Jan 2 1995
From The Space Library
Data from NASA's Upper Atmospheric Research Satellite indicate that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are responsible for the destruction of Earth's protective stratospheric ozone layer. By mid-1995, the amount of methyl chloroform in the atmosphere was found to have begun to decrease, although the Antarctic hole in the ozone grew significantly. (NASA Release 95-115; NY Times, Jul 16/95, Aug 3/95, Oct 12/95 & Nov 29/95; W Post, Jul 14/95, Sep 13/95; W Tmes, Oct 12/95; UPI, Sep 20/95; Av Wk, Jan 2/95; Science, Oct 20/95)
The United States and Russia began taking practical steps toward merging their manned space programs. NASA expected to begin shuttle flights to the Mir Space Station as a step in a joint venture to build a space station. The agreement called for seven flights through 1997 in which U.S. Space Shuttles would dock with Mir and allow the exchange of crews. One shuttle mission in 1995 would supply solar arrays that would combine U.S. advanced photovoltaic technology with Russia's expertise in space structures and mechanisms in order to boost Mir's electrical out-put by six kilowatts. (Av Wk, Jan 2/95; San Diego Union-Tribune, Jan 4/95)
Scientists at the University of Chicago advanced a new theory explaining the "mass extinctions" of living species that have occurred on Earth, the most famous being that of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. They theorized that supernovas burned off the Earth's ozone layer and caused the Sun's rays to flood the surface with deadly radiation. The theory borrows from work done on the effect of ozone depletion in Antarctica. Scientists estimate that five mass extinctions have occurred on Earth, one every 120 million years. (AP, Jan 2/91; C Trib, Jan 3/95)
NASA selected the IBM Thinkpad 755C as the Space Shuttle's new standard portable computer. It will supplement the Shuttle's computing capability and manage in-orbit activities. Sixty computers were purchased at $400,000. Pending completion on testing, they will he used on all Shuttle missions starting with Mission 63 next March. (Av Wk, Jan 3/95)
NASA reported that three years of data collection from its Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) confirmed that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) cause ozone loss. The satellite detected CFCs and hydrogen fluoride, a product of the chemical breakdown of CFCs, in the stratosphere. (Av Wk, Jan 2/95; The Grand Rapids Press, Jan 2/95)
A General Accounting Office report called NASA's plans to expand and fund the scientific research needed to support a manned space facility unrealistic. The report indicated that NASA's projected $18 billion cost for Space Station Freedom was far too low. The chief congressional critic of the Space Station, Senator William Cohen, estimated a $71 billion price tag. (Av Wk, Jan 2/95; The Grand Rapids Press, Jan 2/95)
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