Jun 1 1972
From The Space Library
President Nixon returned from state visits to Austria, U.S.S.R., Iran, and Poland and reported to Congress on trip. Commenting on agreements signed with U.S.S.R. during May 22-29 Moscow summit meetings, he said: "Recognizing that the quest for useful knowledge transcends differences between ideologies and social systems, we have agreed to expand United States-Soviet cooperation in many areas of science and technology. "We have joined in plans for an exciting new adventure ... in the cooperative exploration of space, which will begin-subject to Congressional approval of funding-with a joint orbital mission of an Apollo vehicle and a Soviet spacecraft in 1975." President asked for "fullest scrutiny" of anti-ballistic missile treaty signed May 26, "because we can undertake agreements as important as these only on a basis of full partnership between the executive and legislative branches of our Government." (PD, 6/5/72, 975-81)
Astronomy Survey Committee of National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council issued Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 1970's, Vol. 1. Committee assessed state of astronomy and astrophysics and recommended priorities for Federal funding in 10-yr, $1.2-billion program to study "entirely new class of objects . undreamed of ten years ago." New technologies applied during decade had revealed new types of worlds. Previously well organized universe had "exploded into a bewildering universe" of objects with "exotic new names and marvelous new natures." Opening of radio sky had suggested presence of undiscovered physical laws and requirements for new observations and explanations. Committee defined four programs of highest priority: (1) very large radio array to attain resolution equivalent to that of single radio-telescope 42 km (26 mi) in diameter, plus increased support of smaller radio programs at universities or research laboratories; (2) optical program to increase efficiency of existing telescopes with electronic auxiliaries, while creating new large telescopes to research limits of known universe; (3) increased support and development of infrared astronomy, including construction of large, ground-based infrared telescope, high-altitude balloon surveys, and design studies for very large atmospheric telescope; and (4) program for x-ray and gamma ray astronomy from High Energy Astronomy Observatories (HEADS) supported by ground-based optical and infrared telescopes. Committee recommended for secondary priority: construction of very large millimeter-wavelength antenna to identify and study complex molecules and to study quasars in their most explosive stages; doubling of support for astrophysical observations from aircraft, balloons, and rockets, at wavelengths from far infrared to gamma rays; continuation of Orbiting Solar Observatories through -M, and -N, with updating of ground-based solar facilities; increased support for theoretical investigations; expansion of optical space astronomy, including high-resolution imagery and ultraviolet spectroscopy, leading to launch of large space telescope at beginning of next decade; and construction of large, steerable radiotelescope to obtain observations with high angular resolution and to record emission from more distant objects than now possible. (NAS-NRC-NAE News Rpt, 6/7/72, I, 6-7)
Manned Spacecraft Center announced renegotiation and extension of thermal protection contract with LTV Aerospace Corp. for advanced development of reinforced pyrolyzed plastics to protect space shuttle orbiter. About $493 500 would be added to previous funding for total study cost of $767 500. (MSC Release 72-121)
NASA board investigating Jan. 20 crash of NASA T-38 aircraft at Matagorda Island off Texas coast had found accident was due to "inability of the pilot to attain visual flight conditions at sufficient altitude to effect a pullout," NASA announced. Test pilots Stuart M. Present and Marck C. Heath had been killed in crash. (MSC Release 72-120)
Sen. William Proxmire (D-Wis.) said in letter to Dr. James C. Fletcher, NASA Administrator, that NASA should cut costs to take advantage of U.S.-U.S.S.R. space treaty signed May 24. Sen. Proxmire asked for estimates of savings possible through space cooperation and suggested that proposed joint space mission "would make it possible for us to postpone development of certain aspects of our manned space program." (UPI, NYT, 6/2/72)
William P. Lear, Sr., pioneering designer of autopilots and executive jet aircraft, told press conference at TRANSPO '72 at Dulles Airport, Va., that he hoped to sell aircraft with supercritical wing that would increase speed capability from mach 0.80 to 0.92 without increasing fuel consumption. NASA engineers at Langley Research Center had developed original supercritical wing. (AP, LA Times, 6/27/72)
Nixon Administration was reported in press to be considering public display of "super-secret satellite spy system" to counter congressional criticism of U.S.-U.S.S.R. strategic arms limitation agreement. (Sloyan, Baltimore News-American, 6/1/72, 3)
Soviet officials in Washington, D.C., said they would be prepared to begin next round of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) in September to maintain momentum generated by May 22-26 summit talks. (Berger, NYT, 6/2/72, Al)
Science & Government Report said space shuttle was like "goldplated limousine to deliver small bundles, once built, its existence becomes the justification for delivering lots of bundles." Analogy explained "shuttle passion of the financially depressed civilian space establishment and its parasitic affiliate, the bashful but booming military space establishment, which is planning a California shuttle port to complement NASA's Cape Kennedy selection." That, and space spending "shrewdly dispersed around the country," explained congressional willingness to approve $227 million downpayment on "what NASA-frontman for getting the money-estimated will be a $5.5 billion to $6.5 billion system, excluding expenses for launch costs, refurbishment of reusable boosters and orbiters, and payloads." Publication had impression that "opponents, though riddling the constantly shifting arguments of NASA and its hired consultants, might just as well have spared the effort." Assistant to shuttle opponent Sen. Walter F. Mondale (Minn.) had said: "It's like gun control. Plenty of support but no votes." (Sci & Gov Rpt, 6/1/72, 1)
Naval Missile Center at Point Mugu, Calif., held dedication ceremonies for versatile avionics shop test (VAST), general-purpose, computer-controlled, automatic test system for checking avionics equipment in fleet-operated aircraft. System combined functions of individual specialized avionics support equipment into one system compatible with all future avionics packages. (PMR Missile, 6/2/72, 1)
Boeing Co. Chairman William M. Allen announced his retirement, effective in September. He would remain consultant to company. (NYT, 6/2/72, 48)
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