Nov 19 1971
From The Space Library
Space News for this day. (1MB PDF)
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos 456 from Plesetsk into orbit with 287-km (178.3-mi) apogee, 175-km (108.7-mi) perigee, 89.1- min period, and 72.8° inclination. Satellite reentered Dec. 2. (GSFC SSR, 11/30/71; 12/31/71; SBD, 11/23/71, 111)
Working Groups of NASA and Soviet Academy of Sciences on development of compatible space rendezvous and docking systems would meet jointly in Moscow Nov. 29 to Dec. 7, NASA announced. NASA representatives headed by Dr. Robert R. Gilruth, MSC Director, would meet with Soviet group led by Academician B. N. Petrov to continue joint efforts called for by Oct. 28, 1970, agreement. (NASA Release 71-231)
Biostack, West German experiment to study biological effects of cosmic radiation during space flight, would be carried in Apollo 16 CM, NASA announced. Experiment, by Univ. of Frankfurt, would stack four layers of biological systems-spores, seeds of European watercress, bean embryos, and encysted eggs of brine shrimp- between different physical detectors of heavy particle tracks (nuclear emulsions and plastics). Measurements of effect of particles on biologic material could be compared with effect of same particles on detecting layers to provide data on strength and other characteristics of particles. Combined action of heavy cosmic ions and space environment would be evaluated by comparing results with those from balloon-borne Biostacks and with ground-based irradiation experiments. Research on biological effects of heavy nuclei was significant because of possible relationship to biological effects of space flight on man. Experiment was sponsored by German Ministry for Education and Science. (NASA Release 71-230)
AEC released summary report on effects of Nov. 6 Cannikin blast of five-megaton nuclear device on Amchitka Island, Alaska. Desired data had been obtained on performance of Spartan warhead. Analyses of radio-active melt, expected to be completed by spring 1972, were required to evaluate warhead performance fully. There had been "no detectable release of radioactivity to the marine or surface environment." Measurements would "continue for a number of years." No large earth-quake had been triggered although "hundreds of after-shocks" had been registered in vicinity until collapse of cavity created by detonation. Ground motion had been felt "strongly on Amchitka, distinctly at Adak, nearly 200 miles [320 km] away, and less distinctly at Shemya, somewhat farther away." No large ocean wave from ocean floor movement had been recorded. Observed effects on living species on and near Amchitka Island had indicated "no permanent harm will result from the test to any population of mammals, birds, fish, other marine life, or plant life." (AEC Release 0-221)
On second anniversary of its emplacement on moon by Apollo 12 astronauts, atomic battery designed to power Apollo 12 experiments for one year was still generating at more than 70 w. Battery had been designed to produce 63.5-w power. Apollo 12 instruments were still reporting data. Identical batteries, fueled by radioactive plutonium 238 and taken to moon by Apollo 14 and 15, were generating more than 70 w. Apollo 16 and 17 would land similar batteries on moon during 1972 missions, AEC reported. (uPI, W Post, 11/20/71, A3)
Office of Management and Budget had asked NASA to cut FY 1973 budget request "quite a few million dollars" below $3.3-billion FY 1972 budget according to New York Times' sources, Times said. Dale D. Myers, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, had said Apollo 16 and 17 "look firm," but could "be in trouble" if there was significant cut in NASA funding. Other sources had said NASA had alternate plans that included elimination of one or both Apollo flights and curtailment, cancellation, or delay of other projects. (Wilford, NYT, 11/19/71)
Daniel Guggenheim Medal was presented to Dr. Archibald E. Russell, Chief Designer for Bristol Aircraft Corp., during Washington, D.C., ceremonies marking first William Littlewood Memorial Lecture spon- sored by NAC and Washington sections of AIAA and SAE. Award was for "personal devotion to aircraft engineering and design and particularly for his leadership of the Bristol team in development of the Concorde SST." Peter G. Masefield, Chairman of British Airports Authority, delivered first Littlewood lecture, "Aviation and the Environment." NAC Man of Distinction Award was given posthumously to William Littlewood, former American Airlines Vice President and aviation engineering consultant. (NAC Release)
President Nixon had asked Congress for $9,1 million to purchase new presidential backup aircraft to replace 13-yr-old Boeing 707 used as backup aircraft for Spirit of '76, Washington Post reported. President's aircraft, formerly known as Air Force One, was Boeing 707-320-B delivered to USAF in 1962. (W Post, 11/19/71, B7)
Senate Committee on Foreign Relations favorably reported Protocol to enlarge ICAO Council membership from 27 to 30 members. Enlarged Council would reflect expanding membership of ICAO due to establishment of increasing number of civil airlines throughout world. (CR, 11/19/71, D1201; ICAO PIO)
Mrs. E. Margaret Burbidge would become first woman director of Royal Greenwich Observatory in 1972, Washington Post reported. British-born former professor of astronomy at Univ. of California would not inherit title of Astronomer Royal, traditionally bestowed upon Observatory Director. She would direct staff of 200, including 25 women scientists. (Nossiter, W Post, 11/19/71, A26)
FAA announced availability from GPO of FAA Statistical Handbook of Aviation (5007-0166). Publication contained historical and statistical data for 11 yrs ending Dec. 31, 1969. (FAA Release 71-183)
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