Jun 4 1971
From The Space Library
Space News for this day. (1MB PDF)
Mariner 9, en route to Mars on orbiting mission, successfully completed first midcourse maneuver with 5.11-sec burn that produced 6.7-m-per-sec (15.1-mph) velocity change. Maneuver placed Mariner 9 on trajectory that would approach to within 1600 km (1000 mi) of Mars; second maneuver would be conducted Oct. 24 if necessary to correct trajectory further. Spacecraft had traveled 21 779 000 km (13 533 000 mi) since launch May 30 and was 2 076 000 km (1 290 000 mi) from earth, traveling at 10 985 km per hr (6826 mph). It was scheduled to reach Mars vicinity Nov. 13. (NASA Releases 71-96, 71-100)
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos 426 from Plesetsk into orbit with 1996-km (1240,3-mi) apogee, 389-km (241.7-mi) perigee, 109.2-min period, and 74° inclination. (GSFC SSR, 6/30/71; SBD, 6/14/71, 231)
USAF X-24A lifting-body vehicle, piloted by NASA test pilot John A. Manke, completed 28th flight from FRC in joint NASA-USAF test pro-gram. Objectives were to obtain lateral directional derivatives with rudder bias at 2° toe out, evaluate handling qualities with power and yaw accelerometer feedback system on, and determine supersonic lift-to-drag ratio data and longitudinal trim. Flight was intended to reach maximum mach number, but only two of four chambers ignited. Pilot immediately switched to two-chamber profile and mission plan. (NASA Proj Off)
Draft treaty on lunar law was submitted to U.N. Secretary General U Thant in letter from Soviet Foreign Affairs Minister Andrey Gromyko with request it be included in agenda of 26th U.N. General Assembly meeting: "In all stages of the exploration of outer space, the Soviet Union has invariably advocated a progressive development of international space law in the interests of all people. The building of a firm international foundation for the activity of states in outer space promotes the cause of peace and helps to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between states." Soviet government felt "steps should be taken now with the object of further elaborating and giving concrete expression to the standards of international law, regulating the activity of states on the moon." Treaty specified that future exploration and use of moon be based upon consideration for well being of present and future generations; barred use of moon for "hostile actions"; reaffirmed ban on deployment of nuclear and other weapons of mass annihilation on moon and on use of moon for military purposes; ensured against unfavorable change or pollution of lunar environment; specified that surface and interior of moon could not become property of any state, states, per-sons, or organizations; and urged that signatory states ensure that all steps be taken to preserve man's life and health on moon. (Tass, FDIs-Sov-71-110, 6/8/71, Al)
President Nixon sent message to Congress on energy sources. Of solar energy, President said: "The sun offers an almost unlimited supply of energy if we can learn to use it economically." NASA and NSF were "reexamining their efforts in this area and we expect to give greater attention to solar energy in the future." President proposed that all important Federal energy resource development programs be consolidated within new Dept. of Natural Resources. "We believe that the planning and funding of civilian nuclear energy activities should now be consolidated with other energy efforts in an agency charged with the mission of ensuring that the total energy resources of the Nation are effectively utilized. The Atomic Energy Commission would still remain intact, in order to execute the nuclear programs and any related energy research which may be appropriate as part of the overall energy program of the Department of Natural Resources." (PD, 6/7/71, 855-66)
John C. Lindsay Memorial Award for 1971 was presented to Harry E. Peters of GSFC Laser Data Systems Branch during GSFC Scientific Colloquium. Award, given annually to GSFC employee who had made out-standing contribution to science or technology, was presented for individual contributions to the advancement of hydrogen maser frequency standards resulting in most stable frequency standards known and making possible dramatic improvement in space tracking and system precision. (Goddard News, 6/14/71, 1)
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