Jun 26 1968
From The Space Library
Cosmos CCXXIX was launched by U.S.S.R. from Plesetsk into orbit with 328-km (203.8-mi) apogee, 222-km (137.9-mi) perigee, 89.8-min period, and 729° inclination. Satellite reentered July 4. (SBD, 6/27/68, 286; GSFC SSR, 6/30/68, 7/15/68)
Phoebus 2A nuclear rocket reactor was successfully tested by NASA and AEC at Jackass Flats, Nev. During 32-min ground test, reactor reached peak power level of approximately 4,200 mw, operating for about 12 min at above 4,000 mw. Power density exceeded that required for 75,- 000-lb-thrust NERVA (Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application). Test was part of NASA/AEC nuclear rocket program. (AEC/NASA Release L-148; W News, 6/27/68, 3)
NASA issued Apollo Status Summary. In preparation for first manned Apollo flight, Apollo 7 spacecraft command module (CM) and service module (SM) had been mated in KSC altitude chamber to confirm compatible operation systems. Saturn IB launch vehicle 2nd-stage engine was being modified to strengthen propellant feed lines to augmented spark igniter. Apollo/Saturn 503 mission might be first manned Saturn V flight. Astronauts Joseph P. Kerwin, Vance D. Brand, and Joe H. Engle had successfully completed eight-day vacuum chamber test of Apollo 2TV-1 CM and SM at MSC June 24. All tests necessary to help verify Apollo for first manned flight had been completed, with review of test data in progress. Last of seven scheduled verification tests of modified Apollo earth landing system had been postponed to complete analysis of all possible test conditions before drop of 13,000-lb full-scale Apollo CM from aircraft at Naval Air Facility, El Centro, Calif. Test would simulate severe landing condition using one of two drogue parachutes and two of three main parachutes. Ultimate load test of two modified Apollo drogue parachutes in reefed condition was scheduled no earlier than June 27. Repeat of unsuccessful test, it would be conducted from 13,00-lb parachute test vehicle at aircraft altitude of 46,000 ft. (Text; UPI, W Post, 6/22/68, A8; SBD, 6/25/68, 270; 6/27/68, 285)
In GSFC tests using Omega Position Location Equipment (OPLE), track of specially equipped automobile had been located repeatedly within 1,000 ft of its actual route on Baltimore-Washington Parkway by Ats III, in 22,300-mi-altitude orbit. Satellite had also tracked and located boat in Chesapeake Bay, NASA calibration aircraft, and Coast and Geodetic Survey ship, Discoverer, in Caribbean. Meteorologists believed OPLE system, designed primarily as meteorological experiment for tracking balloons and floating buoys, might produce new data on wind circulation in atmosphere and its effect on weather. (NASA Release 68-111; AP, B Sun, 6/27/68)
NASA awarded Teledyne Systems Co. $1,358,728 incentive contract to design and construct prototype airborne computer unit for Centaur launch vehicle. NASA would have option to purchase five additional units, support equipment, and spare parts for $759,872. Contract would be managed by LeRC. (LeRC Release 68 44)
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