Astronautics and Aeronautics, 1967 - NASA's History Office

ASTRONAUTICS AND AERONAUTICS, 1967 December 5-6
clear Powered Deep Submergence Research and Ocean Engineering
Vehicle (NR-1) which would run along ocean floor on wheels; and
Large Object Salvage System (LOSS) to develop a variety of tools, from
surface craft with strong lifting ability to equipment enabling swimmers
to operate effectively in deep water. (Sullivan, NYT, 12/6/67, 35;
12/24/67, E3 ; NY Academy of Sciences PIO)
December 6: NASA Aerobe 150 sounding rocket launched by NASA from
WSMR carried GSFC payload to 131-mi (210-km) altitude in experi-
ment to measure spectral irradiance of Gamma Velora and Zeta Puppis
with a uv stellar spectograph, star tracker, and modified attitude-control
system (STRAP) . Rocket and instruments performed satisfactorily.
(NASA Rpt SRL)
0 News briefing on results of Lunar Module (LM) flammability tests, con-
ducted as a result of Jan. 27 Apollo fire, was held at MSC. Using a
full-scale boilerplate mockup of LM cabin interior fabricated specifically
for the test program by Grumman Aircraft Engineering Gorp., fires
were deliberately set in 41 tests to investigate the flammability and
propagation properties of a4 interior LM materials, contractor fire-
hazard fixes, crew equipment and stowage areas, and apparent propaga-
tion paths. Although results indicated that most LM areas were
adequately protected against propagation of an accidental fire, four ma-
terials which under specific conditions might act as flame propagation
media were ordered replaced. In addition, beta cloth containers for
food and flight data would be modified to enclose the stored items com-
pletely; flight data file and crew procedure notebooks would be re-
designed to minimize their flammability; and procedures would be
developed to control location and quantity of loose items and to combat
onboard fire. Similar tests would be conducted in the Command Module
( cM) . (Transcript ; AP, B Sun, 12/7/67, A3)
* British Defence Ministry denied report by London Evening Standard that
U.K. would cancel its agreement with US. to purchase 50 F-111 variable
sweep-wing aircraft because devaluation of the pound would increase
cost of the aircraft. Devaluation of the pound from $2.80 to $24
Nov. 18 added one sixth of original cost to total, but arrangements were
reportedly being made to adjust the contract, possibly by increasing
US. purchases of U.K. military equipment to help offset aircraft
cost. (Flowers, B Sun, 12/7/67, All)
U.K. was considering halting its activities at Woomera Rocket Range
because of large expense due to distance between England and the
Australian range and because only a few of its missile projects required
such an extensive facility, Space Business Daily reported. (SBD, 12/
6/67, 181)
Dr. Herbert Friedman, Naval Research Laboratory Superintendent of
Atmosphere and Astrophysics Div., received 1967 Rockefeller Public
Service Award ($10,000) from Princeton Univ. President Robert F.
Goheen. Award was given in the field of science, technology, and engi-
neering. Scientist had specialized in astrophysics from first experi-
ments in rocket astronomy (revealing strength and pattern of uv
and x-rays 50 mi above atmosphere) down to present service, which
also included post of Chief Scientist of Hulburt Center for Space
Research. (Lobsenz Public Relations Co. Release, 11/13/67; Science,
12/29/67, 1655)
* Jerome F. Lederer, NASA Manned Space Night Safety Director, received
369