Jul 16 1968
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. successfully launched Cosmos CCXXXII into orbit with 355-km (220.6-mi) apogee, 200-km (124.3-mi) perigee, 89.4-min period, and 65.3° inclination. Spacecraft reentered July 24. (UPI, NYT, 7/17/68, 30; GSFC SSR, 7/31/68)
Maj. William J. Knight (USAF) piloted X-15 No. 1 to 218,500-ft altitude and 3,409 mph (mach 4.74) in flight from Edwards AFB. Objective of flight, exposure and satisfactory retraction of WTR experiment, was not accomplished because abnormally low hydraulic pressure and severe vibrations prevented aircraft's reaching required altitude. (X-15 Proj Off)
NASA Associate Administrator for Advanced Research and Technology James M. Beggs dedicated new $3.5-million Flight Control Research Facility at LaRC. Facility, connected to LaRC's data analysis and computation center, would be used for guidance and control research in support of manned flight. During ceremony, Center's Digital Computer Complex Group received LaRC Group Achievement Award for "outstanding performance and dedicated efforts in combining unique concepts in computer organization and operating systems" contributing to "one of the most outstanding research computer installations in the United States." (Langley Researcher, 7/26/68, 1, 4)
MSC officials announced resignation of Astronaut John S. Bull (L/Cdr., uSN) , third astronaut to leave space program because of medical problem. Dr. Charles A. Berry, MSC Chief of Medical Programs, told news conference Astronaut Bull had rare respiratory disease for which there was no known cure and no medical name. It was characterized by chronic sinus difficulties, lung obstruction, and sensitivity to aspirin. (UPI, W Post, 7/17/68, All)
Global warning system operational since January was providing airline pilots with as much as two months, notice of 'reentry of spacecraft debris, which had been averaging one reentry a day. Chances of damage by fragment to aircraft, while small, would increase with operation of SSTs at 70,000- and 80,000-ft altitudes. System, outgrowth of Volunteer Flight Officer Network formed in 1963, included more than 38,000 flight crews attached to 117 airlines, which received reentry data from NORAD computers via United Air Lines communications facilities at Denver, Colo. (Sullivan, NYT, 7/17/68, 27)
President Johnson informed Geneva disarmament conference that agreement was expected "shortly" on time and place of U.S.-U.S.S.R. talks to limit nuclear missile production. In message read to opening of new session of conference, President said if progress could be made on limiting strategic delivery systems, U.S. "would be prepared to consider reduction of existing systems." (Text; W Post, 7/17/68, A15; NYT, 7/17/68, 1)
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