Mar 1 1968
From The Space Library
Space News for this day. (1MB PDF)
USAF launched navigational satellite from Vandenberg AFB by Scout booster into orbit with 711-mi (1,444.2-km) apogee, 640-mi (1,030.0-km) perigee, 106.9-min period, and 89.9° inclination. (GSFC SSR, 3/15/68; Pres Rpt 68)
NASA test pilot William H. Dana flew X-15 No. 1 rocket research aircraft to 104,500-ft altitude and 2,898 mph (mach 4.36) from Edwards AFB to check out aircraft's electrical systems and test newly developed spray foam insulation planned for use on 2nd stages of Saturn V rockets beginning with vehicle eight. Foam was much lighter than insulation previously used to maintain low temperatures required for cryogenic propellants used in Saturn V. (X-15 Proj Off; MSFC Release 68-69)
House Committee on Science and Astronautics decided on $153-million cut in NASA's authorization request of $4.37 billion for FY 1969. Reductions included cut from $48.3 million to $11.7 million for nuclear rocket program [Advanced Research and Technology Subcommittee had recommended cut of entire $48.3 million], $36.5 million from unmanned space program, and $60.3 million from request of $2.8 billion for manned space flight program. (AP, W Star, 3/2/68, A3; W Post, 3/2/68, A10; HR 1181, 3/19/68)
President Johnson, accompanied by NASA Administrator James E. Webb, visited MSC and announced plans for new Lunar Science Institute to be constructed under $580,000 grant to NAS and operated by NAS and Rice Univ. in Houston. "We have invested billions of dollars during the past 10 years in our efforts in space . .. [and] I am certain that as future generations look back on our incredible decade, they will be unanimous in their belief that the treasure that we have dedicated . . . was the most significant and important investment ever made by any people. We are truly reaching for the stars." (PD, 3/11/68, 410-2; Kilpatrick, W Post, 3/2/68, 1; AP, NYT, 3/2/68, 21; MSC Roundup, 3/15/68, 1)
Former NASA Deputy Administrator Dr. Robert C. Seamans, Jr., became visiting professor in MIT's Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics and at Sloan School of Management. He would continue as part-time consultant to NASA. (Boston Globe, 3/6/68; SBD, 3/11/68, 51)
Clark M. Clifford was sworn in by U.S. Chief Justice Earl Warren as Secretary of Defense, replacing Robert S. McNamara, new head of World Bank. (Sheehan, Finney, NYT, 3/3/68, E3; PD, 3/4/68, 395-6)
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