy, and NASA-university-industry relations. (NASA Release 67-39)
ERC announced appointment of James M. Bayne, former chief of MSC's Facilities Program Office, as Project Construction Office chief. Bayne would supervise construction of ERC's multi-million dollar permanent site, already under way, at Kendall Square, Cambridge, Mass. (ERC Release)
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