Sep 15 1972
From The Space Library
Space News for this day. (1MB PDF)
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos 518 from Plesetsk into orbit with 308-km (191.4-mi) apogee, 205-km (127.4-mi) perigee, 89.6- min period, and 72.8° inclination. Satellite reentered Sept. 24. (GSFC SSR, 9/30/72; Sov Aero, 9/25/72, 82)
Findings to date of investigations into Apollo 15 commercialism were released by Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences and by NASA. Senate Committee reported on Aug. 3 closed hearing that received testimony from NASA management and Apollo 15 astronauts on commercialization of postal covers and replicas of "Fallen Astronaut" sculpture that was carried to moon during mission. Hearing had revealed "no basic new facts" on incidents. NASA had disciplined astronauts for carrying unauthorized covers. There was "no indication at this time that the Apollo 15 crew either profited or intended to profit from" sales of sculpture. Sale of sculpture by artist Paul Van Hoeydonck "appears to be a direct contradiction of the intent of the Apollo 15 astronauts." Committee said Dept. of Justice had requested copy of hearing transcript and was reviewing situation for possible violation of Federal statutes. Committee said its continuing investigation had determined, after Aug. 3 hearing, "that several astronauts had accepted payment for autographing blocks of stamps. NASA was "continuing its investigation of this latest incident and is determining what management actions it will take as a result." Committee expressed concern "with the adequacy of NASA management procedures which would permit such incidents to occur or create an atmosphere or an environment which might encourage misconduct." It also was concerned with "awareness of responsible management personnel as to their responsibilities for the recognition of and need for initiation of timely and appropriate action on sensitive events coming to their attention." Dr. James C. Fletcher, NASA Administrator, released report on Apollo 15 commercialism and disciplinary actions taken by NASA. Investigations and reviews had revealed weaknesses in NASA'S administrative procedures, management communication channels, and internal operating relationships. Actions were under way to remedy weaknesses, including revision of policy and procedures on articles to be carried on manned flight missions. No more than 12 personal items weighing no more than 0.2 kg (0.5 lb) would be carried by each flight astronaut. All personal items would be approved by NASA Administrator. Items that could be commercially exploited by recipients were prohibited. List of items would be publicized no later than 30 days after flight's completion. Future missions would carry official flight kit containing items appropriate for official presentation by Government. Items would be approved by Administrator and announced before launch. Commercialism of flight kit was prohibited. NASA PAO stated in response to inquiries about sale of autographs by astronauts, "NASA has determined . . autographs were signed by the astronauts on their own time while not on duty, that no misuse of Government property or personnel was involved, but that a procedural infraction did occur in that no NASA management advice was sought prior to these actions." NASA employees had been "personally admonished . . . for this infraction of NASA procedures" and facts had been reported to Dept. of Justice. (Texts; NASA PAO)
Library of Congress Congressional Research Service published Cape Kennedy or Cape Canaveral A Brief History, a Background, and an Analysis of S.7. Res. 193. Report on Senate bill to return to Cape Kennedy, original name of Cape Canaveral, concluded that "relevant issues of fact are not in question in this legislative decision." Historical significance of Cape Canaveral was "genuine" and majority of Cape residents and Florida State Legislature favored return to old name. "Nor is the procedural legitimacy of the permanent change of name to 'Cape Kennedy' seriously questioned. The nature of the official act is generally accepted as a national gesture of tribute and respect to a martyred President. Evidence from historical precedent is scant; geographic names have often been applied and altered to honor persons, and these have subsequently been changed for a variety of reasons." Question was "whether sufficient cause exists to reverse the act of November 27, 1963, changing the name of Cape Canaveral to Cape Kennedy." (Text)
President Nixon transmitted Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation to Senate for advice and consent to ratification. Convention had been signed at Montreal conference of International Civil Aviation Organization Sept. 23, 1971. In transmission message President said: "The problem of sabotage, armed terrorist attacks, and other criminal acts against aircraft and air travelers poses an increasingly grave threat to civil aviation around the world." Convention and hijacking convention adopted at The Hague in December 1970 were "vitally important to achieve safe and orderly air transportation for all the people of the world." (PD, 9/18/72, 1379)
Communications Satellite Corp. announced new record volume of TV via satellite during 17-day coverage of Olympic Games in Munich, West Germany. Total of 1005 half-channel hours of satellite time- more than twice TV use of satellites for any event since commercial satellite service began in 1965-had been used for 144 different international telecasts via four Intelsat satellites during Olympics. (ComSatCorp Release 72-48)
Release of first 24 in series of supersonic transport (SST) follow-on technology reports was announced by Federal Aviation Administration. Reports covered noise reduction, supersonic inlets, flight controls, fuel tank sealants, and titanium structures. (Fan Release 72-179)
Science editorial said great development of generation had been "sharply increased realization of our mutual interdependence as citizens of this planet. The concept has been dramatized by the phrase `spaceship earth' and given worldwide political recognition in the holding of the Stockholm Conference" [see June 5-16]. (Abelson, Science, 9/15/72)
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