Jun 9 1968
From The Space Library
Cosmos CCXV, launched by U.S.S.R. April 18, had carried telescopes to observe stars without interference from earth's atmosphere, Pravda announced. Orbiting astronomical observatory had trained its eight mirror telescopes and one x-ray telescope on specific hot stars long enough for adequate study, partially by slowing satellite's rotation to 0.01 usual rate with magnetic anchor that fixed itself on earth's magnetic field. Data received in 150 radio sessions was being processed by computer. Satellite reentered June 30. (Anderson, NYT, 6/10/68, C14; Reuters, W Post, 6/10/68, A3; SBD, 6/11/68, 199; GSFC SSR, 7/15/68)
Nike-Apache sounding rocket launched from Churchill Research Range carried GSFC payload to 92.7-mi (149.5-km) altitude to measure intensity and energy spectra of low energy protons helium nuclei and heavier nuclei present during Polar Cap Absorption (PCA) event. Launch was first of six scheduled during solar event. Parachute failed to deploy apparently because of technician's failure to connect flight system pyrotechniques Extendable nose cone malfunctioned for undetermined reason. Telemetry functioned for full flight duration. (NASA Rpt SRL)
JPL Historian R. Cargill Hall had been selected for inclusion in 1968 edition of Outstanding Young Men of America, compiled annually by 14-man national board of editors. (LA Times, 6/9/68)
Univ. of Colorado electrical engineer, Dr. Warren L. Flock, was using radar to monitor migration of birds in study to help Government aircraft controllers predict bird migrations or establish aircraft guidance system eliminating hazards of collisions between aircraft and birds. (NYT, 6/9/68)
"The seven fat years of the space effort are ended, and the seven lean years have begun," William Hines wrote in Washington Sunday Star. During FYs 1962-1968 Congress had granted NASA more than $30 billion. In FY 1969 agency would be limited to slightly under $4 billion. Transition from fat to lean was "completely understandable." NASA had received favored treatment because it had high-priority goal, but with attainment now in sight, NASA was no longer in priority position. "Beginning of the end" came in FY 1967 when funding fell nearly $250 million from 1966 level. Budget for FY 1968 was down $400 million from FY 1967, and cut from FY 1968 to 1969 probably would be close to half billion dollars. With current inflation added, NASA "will be lucky to have $4 billion," he said. Agency would be operating in 1969 "at an economic level lower than that of six years ago when the moon program-and the fat years-were just getting started." (W Star, 6/9/68, E7)
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