Astronautics and Aeronautics, 1967 - NASA's History Office

ASTRONAUTICS AND AERONAUTICS, 1967 February 25
ported in Nature. Theory was based on measurements of radio signals
of 30 quasars, obtained by using two radiotelescopes 80 mi apart in com-
bination as if at extreme ends of single instrument. Data indicating
quasars are smaller than previously believed compounded the prob-
lem of explaining their enormous quantities of energy. ( W Post, 2/26/
67)
February 26: US. astronauts would one day encounter “other living things”
in outer space, Dr. Kurt H. Debus, Director of KSC, told Rollins College
audience. “This prospect cannot be dismissed as metaphysical specula-
tion. . . . It is much more a mathematical certainty than were the
early theories expounded bv scientists and DhilosoDhers whose observa-
tion$ and discoviries made possible many 4 our aGtivities today.” ( UPI,
NYT, 2/27/67,12)
9 Vice President Humphrey commissioned into service USN’S $130-million
Atlantic undersea test ;enter, which he predicted might become the Cape
Kennedy of oceanography. Speaking at West Palm Beach, the Vice Presi-
dent said: “This center has been established primarily for purposes of
national security. But the knowledge we gain here will help us in other
ways.” It would contribute to man’s knowledge of tides and provide
information on untapped mineral resources and unutilized food sources.
“We may learn how to divert and even prevent hurricanes,” Mr. Hum-
phrey said. “But perhaps the greatest promise of all lies in food from
the sea.” (AP, NYT, 2/27/67,46)
February 27: Cosmos CXLIII was launched by U.S.S.R. into orbit with 302-
km (188-mi) apogee, 2M-km (127-mi) perigee, 89.5-min period, and
65 O inclination. All equipment was functioning normally. Satellite
reentered Mar. 7. (Tech Wk, 3 /6/67, 15; GSFC SSR, 3/15/67)
* NASA’s previous approach to preventing spacecraft fires by “preventing their
ignition” had been inadequate, Dr. George E. Mueller, NASA Associate
Administrator for Manned Space Flight, testified at open hearing held
by Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences on Jan. 27
Apollo tragedy. Also present were NASA Administrator James E. Webb,
NASA Deputy Administrator Dr. Robert C. Seamans, Jr., and Dr. Charles
A. Berry, MSC Director of Medical Research and Operations. NASA’s
future approach would seek to: (1) minimize possibility of ignition,
recognizmg “that this possibility will always exist”; (2) limit chance of
fire’s propagating once it has started; and (3) minimize consequences of
fire to crew. Dr. Mueller outlined an extensive program of testing, redesign,
and procedural changes, which included escape hatch for Apollo
spacecraft that could be opened in two seconds; search for new, less
flammable materials for cabin interior and spacesuits; and revised
emergency procedures. All improvements and changes would be incorporated
into an advanced version-Black 11-of Apollo spacecraft.
No more Block I spacecraft like Apollo 204 would be used for manned
space flights. Dr. Mueller said no estimate of fire’s eventual cost in time
or money would be made until completion of Apollo 204 Review Board’s
investigation, but he indicated that it would be at least 8 to 10 months
before next manned Apollo flight. Dr. Mueller testified that launch
rehearsal during which fire had occurred had not been classified as
“hazardous” because seven years of experience with Mercury and Gemini
programs had never indicated such tests were particularly dangerous.
Even if the test had been categorized as hazardous, he said, it would
have still taken 90 sec for crew to open the double hatch and complete
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