Mar 17 1963
From The Space Library
Fifth anniversary of orbiting of VANGUARD I, Still orbiting the earth and still transmitting data. The satellite had made more than 19,700 orbits and had slowed about 1/4 sec. from original 134 min., 27 sec. period. Present apogee: 2,447 mi. ; perigee 403 mi. Scientists estimated VANGUARD I might have a lifetime of 2,000 years. (DOD Release 365-63)
NASA announced it would sponsor study to determine interest in system of "practical" satellites to collect data from remote areas of the earth. If warranted, study would be followed by a feasibility and design study. A possible use of data collection satellite was in oceanography, using instrumented floating buoys distributed over ocean surface to measure characteristics of the sea. Satellite would interrogate each buoy, store information, then transmit it upon command. Similar application was tracking of icebergs, using transponders planted on ice formations. Study would be under cognizance of NASA Future Applications Satellites unit, which was also investigating nonmilitary uses of navigational satellites. (NASA Release 63-55)
Senator Clifford P. Case (R.-N.J.) questioned whether a planned space electronics research center should be located in Boston or in fact, whether one was needed at all. He said New Jersey has outstanding qualifications for such a center and it and other states should considered a possible location-if the center is actually needed. NASA has already selected the Boston area as the site of the center. (Boston Herald, 3/18/63)
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