Oct 30 1972
From The Space Library
Pioneer 10 Jupiter probe (launched March 2) was 434 million km' (270 million mi) from sun, at midpoint in Asteroid Belt, and nearly halfway to Jupiter. Spacecraft, which entered Asteroid Belt July 15, had encountered no difficulty although asteroid particles observed to date had been more numerous than expected. Finding led experimenters to preliminary conclusion that belt, to midway point, offered no serious hazard to spacecraft on future outer planets missions. Spacecraft instruments had detected no decrease in rate of particle penetrations between end of earth orbit and edge of Asteroid Belt. Constant penetration rates perceived indicated particles probably were cometary debris. If penetration remained constant, Pioneer 10 gas cell experiment to measure particle penetration rate was expected to provide good data far beyond Jupiter. (NASA Release 72-208) [[ European Space Research Organization]] would use preliminary definition study of sortie laboratory for space shuttle application as basis for future negotiations with NASA, Aviation Week & Space Technology reported. Study, to be performed by Dornier, was part of European effort to participate in post-Apollo program. (Av Wk, 10/30/72, 9)
NASA launched Aerobee 170 sounding rocket from White Sands Missile Range, carrying Univ. of Chicago solar physics experiment. Rocket performed satisfactorily but scientific objectives were not met. (SR list)
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