Jul 22 1968
From The Space Library
Partial extension of Explorer XXXVIII's antennas, delayed because of unexpected spacecraft oscillations and ground computer failure, was successfully conducted by NASA after series of complex maneuvers which permitted successful gravity-gradient capture and three-axis stabilization. Antenna array's four booms would be held at planned 455-ft length for at least two weeks while data was collected and then, if spacecraft performed satisfactorily, antennas would be extended to full 750-ft length. Damper boom was deployed, experiments were turned on, and all spacecraft support systems were functioning normally. Dipole antenna was deployed July 23 and satellite was declared fully operational. Spacecraft had been launched July 4. (NASA Proj Off; NASA Releases 68-123, 68-132; W Post, 7/18/68, D21)
Explorer XXXV (IMP-E), sixth spacecraft in Interplanetary Explorer series, completed one year of operation in lunar orbit. Seven of eight onboard experiments and all spacecraft systems were 100% operational. Eighth experiment had 5% degradation in performance. Since July 19, 1967 launch, satellite had shown that positive ions from solar wind crashed directly into lunar surface and had verified existence of solar wind void directly behind moon, enabling scientists to deduce information on moon's electrical conductivity and internal temperature. (NASA Proj Off)
Despite sharp budget cuts NASA was not contemplating layoff of Civil Service Commission personnel, columnist Jerry Kluttz reported in Washington Post. As Government agencies searched for ways to meet cuts ordered by Congress, NASA appeared to be only major agency with no problem of excess employees. But because of "big money problems," NASA hoped to save dollars by abolishing half of its currently vacant positions, possibly making some "selective" layoffs at MSFC and GSFC, and continuing major cutbacks in contractor personnel. NASA would reprogram its activities and transfer funds to finance csc positions. (W Post, 7/22/68, A20)
In Project Cold Flare, joint NASA-FAA-USAF program to assess radiological effects of solar activity on future SST passengers and crews, radiation-measuring flights were being flown from Eielson AFB, Alaska, near North Pole, where solar and galactic charged particles were normally concentrated, to gather data on radiological phenomena during solar flares. (NYT, 7/22/68, 61)
July 22-23: Arthritic growth on spine of Astronaut Michael Collins (Maj., USAF) , scheduled to pilot command module on third manned Apollo mission early in 1969, had led to his being grounded. USAF surgeons successfully removed bone spur from near base of his neck but speculated convalescence might take up to four months. MSC officials declined conjecture on his future flight status. Collins had piloted two-man Gemini mission July 18-21, 1966, during which he had performed two space walks. (AP, W Star, 7/23/68, A4; W Post, 7/23/68, A5; 7/24/68)
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