Astronautics and Aeronautics, 1967 - NASA's History Office

April 5 ASTRONAUTICS AND AERONAUTICS, 1967
April 5: NASA’s 815% Ats ZZ (ATS-A) (Applications Technology Satellite)
was launched from ETR by Atlas-Agena D booster on mission to evaluate
gravity-gradient system for spacecraft stabilization in 6,900-mi-altitude
orbit and to obtain useful data from experiments during first 30 days
in orbit. Spacecraft successfully entered elliptical transfer orbit with
6,878-mi (11,069-km) apogee; 120-mi (192.744 perigee; 218.3-min
period; and 28.4O inclination. Agena engines, which were to have reignited
to inject spacecraft into 6,900-mi (11,103-km) -altitude circular
orbit, failed to ignite for the second burn; spacecraft separated and,
tumbling uncontrollably, remained in transfer orbit.
By April 7, all but one of the scientific experiments had been turned
on and operated successfully, but usefulness of data could not be determined
because spacecraft’s sensors were not compatible with its orbit.
Last experiment was turned on April 15. Although it was apparent that
mission could not be successfully completed, scientists continued to
operate experiments to obtain as much data as possible on spacecraft
performance, and ground stations received occasional TV pictures and
meteorological photos. Gravity-gradient configuration functions would
not be exercised until spacecraft’s attitude behavior could be better
defined.
Ats ZZ was second in series of five satellites designed to improve spacecraft
technology; develop long-life control systems; advance spacecraft
communications ; and improve long-range weather predictions. Record
size-252 ft long with 123-ft booms extended from opposite sides-
Ats ZZ was first US. gravity-gradient satellite to carry meteorological
cameras and first with sdficient instrumentation to verify three-axis
gravity control system in conjunction with detailed computer program.
In addition to gravity-gradient experiment, satellite also carried communications
equipment, two Advanced Vidicon Camera System ( AVCS)
cameras, and eight scientific experiments to measure orbital environment.
Ats Z was successfully launched Dec. 6, 1966, into a 22,300-mialtitude
near-synchronous orbit over the Pacific and was still operating
flawlessly. ATS program was managed by GSFC under OSSA direction.
(NASA Proj Off; NASA Release 67-71; AP, NYT, 3/31/67, 12)
NASA Aerobee 150, Mod I sounding rocket launched from WSMR carried
Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. payload to 99.6-mi (160.3-km) altitude
to obtain quantitative measurements of spectrum and intensity of solar
x-ray flux in the 2-30 kev interval and to look for x rays from recurrent
nova T Pyxides. This was first flight of new Aerobee configuration Mod I.
Rocket and instrumentation performed satisfactorily. (NASA Rpt SRL)
0 Chairman James McCormack of ComSatCorp, speaking at annual meeting
of National Assn. of Broadcasters, in Chicago, made these predictions:
“With new satellites, having flexibility to permit working with
several earth stations simultaneously and having increased transmission
capabilities, and with improved earth stations, we are coming on
better days. For a year or so, we will continue to be handicapped by
a lack of ground facilities to enable the United States to work efficiently
and simultaneously with more than one satellite in either the
Atlantic or the Pacific [and] we will continue for a while to be embarrassed
by lack of system capacity there, primarily in the earth stations,
to handle occasional TV transmissions without buying back other
circuits then under annual or monthly lease.” He continued: “. . . in
a very few years, you will have the potential of continuous, live,
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