Jul 11 1969
From The Space Library
Space News for this day. (1MB PDF)
Apollo 11 Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr." underwent last major preflight medical examination at KSC and were cleared for July 16 launch. (Apollo Status Rpt; UPI, W Post, 7/12/69, A4)
At Cape Kennedy press conference, Apollo 8 Astronaut Frank Borman termed "totally ridiculous" cancellation of President Nixon's dinner with Apollo 11 crew on eve of launch to avoid contaminating crew with presidential germs. He had delivered invitation to dinner to White House and President Nixon had accepted when MSC Medical Director, Dr. Charles A. Berry, criticized dinner [see July 7]. Borman said his talks with U.S.S.R. officials during recent tour had left him convinced they planned lunar landing soon but, "from the people on the subways to their president, all I heard was that they are wishing success for Apollo 11." (Greider, W Post, 7/13/69, A4)
NAS published Plan for U.S. Participation in the Global Atmospheric Research Program. It recommended five-year effort including Pacific test of global weather observing system and large-scale atmospheric study in 1973, series of small regional studies beginning in 1969 or 1970, and experiments to improve numerical models of atmosphere for computer forecasting, with continued development of computer 100 times faster than currently available. Total effort would require 10 yrs, with plans for second portion to be based on information gained during first 5 yrs. Report, prepared by NRC committee, said developments in computers and satellites had made it possible "to advance toward the goal of accurate two-week forecasts and, eventually, toward intelligent modification of the weather." Use of satellites such as Nimbus III, launched April 14, and expansion of other observing systems made it technically and economically possible to provide adequate global observations for long-range forecasts. Recommended test of global observing system would require 2 satellites with advanced instrumentation, nearly 1,000 balloons, and 135 instrumented buoys. Simultaneous cloud-cluster study would require 12 additional aircraft, several ground stations, and computer facility. Participating Government agencies would be responsible for determining program costs. (Text; NRC Release)
NASA and USAF announced cooperative flight test program using two USAF YF-12A aircraft and spares, ground equipment, maintenance personnel, and base support at Edwards AFB, Calif. NASA would budget for and fund $10 million for program through FY 1974. About $4 million had been made available by completion of X-15 and XB-70 flight programs. USAF purpose in two-part program was to gather data on aircraft operational factors, procedures, limitations, and possible bomber penetration tactics. NASA would seek data on altitude-hold at supersonic speeds, boundary layer noise, heat transfer under high speed, airframe-propulsion system interactions, and other characteristics. (DOD Release 581-69)
MSFC issued RFPs for design, development, test, and delivery of four flight models of manned lunar roving vehicle. Four-wheeled, 400-lb vehicle would be carried to moon on board LM in 1971, to transport astronauts, tools, lunar samples, and other equipment and experiments. (NASA Special Release)
Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia toured MSC during five-day visit to US. (Reuters, W Post, 7/10/69, A23; Apollo Status Rpt; NASA. PAO)
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