Mar 17 1969
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos CCLXXII from Plesetsk into orbit with 1,210-km (751.8-mi) apogee, 1,180-km (733.1-mi) perigee, 109.3-min period, and 73.9° inclination. (GSFC SSR, 3/31/69; SBD, 3/19/69, 86; AP, W Star, 3/18/69)
Canister containing S-16 barium cloud experiment was successfully ejected from ESRO's Heos I satellite (launched by NASA Dec. 5, 1968) at 43,495.9-mi (70,000-km) altitude. Cloud, 1,864.1 mi (3,000 km) long and visible to the naked eye, had lasted 20 min and yielded information on magnetic fields in space. (NASA Proj Off)
Apollo 10 mission would be launched May 18, one day later than originally planned, NASA announced. Change from first to second day of launch window would permit observation and collection of data on Apollo landing site 2, as area of primary interest, and observation of site 3 after sunrise on moon. Final decision on specific nature of mission would be made after review of Apollo 9 mission. (NASA Release 69-41)
Nike-Tomahawk sounding rocket launched by NASA from Fairbanks, Alaska, carried. Univ. of Alaska payload to 134.2-mi (216-km) altitude. Objectives were to examine spatial distribution of atmospheric currents near visual, stable, homogeneous and pulsating auroral forms and to examine relationship between electron and proton precipitation and visual auroral distribution produced. Forward experiment portion of payload functioned satisfactorily, but data reduction was difficult. Some data loss occurred on rear portion of payload and additional data reduction was required. One flashing light failed at apogee. (NASA Rpt SRL)
Eleventh anniversary of launch of Vanguard I, 31/4-lb, 61/2-in-dia U.S. IGY satellite which proved earth was slightly pear-shaped and examined composition of upper atmosphere. Satellite had stopped transmitting in May 1964, but was expected to remain in orbit at least 200 yrs longer. (EH; KSC Release 63-68)
Vice President Spiro T. Agnew announced Astronaut James A. Lovell, Jr., would head $4.5-million summer day camp program for youth to be administered by National Collegiate Athletic Assn. under HEW contract. (Text)
Dr. Leo S. Packer, former Assistant Postmaster for Bureau of Research and Engineering, became Special Assistant to NASA Associate Administrator for Advanced Research and Technology. (NASA Ann, 3/21/69)
White House released letter to President Nixon from Dr. Lee A. DuBridge, Presidential Science Adviser, on proposed Safeguard Aim system: It "eliminates the serious defects of the old Sentinel plan, focuses on the reasonable, feasible and necessary defense of our deterrent force, provides time for more thorough testing of an operating system and phases future deployment to progress of arms control negotiations and the changing information on the nature and imminence of potential threats to our security. I shall endeavor to make clear to my scientific colleagues that the Safeguard plan represents a sound and a reasonable approach to our strategic defense problem," (PD, 3/24/69, 430)
March 17-19: At Sixth Space Congress sponsored by Canaveral Council of Technical Societies, James R. Williams of MSFC Engineering Laboratory presented "Space Manufacturing Modules," paper describing NASA'S work on manufacturing-in-space experiments. Paper outlined future possibilities, including development of manufacturing module to be attached to future space station. Phase 3 module would contain work space for at least two astronauts, equipment, raw materials, and manufacturing process chambers. It would be designed to dock with earth-orbiting space station proposed for mid-1970s launch, weigh about 23,000 lbs, and provide for continuous investigation of manufacturing processes and for production of small quantities of special items best produced in zero-gravity environment. (MSFC Release 69-80)
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