Jul 20 1970
From The Space Library
President Nixon issued statement on anniversary of first manned lunar landing: "This triumph of unique achievement... brought... a moment of greatness in which we all shared, a priceless moment when the people of this Earth became truly one in the joy and wonder of a dream realized." Later, at White House press conference, President said he had not figured out any travel plans that would "top" July 20, 1969, trip to greet Apollo 11 astronauts in mid-Pacific. (PD, 7/27/70, 962, 969)
On first anniversary of Apollo 11's first manned lunar landing, Apollo 11 Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., with NASA Administrator, Dr. Thomas O. Paine, visited Apollo 11 spacecraft exhibit at state capitol in Jefferson City, Mo., and received plaque from Missouri Gov. Warren E. Hearnes. Later they flew to New York, where they presented 113 g (4 oz) lunar sample to U.N. Secretary General U Thant. Sample would remain on exhibit at U.N. Presenting sample, Dr. Paine said: "What the full significance of Apollo will be to the world of the future, no one can yet predict. We must await the verdict of history. But as we continue to learn and to explore, I am inclined to think that our first moon landing may some day be thought of as the turning point when man first demonstrated that he can open new worlds, where eventually exciting new extraterrestrial societies will be founded. Mankind will move onward to settle and colonize other worlds, and the United Nations will encompass new territories, if not new dimensions." NASA centers and tracking stations around world celebrated anniversary throughout week. (NASA Release 70-125; UPI, NYT, 7/21/70; Text)
Newspaper editorials marked lunar landing anniversary: New York Times: ". . the Eagle's landing was one of mankind's finest hours. The scientific dividends from the new era of lunar exploration have already been very rich, and they will be even more abundant in the future when numerous astronauts from many nations will work on the lunar surface. Men now inhabit the earth moon system, not earth alone, and much in tomorrow's history will be shaped by the developments that will follow the Eagle's triumph." (NYT, 7/20/70, 26)
Washington Post: "The basic issue involved in NASA's appropriations this year, as it will be in the next year and for many years to come, is whether this country should give up something it has done and which is going well, something that has brought it great international prestige and internal pride, and something that we believe may well hold the key to man's future." (W Post, 7/20/70)
India announced plans to launch first satellite within 31/2 yrs. Vikram Sarabhai, Secretary of Indian Atomic Energy Dept., said satellite would weigh 29.9 kg (66 lbs). be football size, and be launched by four-stage booster. (Reuters, W Post, 7/21/70, A9)
Formation of Environmental Advisory Council to ensure environmental acceptability of SST operations was announced by William M. Magruder, DOT Director of SST Development, in speech before National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Council-chaired by Dr. Myron Tribus, Assistant Secretary for. Science and Technology, Dept. of Commerce-would "suggest or plan research in any areas where doubts or uncertainties exist. Where further research is necessary it will be conducted, so that the definitive data and unequivocal answers on which the environmental acceptability of the SST can be determined will be in hand before a decision is made on the production program." (Text)
Coalition Against the SST-23 groups including Sierra Club, Friends of the Earth, and United Auto Workers Union-urged Federal law banning SST sonic booms over U.S. Coalition spokesman, Dr. Karl M. Ruppenthal of Stanford Univ., told Washington, D.C., news conference Government officials "state that no annoying overland flights are contemplated, but they refuse to cooperate when meaningful noise legislation is proposed." (Cohn, W Post, 7/21/70, A2)
World's first team of female aquanauts surfaced after two weeks of research in Project Tektite habitat and entered decompression chamber for 21-hr stay [see June 6]. (AP, W Post, 7/21/70, A6)
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