Mar 29 1971
From The Space Library
X-24A lifting body reached its maximum speed of 1687 km (1048 mph) and 21 300-m (70 000-ft) altitude during 25th flight from FRC. USAF aircraft, launched from B-52 aircraft, was piloted by NASA test pilot John A. Manke on powered flight to expand flight envelope, determine lateral-directional derivative with rudder bias at 2° toe out, and check lateral-acceleration feedback to control system. (NASA Proj Off; Pres Rpt 72)
U.S.S.R. announced that Soviet supersonic transport Tu-144 had reached designed 2400-km-per-hr (1500-mph) speed at 16 700-m (55 000-ft) altitude during test flight Nov. 12, 1970. (NYT, 3/29/71, 53)
NASA announced award of seven-month study contracts totaling $1 387 576 to nine universities and one NASA center to define requirements for seven astronomy experiments for proposed High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAD) (MSFC Release 71-52)
FAA and DOT announced awards totaling $14 246 542 in amendments to contracts with IBM Federal Systems Div. for additional equipment and services to automate air traffic control system. (FAA Release 71-35)
Immediate one-year freeze on deployment by U.S. and U.S.S.R. of land-based missiles was urged by Sen. Henry M. Jackson (D- Wash.) in Senate speech. Both countries would retain freedom to ensure survivability of strategic land-based forces as long as they did not add to offensive potential. (CR, 3/29/71, S4035-6)
Editorial in Aviation Week & Space Technology commented on rejection by Government of further SST funding: "The fate of the SST should serve notice . . . that the aerospace industry can no longer survive with its political naivete and aloofness from the fray. " It was "sad day when a deliberate national decision is made to abandon a major frontier of technological advance. But it will be even sadder when the victors in this significant debate gird for their next assault on the space shuttle program." (Hotz, Av Wk, 3/29/71, 9)
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