Astronautics and Aeronautics, 1972: Chronology of Science

593 Pages·2007·15.61 MB·English

NASA SP-4017
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 2
Chronology of Science, Technology, and Policy
Text by
Science and Technology Division
Library of Congress
Sponsored by
NASA Historical Office
Scientific and Technical Information Ofice 1974
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
-
Wmhington, D.C.
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S. Government Printing Office. Washington. D.C. 20402
Price (paper cover) $4.83 .I ,
Stock Number 3300-00538
Library of Congress Catalog Card Nsmber 63-60308
Foreword
NASAt’ws elfth annual chronology of events in astronautics and aeronautics
reflects a US. space program redefined to be less costly and perhaps less
spectacular in the 1970s than in the previous decade-yet this volume
records a continued and indeed matured response to the challenges of space,
both in scientific exploration and in practical uses.
The year 1972 closed with the triumphant end of the Apollo program.
The mass of data from the manned explorations of the moon and data still
being collected by instruments left on the moon’s surface combined with
events on earth to intensify awareness of our planet, especially the fragility
of its environment and the preciousness of its resources. In addition to
bringing insights into how the earth evolved and into the history and nature
of the moon, the flights-culminating in the new space records and investiga-
tions of ApoUo 16 and Apollo 17 during 1972-let us see our planet “as it
really is,” influencing long-range planning for future activities in space,
as well as in many other areas of life. The assimilation and interpretation
of lunar data will occupy many scientists around the world for at least a
decade to come.
Several major events underscored the shift in emphasis from lunar
exploration toward study of our planet. President Nixon announced that the
United States would proceed to develop the reusable space shuttle, to reduce
the cost and risk of using space. NASA selected a configuration with reusable
boosters and orbiter and let the initial contracts to develop a practical and
economical system for both manned and unmanned missions in the 1980s.
Meanwhile, all Skylab components were delivered and flight crews were
readying for the 1973 missions that would feature prolonged research in
astronomy, earth resources, materials processing, and life processes, all
under the weightless conditions of earth orbit.
A major step forward in space applications, turning space knowledge and
technology into practical benefits, was the launch of Erts 1 to begin global
observation of the earth’s resources and environmental factors. Data from
Erts 1, from Skylab, and from remote-sensing aircraft were to be available
to users worldwide. Weather and communications satellites-including
Nimbus 5, Nom 2, Anik 1 for Canada, and two Intelsats-were orbited to
continue almost routine service to man from space. NASA’ste chnology
utilization program expanded the nation’s technology base and attacked
problems in health and medical care, air and water pollution, transportation,
urban construction, and fire safety.
Although a stretched-out space program reduced plans for a future Grand
Tour of all the outer planets to a focus on Jupiter and Saturn, and the
NERVA nuclear rocket program was reoriented toward a small, high-energy,
nuclear propulsion system for planetary missions, 1972 produced significant
firsts in space science. Pioneer 10 made the first probe of the Asteroid Belt
and flew on toward its December 1973 rendezvous with Jupiter and eventual
escape from the solar system. Pioneer 11 was to follow in 1973 for a meeting
with Jupiter in 1974. Mariner 9, launched in 1971, completed its mission
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iv FOREWORD
during 1972, photographically mapping the entire globe of Mars and
sending back information that revised our understanding of that planet.
We now know that Mars is geologically active; free-flowing water may have
existed in its ancient past. Mariner 9 data laid the groundwork for 1975-
1976 Viking missions to softland on Mars and search for evidence of life.
Mariner 10, to be launched in late 1973, would make the first explorations
of Mercury, flying by Venus on its way.
Om 3 (Copernicm) opened new channels of information into the distant
reaches of the universe. The Orbiting Astronomical Observatory made the
first ultraviolet observations of Uranus, observed a supernova, and, at this
writing, has returned compelling evidence of the existence of black holes
in space. Explorer 47 and 48 joined satellites launched in previous years
to extend our knowledge of physics and astronomy.
International cooperation took unprecedented steps in 1972. A US-
U.S.S.R. agreement on cooperative use of outer space included plans for
an Apollo-Soyuz docking mission in 1975; another provided for coopera-
tion in science and technology. The European Space Research Organization
worked on plans to develop a space laboratory to be flown on NASA’s
shuttle. NASA launched four satellites for other nations and four cooperative
spacecraft, and the President announced a US. policy of launch assistance
to other countries and international organizations.
NASA’ms ajor efforts in aeronautics were directed chiefly toward quieter
engines; efficient, short-haul air transportation; and reduction of exhaust
emissions. The supercritical wing was flight-tested on the Navy T-2C trainer
and the Air Force TF-8A jet aircraft in joint advanced transport tech-
nology projects to permit savings in structural weight and increases in
cruise speed without increasing power. In the NASA-USAF proqram to develop
technology for landing manned space vehicles horizontally, the M2-F3
lifting body completed its 27th and final flight, having reached a speed of
1718 kilometers (1066 miles) per hour and a 21 800 meter (71 500 foot)
altitude. The program was to continue in 1973 with flights of the X-24B
in a new configuration.
Thus, designed for realistic progress at a constant budget level of $3.4
billion, NASA’1s9 72 program in space and in the air was nonetheless marked
by the excitement of new tasks, new achievements, and the continued
increase in man’s knowledge in many fields.
Willis H. Shapley
Associate Deputy Administrator
February 11, 1974
Contents
_ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _____ _____ _ __ ____________ _ __ ___ ______ PAGE
Foreword iii
Associate Deputy Administrator Willis H. Shapley
_
_ _ __ _ ___ _ - ___________ _ ____ __ __________ _______
Illustrations vii
___________________________________________-______
Preface ix
January _ _ __ _ __ _ ________ ______ - __ _ ________ _______________ 1
_ ___ ___ ____ __ _ __ _ __ ___ ______ __ - ____ ______ __ _____
February 41
______________________-___-________________-__-__--
March 77
____________________________________________-____-_
April 127
__ _ __ - __ _ __ ____ __ _ ___ _____ _ __ __ _ __ __ __ ______ __ _ _____
May 169
__________________________________-_______________-_
June 213
247
August - _ __ __ _ __ _ __ _ __ __ __ _____ ____ _ __ ___ __ _____-___-_ _-_2 79
_
September - _ _ __ __ _ __ ___ _ __ _ __ _ __ ______ - _ __ ______ ______- _ 305
________________________________________________-
October 335
____ _ _____ ___ _ __ ____ _ ____ _ _________ __
November _-__ ___-_-3 71
December _____________________-___-___4_03_ _______-____----
___ _ _ _ _ __ _ ____ __ _ ___ __ ___ ___ ____ _____ _____ _ __--_
Summary a 7
Appendix A: Satellites, Space Probes, and Manned Space Flights,
a Chronicle for 1972 __________________________________-- 457
Appendix B: Chronology of Major NASA Launches, 1972 ______4-8 5
e:
Appendix Chronology of Manned Space Flight, 1972 ______-4-8 9
______-_____________
Appendix D : Abbreviations of References 493
_____________--
Index and List of Abbreviations and Acronyms 497
V

Illustrations
PAGE
President Nixon and NASA Administrator Fletcher examine a model
of the space shuttle ______________________________________ 3
An instrumented B-57 aircraft tests methods_ to detect clear-air
turbulence _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ ___ __ __ _ __ _ _ _ ___ _ _ _ _ __ _ ____ _ __ 4.4
......................
A manned helicopter lands automatically 57
Pioneer 10 in preparation for launch toward Jupiter, with the
plaque to be carried for readers in space ______________________ 82
__
A hospital surgery team applies spacecraft sterilization techniques 92
Drc. oFnlfeigtcuhrearti,o Dn r._ _L _o _w _,_ _a _n _d_ _D _a_l _e _M - _y _e_r _s _e_x _p _l _a _in _ _t _h_e_ _s p_a_c _e _ _s _h_u_tt_ l _e _ _ 103
___________
Apob 16 EVA routes at the Descartes lunar landing site 143
___________________
Astronaut Young works on the lunar surface 145
____________
Stars in the Milky Way photographed from the moon 147
Dr. Kvenvolden displays a rock thought to hold evidence of the
........................
beginning of photosynthesis on earth 159
_____
Dr. Jones with a wind-tunnel model of the pivot-wing aircraft 192
________
Signing of the US-U.S.S.R. space cooperation agreement 196
____________
Docked Apollo-Soyuz Test Project spacecraft models 196
A mobile medical gas analyzer and an ultrathin, low-volt switching
circuit, from space technology _____________________________ 249
Erts 1 in preparation for launch _____________________________ 268
First Erts 1 photos are examined by Dr. Clark, Dr. Fletcher, and
.........................................
Charles Mathews 269
__
Atlas-Centaur stages arrive at Cape Kennedy for the Om 3 launch 296
______________
Flight Research Center marks its 25th anniversary 312
Astronauts Thornton, Bobko, and Crippen emerge from the Skylab
medical experiments altitude test ___________________________ 324
___________________
The Skylab airlock module in the clean room 324
___________
The Bell X-1 breaks the sound barrier-Oct. 14, 1947 351
_________
The X-24B lifting body arrives at Flight Research Center 351
__________
Potential Mars landing sites for 1976 Viking spacecraft 376
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Viii ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGE
____________
A laser instrument detects sulfur-dioxide air pollution 391
ApolEo 17 lift08 lights the night sky __________________________ 412
Astronaut Cernan checks out the Rover ________________________ 414
Geologist-Astronaut Schmitt works beside a boulder on the moon --- 415
The crescent earth rises over the moon, seen from Apollo 17 -__--- 417
Evans retrieves film cassettes during space walk ____-______4_1-8- --
(6 Picture of a manned spacecraft,” cartoon by Scott Long -__----- 450
Preface
Astronautics and Aeronautics for 1972, twelfth in this series of annual
chronologies, gives a brief day-by-day account of key events of the year in
space and in the air. It pinpoints dates, actors, new technology, decisions,
programs, achievements, and early evaluations of results, with notations to
sources. Some of the indirectly related technological and scientific events,
some indications of the impact on society and national and international
concerns, and a sampling of public and official reaction also are noted.
Not intended to develop a full picture, the brief references, when used with
the index and cross-references, can nevertheless outline the progress of a
given subject during the year and point to origins in previous years.
Designed primarily for reference use within the Federal Government, the
volume is also offered to the public. The principal sources are those immedi-
ately available in NASA, other Federal agencies, Congress, the professional
societies, as well as the journals and the press, with verification from par-
ticipants. Often details that could be lost with time can be captured and
questions clarified while the participants are still at hand.
General editor of this volume was the Deputy Director of the NASA
Historical Office, Frank W. Anderson, Jr., and the technical editor was
Mrs. Carrie E. Karegeannes. The entire Historical Office participated in
source selection, review, and publication. Archivist Lee D. Saegesser collected
current documentation. The Science and Technology Division of the Library
of Congress, under an Exchange of Funds agreement, drafted monthly
sezments in comment edition form; which were circulated for corrections,
additions, and use. At the end of the year, the entire manuscript was
reworked to include comments received and additional information that
was not available when the monthly segments were prepared. At the Library
Mrs. Patricia D. Davis, Mrs. Carmen Brock-Smith until October and Mrs.
Nancy L. Brun from December, and Mrs. Shirley M. Singleton carried
principal responsibility. Arthur G. Renstrom of the Library prepared the
monthly indexes and Informatics TISCO, Inc., prepared the detailed index
for the annual volume. The index, indispensable to the usefulness of a
chronology, also serves as a glossary of abbreviations and acronyms.
Appendix A. “Satellites, Space Probes, and Manned Space Flights, 1972,”
Appendix B, “Chronology of Major NASA I aunches, 1972,” and Appendix C,
“Chronology of Manned Space Flight, 1972,” were prepared by Leonard C.
Bruno of the Library of Congress. Appendix D, “Abbreviations of Refer-
ences,,’ was prepared by Mrs. Davis.
Without the assistance of many individuals throughout NASA and other
Federal agencies, the content of this volume would be less reliable and
complete. Comments, additions, and criticisms are always welcomed by the
NASA Historical Office.
Monte D. Wricht
Director, NASA Historical Ofice
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