Astronautics and aeronautics, 1974: A chronology

330 Pages·2007·8.77 MB·English

NASA SP-4019
A S T R O N A U T I C S A N D
A E R O N A U T I C S , 1 9 7 4
A Chronology
by
Nancy L. Brun
The NASA History Series
Scientific and Technical Information Ofice 1977
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Wmhington, D.C.
For sale bjr the Superintendent of Documents,
US. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402
Price (paper cover) $4.90
Stock Number 033-000-00661-6
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 65-60308
Foreword
New technology in a rapidly advancing space age remains a challenge, but
this chronological collection of aeronautical and space events of 1974 shows
that the emphasis in technology has shifted from the problems of how to
operate in air and space to the practical use of those environments to meet
human needs.
Of NASA1’s6 payloads launched during the year, 7 were operational
satellites, expected to produce profits for their owners. Three of the nine
experimental spacecraft were launched to develop technology for applica-
tions. Although the immediate use of technology was emphasized in 1974,’
NASA also looked to the future. A little more than a third-six spacecraft-
were launched for scientific investigations, an investment in tomorrow.
Other nations and commercial interests increasingly joined us in efforts
to explore and use space. In NASA1’s9 74 total, 11 spacecraft were paid for
by non-NASA users; 10 were international. In addition, two Italian launches
used NASA launch vehicles.
Operational satellites-all of whose costs, including launch costs, were paid
for by others-included six for comunications, two of them the first US.
domestic communications satellites and four for other nations or international
groups. And a new operational weather satellite joined the network that
reports data from pole to pole. Meanwhile, new technology for improved
services was pursued : NASA launched the first Synchronous Meteorological
Satellite, for continuous day-and-night weather monitoring, and orbited an
experimental communications satellite for France and West Germany.
NASA’Ast s 6 Applications Technology Satellite demonstrated a new use
for powerful communications satellites, transmitting educational courses
and health services to small low-cost receivers in remote areas. And remote
sensing by satellite and aircraft, though still experimental, found increasing
use around the globe for monitoring the earth‘s geology, ecology, resources,
and pollution.
NASA continued the systematic exdoration of the solar system and the
observation of the universe in 1974. Studies of the sun, the planets, and the
stars added to knowledge of atmospheric processes, geological formations,
energy sources, azd physical laws that affect the earth. The German-American
Helws I probed interplanetary space to within 45 million kilometers of the
sun, closer than any previous spacecraft had flown. Three planetary probes
launched in previous years gave us the first close look at Mercury, new clues
to the origin and evolution of Venus, and new information on the weather,
atmosphere, and radiation belts of Jupiter. Juoiter was found to be a ball
of liquid hydrogen, its great red spot a gigantic cluster of storms at least
400 years old. These Mariner and Pioneer probes were sweeping on toward
further planetary investigations even as preparations continued for future
probes to softland on Mars and to fly past Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus. Scien-
tific satellites of the earth, sounding rockets, balloons, and aircraft were used
to study spectra of the stars, celestial x-ray and gammh ray sources, and the
iii
iv FOREWORD
earth’s own atmosphere and magnetic field and interaction with the solar
wind.
Manned space flight continued to demonstrate man’s capability to live and
work in space. Skylab 4, man’s longest mission to date, extended into 1974,
gathering data fox 84 days on his ability to work in space, his physiology,
the sun, and the earth. The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project neared readiness for its
mid-1975 US.-U.S.S.R. flight to test compatible docking systems and conduct
joint experiments in space. Development of the first true space transportation
system moved nearer its goal of a reusable space shuttle and reusable space
laboratory, as the shuttle reached test and fabrication stages and the European
Space Research Organization awarded the prime contract for its contribu-
tion, Spacelab, to be carried into orbit and back in the shuttle.
Aeronautical research was reoriented, with more emphasis placed on re-
ducing both the amount of energy required for transportation and the pollu-
tion produced by transportation. NASA sought new solutions for the problem
of noise, pollution, and safety, while experimenting with alternate fuels and
composite materials. Flight tests began on a new general-aviation wing, the
GAW-a1n,d the X-24B lifting body tested maneuverability and landing abili-
ties of a vehicle designed for reentry from space.
NASA made advances toward low-cost production of solar cells to convert
sunlight into electricity and demonstrated the use of solar energy to cool and
heat houses. Wind-driven electric generators and ways to reduce fuel con-
sumption and pollution by cars were other targets of research during the year.
Thus this nation, in cooperation with others, turned capabilities that man
has never before possessed toward solution of today’s problems, while invest-
ing significant resources to increase our knowledge and technology so that in
future decades we will be in a better position to help meet humanity’s cultural
and economicn eeds.
August 1976 John E. Naugle
Associate Administrator
Contents
Foreword .. .............................................. PAG11E1
John E Naugle. Associate Administrator
Preface ................................................... Vii
January ................................................... 1
February .................................................. 19
March .................................................... 51
April ...................................................... 75
May ...................................................... 97
June ...................................................... 111
July ...................................................... 129
August .................................................... 143
September ................................................. 163
October ................................................... 181
November ................................................. 197
December ................................................. 207
1974 in Summary ........................................... 221
Appendix A: Satellites, Space Probes, and Manned Space Flights,
1974 .................................................... 227
Appendix B: Major NASA Launches, 1974 .................... 257
Appendix C: Manned Space Flights, 1974 .................... 261
Appendix D: NASA Sounding Rocket Launches, 1974 ........... 263
Appendix E: X-24B Lifting-Body Flights, 1974 ................ 273
Appendix F: Abbreviations of References ...................... 275
Index and List of Abbreviations and Acronyms ................ 279
Errata in Earlier Volumes ................................... 317
V

Preface
The 14th volume in the NASA series of day-by-day records of aeronautical
and space events has somewhat narrowed its scope and selectivity in its brief
accounts from immediately available, open sources. This year the emphasis
is even more directly focused on concrete air and space activities. More
coverage has, perforce, always been given the national space agency’s own
activities, plans, and achievements, and that is true of this volume, but the
text continues to reflect some events in other agencies and countries.
The 1974 Chronology includes fewer examples of public comment and
reaction and less technical detail in more condensed summaries. New tech-
nological advances in other fields-such as medicine and ground and sea
transportation, except when related to NASA’psr ograms-have been dropped,
as have most death notices. Air and space highlights of the President’s budget
are given in tables in the text. The more routine notices of satellite launches,
when little information is available beyond the fact of launch, are now given
in Appendix A only, not in the text. Most sounding rocket launches and
lifting-body test flights also have been dropped from the text; two new
appendixes, Appendixes D and E, present the data in table format. Routine
missile and nuclear tests, defense contracts, and disarmament items are no
longer covered.
Corrections for errors found in previous volumes of this series are carried
on Errata pages following the index. This innovation will be continued in
later volumes.
The sources, identified by abbreviations that are explained in Appendix F,
were those immediately available in NASA and other Government agencies, the
Congress, and the professional societies, as well as the press. Contradictory
accounts have been resolved and doubtful ones verified whenever possible by
querying participants. Cross-references are given in the text, and the detailed
index will aid in tracing related events through the year. The index also
serves as a glossary of acronyms and abbreviations.
Astronautics and Aeronautics, 1974 was written by Nancy L. Brun of the
NASA History Office, with contributions from other staff members and the
History Office Summer Seminar. General editor of the volume was Frank W.
Anderson, Jr., Prtblications Manager of the Office, and technical editor was
Carrie E. Karegeannes. Archivist Lee D. Saegesser collected and verified
documentationa nd provided research assistance.
The assistance of many persons throughout NASA and other Federal agencies
has contributed to reliability and comprehensiveness of the volume. Com-
ments, additions, and corrections are always welcomed by the NASA History
Office.
Monte D. Wright
Director, NASA Hzktory Ofie
vii
January 1974
1 January: Appointment of Gerald J. Mossinghoff as Assistant General Coun-
sel of NASA became effective. Mossinghoff had been Deputy Assistant
Administrator for Legislative Affairs since 1971, after earlier serving
as Director of Legislative Liaison. He would continue to serve as Acting
Deputy Assistant until a successor was appointed. (NASA Ann, 3 Jan 74;
NASA Release 74-1)
Josef Boehm, rocket pioneer from Peenemuende, Germany, and Chief of
Marshall Space Flight Center’s Electromechanical Engineering Div.,
died at the age of 65. An associate professor of kinematics before join-
ing Dr. Wernher von Braun in 1939 at the Rocket Research Center in
Peenemuende, Boehm came to the United States in November 1945 with
Dr. von Braun under US. contract. He was instrumental in designing
and engineering the first US. spacecraft for the Army Ballistic Missile
Agency, beginning with Explorer 1 (launched 31 Jan. 1958) , and con-
tinued with MSFC after it was formed in 1960. He had a major role in
developing the Skylab Workshop’s Apollo Telescope Mount. (Marshall
Star, 9 Jan 74,4; Huntsville Times, 1J an 74)
2 January: Skylab 4 Astronauts Gerald P. Carr, Dr. Edward G. Gibson, and
William R. Pogue, launched 16 Nov. 1973, discussed their changed
attitudes during an inflight press conference held on their 48th day
aboard the Orbital Workshop. Science Pilot Gibson said that from space
“you see the Earth as one unit, you see the Sun as a star, and you can see
. . .
all the other stars out there and just the number of possible com-
. . . . . .
binations which could create life, makes [life elsewhere in
the universe] seem very much more likely.” Pogue said that the mission
had had a great spiritual impact on him. “At the beginning of the mis-
sion, I tried to operate like a machine. . . . Now I’m trying to operate
as a human being within the limitations I possess.” Now he would “feel
much more inclined toward humanistic feeling toward other people.”
(Transcript)
* The Air Force announced award of a $75 318 000 fixed-price-incentive,
firm contract to Martin Marietta Corp. for Titan I11 launch services
at Waterton, Colo.; Vandenberg, Calif.; and Cape Canaveral, Fla. (DOD
Release 2-74)
3 January: Johnson Space Center announced extension of two contracts for
program support to the US.-U.S.S.R. Apollo-Soyuz Test Project.
A $695 077 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract extension covering 1 Jan.
1974 through 30 Sept. 1975 had been given General Electric Co. to con-
tinue support of all Apollo hardware-related programs including auto-
matic checkout equipment.
A $2 424 250 cost-plus-fixed-fee extension for 1 Jan. 1974 through
September 1975 had been made in a Boeing Co. contract to provide
systems and project engineering support to the ASTP and Skylab program
offices. (J SC Release 74-001)
1
4 January ASTRONAUTICS AND AERONAUTICS, 1974
4 January: Twenty-seven spacecraft on twenty-six vehicles-eleven for NASA
and fifteen cost-reimbursable launches for other organizations-were
scheduled for launch by NASA during 1974. For the first time, NASA
would launch more spacecraft for other organizations than for itself.
Included in the NASA launches were two Synchronous Meteorological
Satellites (SMS) to be launched in cooperation with the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration; a proof flight of the Titamcentaur
booster carrying a mass model of Viking spacecraft and a Space Plasma
High Voltage Interaction Experiment (SPHINX) ; Helios-A, a NASA and
West German cooperative satellite to study the solar environment;
GEOS-C Geodetic Explorer ; Nimbus-F experimental weather satellite;
San Marco C2, a NASA-Italian cooperative satellite; UK-5, a NASA and
United Kingdom cooperative satellite; ATS-F Applications Technology
Satellite; a Hawkeye Explorer scientific satellite; and ANS-A, a NASA-
NetherIands astronomical satellite.
The 15 NASA launches that would be paid for by domestic and foreign
corporations and governments included 2 Skynet communications satel-
lites, the UK-X4 scientific satellite for the United Kingdom, 3 InteIsat
and 2 Marisat comsats for Communications Satellite Corp., the first 3
Westar domestic comsats for Western Union Telegraph Co., Aeros-B
scientific satellite for West Germany, ITOS-G operational weather satel-
lite and GOES-A (SMS-C) meteorological satellite for NOAA; and Sym-
phonie A experimental communications satellite for a West German and
French consortium. (NASA Release 74-2; NASA Gen Mgt Rev Rpts, 14
Jan 74, A66 ; 11 Feb 74, AM)
* Goddard Space Flight Center launched an Aerobee 200 sounding rocket
from White Sands Missile Range to study Comet Kohoutek’s ultraviolet
rays. The rocket carried cameras, spectrometers, and other instruments
to 232.6-km altitude to determine amounts of oxygen, hydrogen, and
carbon dioxide in the comet. The flight was “highly successful,” Dr.
Stephen P. Maran, GSFC Manager of Operation Kohoutek, said.
The comet, discovered 5 May 1973 by Czechoslovak astronomer Dr.
Lubos Kohoutek, was once predicted to be the “comet of the century”
as it passed near the earth on its 75 000-yr journey around the sun. It
was only twice as bright as nearby stars but reflected enough light to
permit instruments to be aimed at it precisely. (Maran, interview, July
74; Watson, W Post, 5 Jan 74; Dilts, B Sun, 5 Jan 74, Al)
*-Pioneer 10, launched 2 March 1972, was 26 070 000 km beyond Jupiter‘
after passing within 130 000 km of the giant planet 3 Dec. 1973 on a
course that would carry it past Pluto and out of the solar system in 1987.
Pioneer 11, launched 5 April 1973, had been in flight across the Asteroid
Belt since August 1973, on its way toward a Jupiter encounter in Decem-
ber 1974. (KSC ReIease 2-74)
e The Shuttle Avionic Integration Laboratory (SAIL) was being established
at Johnson Space Center to provide a central facility for testing and
evaluating avionics, flight software, flight procedures, and ground equip-
ment for the space shuttle. Testing in SAIL would provide information
on system operation before each major step in the shuttle flight tests.
(J SC Roundup, 4 Jan 74)
?e North American Air Defense Command’s count of objects in orbit
around the earth totaled 624 payloads and 2349 pieces of debris, left
from 7038 objects placed in space by man since the beginning of the
space age in 1957. Space debris was falling back into the atmosphere at a
2