February 1968
From The Space Library
NASA published 1967 Summer Study of Lunar Science and Exploration (NASA SP-157), results of July 31-Aug. 13, 1967, conference at Univ. of California in Santa Cruz. Conference recommended NASA: (1) develop lunar flying unit (LFU), Saturn V dual-launch capability, and dual-mode local scientific survey module (LSSM) for lunar surface mobility; (2) make available in 1970-75 Block II Surveyor or another system capable of deploying numerous experiments; (3) increase total returned payload to 400 lb so that at least 250 lb of lunar samples could be returned on Apollo Applications (AA) missions; (4) increase flexibility of ALSEP stations' design, possibly by adopting modular concept; (5) provide for continuous telemetry coverage of all payload elements and operations; (6) develop subsatellite system for deploying instruments in close lunar orbit; (7) implement any extension of Apollo science program by open solicitation of experiments from scientific community; (8) undertake strong programs in scientific instrument definition and development and in lunar supporting research and technology; (9) establish position of Project Scientist within manned spaceflight program; (10) include ability in field geology as a major requirement for astronauts who would land on moon; (11) conduct immediate and intensive program of detailed mission analyses for prime lunar landing sites and traverses suggested by the conference; and (12) include in lunar surface studies observations of micrometeoroid environment, radio-frequency noise levels, surface impedance and conductivity, lunar ionosphere, gamma rays and x-rays, soil mechanics, thermal effects, and contaminants. (NASA SP-157; AP, NYT, 2/19/68, 17)
Discovery of gamma radiation from celestial sources by AFOSR-supported group at Rice Univ., using "gamma-ray telescope," was reported by Dr. R. C. Haymes in OAR Research Review. Telescope tracked celestial sources in diurnal motions across sky with pointing system also developed by Rice group. The two gamma-ray sources, discovered in 1967 flight from Scientific Balloon Flight Station of National Center for Atmospheric Research, Texas, were found in Crab Nebula and Cygnus. (OAR Research Review, 2/68, 1-2)
U.K. was urged to join "the mainstream of space development" by Council of the British Interplanetary Society. Council specifically criticized 13th report from Parliamentary Estimates Committee, "Space Research and Development," for its statement that U.K. "should not take part in the CETS [Conférence Européene sur les Télécommunications par Satellites] programme for a television distribution satellite." Council said U.K. should assess fully future opportunities for collaboration with U.S. and U.S.S.R. and recommended multiaction course for U.K. to conduct international and national space activities. Concluding that "lack of purpose at the political level, and a stubborn refusal to establish a viable European space programme" had caused present confused, unplanned, and ineffectual situation, Council urged that U.K. seize opportunity to create family of satellite launchers of maximum utility to extend "many branches of space competence with other types of applications satellites." (.5/ F, 2/68, 56-7)
- February
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