Jun 28 1969
From The Space Library
NASA'S Biosatellite III (Biosatellite-D) primate experiment was successfully launched from ETR at 11:16 pm EDT by two-stage, Long- Tank, Thrust-Augmented Thor-Delta (DSV-3N) booster into orbit with 245.1-mi (394.4-km) apogee, 224.4-mi (361.1-km) perigee, 92.1-min period, and 33.6° inclination. The 1,5354 spacecraft carried 15-lb male pigtail monkey named Bonny in two-gas atmosphere similar to earth's (20% oxygen and 80% nitrogen)-being used for first time-with sea-level pressure (14.7 psi) and 75°F temperature. Primary objective was to provide suitable physiological environment for instrumented monkey and measure functioning of central nervous system or cardiovascular and metabolic systems. Secondary objective was to evaluate monkey's performance in orbit. Monkey was carefully instrumented so that scientists could monitor wave patterns from 10 brain areas for first detailed studies of brain activity in orbit ever made. Scientists would also record heart action and respiration, monitor circulatory and urinary systems, and observe performance on two behavioral tasks-short-term memory and eye-hand coordination. Some 80% of the experimental data would be radioed to earth by high-speed telemetry at rate of 22,400 bps 18-26 times per day. Spacecraft would be retrieved in midair or off ocean surface after. reentry. Monkey would be flown to Hawaii laboratories, where scientists would examine him for changes in bone density, muscle tone, blood cell mass, fluid balance, and reproductive system. [See July 7-8.] Biosatellite III was third and last spacecraft in Biosatellite series. Biosatellite I (launched Dec. 14, 1966) had failed to deorbit on command after three days in orbit because of retrorocket system failure and had not been recovered. Biosatellite II, successfully launched Sept. 7, 1967, and recovered Sept. 9, 1967, had demonstrated that plants required gravity to maintain orientation and showed effect of radiation on living organisms. Biosatellite project was managed by ARC under OSSA direction. (NASA Proj Off; NASA Release 69-79)
U.K.'s three-stage Black Arrow booster exploded 50 secs after launch from Woomera Rocket Range during first full-scale test. (UPI, W Star, 6/28/69, A3)
White House announced President Nixon would observe Apollo 11 splashdown and recovery aboard U.S.S. Hornet and proceed to Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Pakistan. He would meet with Asian leaders "to reemphasize his longstanding concern with peace and progress in Asia." Announcement was released in New York City. (PD, 7/7/69, 926)
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