Mar 18 1969
From The Space Library
OV 1-17, OV I-17A, OV I-18, and OV I-19 research satellites, carrying 41 experiments, were successfully launched by USAF picka-back on Atlas-F booster from Vandenberg AFB. OV I-17 weighed 312 lbs and carried experiments to measure incoming solar electromagnetic radiation and its reaction with earth's upper atmosphere, make electric- field and VLF energy propagation studies, evaluate ionized meteor trails in calibration of ground-based radars, and make engineering tests on spacecraft materials and solar-cell power system. Orbital parameters: apogee, 287.7 mi (462.9 km) ; perigee, 246.7 mi (396.9 km) ; period, 93.1 min; and inclination, 99.1°. OV-17 reentered March 5, 1970. OV I-17A, 487-lb payload consisting of OV-17 propulsion module and Naval Research Laboratory two-beacon ORBIS-CAL II experiment to study unusual transmission of radio waves through ionosphere, entered orbit with 233.0-mi (347.9-km) apogee, 106.9-mi (172.0-km) perigee, 89.8-min period, and 99.0° inclination and reentered March 24. OV I-18 weighed 275 lbs and carried experiments to study ionosphere and measure radio-wave interference, electric-field intensity, and hazardous radiation. Orbital parameters: apogee, 362.3 mi (582.9 km) ; perigee, 288.3 mi (463.9 km) ; period, 95.0 min; and inclination, 98.8°. OV I-19 weighed 273 lbs and entered orbit with 3,592.9-mi (5,780.9-km) apogee, 288.0-mi (463.4-km) perigee, 153.5-min period, and 104.7° inclination, where it would study events resulting in and sustaining trapped radiation in Van Allen belts and hazards to man. (GSFC SSR, 3/31/69; 3/31/70; OAR Research Review, 6-7/69, 23-4; Pres Rpt 70 [69]; W Post, 3/19/69)
Though "highly successful subsonic jet transports designed and manufactured in the United States are symbols of United States leadership on the airlines around the world," Albert J. Evans, Director of Aeronautical Vehicles, NASA OART, told House Committee on Science and Astronautics' Subcommittee on Advanced Research and Technology, "both the British/French SST and the Russian SST are in flight test. Many short-haul aircraft used by United States commuter and feeder airlines are foreign aircraft and in the VTOL and STOL area the United States severely lags its foreign competition." STOL aircraft were "within our grasp." Two concepts showed promise, one for propeller-driven aircraft and one for jet-powered. Move to flight test in FY 1970 was planned. First was rotating-cylinder-flap STOL research aircraft. Second, jet-augmented wing, would be applicable to jet-powered STOL aircraft. (Testimony)
Dr. John E. Naugle, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications, testified before House Committee on Science and Astronautics' Subcommittee on Space Science and Applications: "We have been able to maintain this country in the forefront of planetary exploration by the quality of both our engineering talent and our Nation's scientists, and by the way in which they are involved in planning and executing our program. By making the most effective use of our best people we have been able to make better use of the limited resources we have had available for planetary exploration than the Russians. If the Russians continue to commit a major share of their space effort to planetary exploration-and the two recent launches to Venus indicate they are-and if they begin to involve their very best scientists in the planning and execution of their mission so that they fly first rate reliable experiments-and there is evidence from our scientific colleagues that they are-then it is clear that this Nation cannot continue in the forefront of space exploration in the next decade." (Text)
NASA announced MSFC award of $98,200,000 definitive contract for payload integration in support of Apollo Applications program to Martin Marietta Corp. Work-which started under Jan. 16, 1968, letter contract-would extend through Nov. 30, 1972, and cover flights 1, 2, 3, 3A, and 4. MSFC also awarded North American Rockwell Corp.'s Rocketdyne Div. $1,142,294, 26-mo contract for additional work on aerospike (plug-nozzle) engine evaluated by Rocketdyne under previous contract. Ring-like engine had tiny throats along circumference that discharged engine exhaust down sides of plug, making aerodynamic extension for plug, providing nozzle during launch ascent, and simulating performance characteristics of full-length nozzle without increased weight and length. (MSFC Releases 69 43, 69-87)
If JPL were taxed as business it would bring in estimated $840,000 and reduce property tax rate in La Canada-Flintridge, Calif." district from $4.20 to $2.56, according to La Canada School Superintendent, Dr. Donald Ziehl. Instead, he told School Board, district would receive $85,000 from Government under fixed-amount system used in lieu of property tax on Federal facilities. (Michals, Glendale News-Press, 3/19/69)
USAF announced award to North American Rockwell Corp. of $700,000 initial increment to $2,473,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research on feasibility of using advanced composite materials for production of aircraft wings. (DOD Release 200-69)
March 18-19: In testimony before House Committee on Science and Astronautics' Subcommittee on Space Science and Applications, Leonard Jaffe, NASA Director of Space Applications Programs, urged commencement of Earth Resources Technology Satellite program: "We have reached a stage in our supporting investigations of Earth resources phenomenology that can be measured from space, where we have confidence that an experimental Earth Resources Technology Satellite can show us the way to the future operational satellite system that will make major contributions to the management of our resources. The state of technology in sensors and spacecraft systems has also reached a sufficiently advanced stage, so that we can with confidence embark this year on the development of our first experimental Earth resources satellite system." Proposed design and selection of candidate sensors for ERTS had been closely coordinated with other Government agencies.. .. NASA was requesting FY 1970 funds to initiate development of flight hardware for two experimental satellites, ERTS-A and B, with ERTS-A scheduled for launch in late 1971 or early 1972. NASA also would proceed with techniques for infrared sounding of atmosphere with Nimbus B-2 and D launches in 1969 and 1970 and had begun construction of Nimbus E and F for development of microwave sounding techniques. Prototype second-generation operational meteorological satellite Tiros-M was being prepared for launch in few months. Study to define third-generation Tiros-N would start in FY 1970. NASA planned to accelerate basic studies of remote sensor signature relationships, instrument development, data processing, user decision models, and aircraft use. Synchronous satellite ATS-E would be launched in 1969 with gravity gradient experiment. ATS-F and G would not be ready for first launch before late 1971 or early 1972. Synchronous Meteorological Satellite (SMS), new FY 1970 effort for 1971 and 1972 launches, would use existing technology and be prototypes for National Operational Meteorological Satellite System (NOMSS) . National Geodetic Satellite program would complete objectives with GEOS-C launch in 1970. Cooperative Applications Satellite (CAS), French satellite, would be launched on NASA Scout booster in 1970 to track some 500 meteorological balloons to determine wind direction and speed. (Testimony)
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