Jan 11 1968
From The Space Library
NASA successfully launched Explorer XXXVI-also called Geos II (GEOS-B) Geodetic Earth Orbiting Satellite-from WTR by Thrust-Augmented Delta booster into orbit with 978.4-mi (1,574.5-km) apogee; 670.8-mi (1,079.5-km) perigee; 112.18-min period; and 105.8° inclination. The 460-1b, gravity-gradient satellite, launched to contribute to completion of NASA-managed U.S. National Geodetic Satellite Program (NGSP), carried six geodetic systems for development of a more precise model of earth's gravitational field and improvement of knowledge of earth's size and shape: (1) flashing-light beacons with 6,620-candle-sec-per-flash combined candle emittance to be photographed against background of stars; (2) corner cube quartz reflectors to pinpoint satellite's position by reflecting a laser beam; (3) three radio transmitters to help determine satellite's line-of-sight velocity using Doppler shift principle and USN TRANET equipment; (4) radio transponder to provide distance between satellite and interrogating USA SECOR network ground station; (5) range and range-rate transponders for simultaneous determination of satellite-to-ground-station range and line-of-sight velocity, using NASA's STADAN system; and (6) C-band transponder systems at STADAN stations for calibration and experimentation to determine applicability of C-band radar tracking system to satellite geodesy. Primary mission objectives were to obtain 90 days of precision spacecraft position data, support geodetic positioning of 40 reference control points and 64 densification observation sites, and evaluate accuracy of ground-based C-band radars.
Explorer XXXVI was fifth satellite launched in NGSP series and second in GEOS series. Mission of first GEOS satellite, Explorer XXIX (launched Nov. 6, 1965), had ended in December 1966, but satellite was still transmitting weak signals on Doppler shift. Geos II was designed, fabricated, and tested by Johns Hopkins Univ.'s Applied Physics Laboratory. Overall mission responsibility was assigned to OSSA. (NASA Release 68-2K; NASA Proj Off; UPI, NYT, 1/11/68, 30)
SR-71, USAF's fastest and highest flying aircraft, crashed in northern California. L/C Robert G. Sowers (USAF) , instructor, and Capt. David E. Fruehaf (USAF) , trainee, ejected safely. (UPI, W Post, 1/13/68, 4)
Malfunction in test equipment apparently caused failure of two modified Apollo drogue parachutes during flight test at USN's aerospace research facility, El Centro, Calif. Test objective to demonstrate structural integrity of parachutes to slow and stabilize spacecraft before main parachute deployment was not realized; MSC announced repeat of flight test would be made Feb. 5. (Aero Tech, 1/29/68, 10)
NASA announced award of $4,521,671 contract to Honeywell, Inc., for management and engineering services during 1968 for Centaur launch vehicle guidance system. Atlas-Centaur booster had successfully launched seven Surveyor spacecraft toward the moon and was scheduled to launch OAO, ATS, and two Mariners. (LeRC Release 68-3)
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