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Aeronautics and Space Report 

of the President TRANSMITTED TO THE 

1969 

CONGRESS 

JANUARY 1970 

Executive Office of the President 

National Aeronautics and Space Council 

Washington, D.C. 20502 

HERE MEN FROM THE PLANET EARTH 

FIRST SET FOOT UPON THE MOON 

JULY 1969, A. D. 

WE CAME IN PEACE FOR ALL MANKIND 

4ƾdL sdz&I.&) 

MICHAEL COLLINS EDWlN E. ALDRIN, JR. 

ASTRONAUT ASTRONAUT 

NEIL @ A. ARMSTRONG 

ASTRONAUT 

&u".t;k 

RICHARD NIXON 

PRESIDENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE OF TRANSMITTAL 

To the Congress of the United States: 

The year; 1969 was truly a turning point in the story of space exploration-the 

most significant of any year in that still brief history. I am pleased to transmit to the 

Congress this report on the space and aeronautics activities of ow Government in the 

past 12 months. As I do so, I again salute the thousands of men and women whose 

devotion and skill over many years have made our recent successes possible. 

This report tells the remarkable and now familiar story of man’s first and second 

landings on the Moon. It recounts, too, the exciting Mariner voyage which took the 

first closeup photographs of the planet Mars. But it also discusses the space triumphs 

of 1969 which were less well-publicized, successes which also have great significance. 

It tells, for example, of the progress made in our communications satellite, weather 

satellite and Earth resources satellite programs. It discusses the scien’tific and military 

implications of all our recent advances. It details the progress we have made toward 

achieving greater international participation in our space adventures. And it reports, 

too, on our advances in aeronautical technology. 

In 1969 we achieved the most prominent of our goals in space-one which had 

long been a focus for our energies. As we enter a new decade, we must now set new 

goals which make sense for the seventies. The space budget that I am submitting to 

Congress reflects my view of a balanced space program, one which will build on the 

progress we have already made. 

Our space and aeronautics program has benefited this Nation in many ways. It 

has contributed to our national security, to our educational, transportation, and commercial strength, to our scientific and medical knowledge, to our international position 

and to our sense of the dignity and the capacity of man. And the story is only beginning. We have made long strides into the future during the past year; now we must 

build on those accomplishments in the coming years and decades. 

THE WHITE HOUSE, 

January 1970. 
ADDENDUM TO THE PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT 

Since the material for this report was prepared, the National Aeronautics 

and Space Administration (NASA) has redirected certain portions of the 

space program to bring the agency’s total operations in line with its budget 

for fiscal year 1971. The following alterations in the text reflect the 

budgetary changes : 

Page 8, first column, paragraph 5, text reads: “Three Apollo 

Should read: “Two Apollo launches are scheduled for 1970.” 

Page 8, second column, paragraph 6, line 4, text reads: “The 

launch rate was reduced from 2-month launch intervals to 4-month 

intervals * * *.” 

Should read: “The Apollo lunar missions will be rescheduled to 

6-monthintervals * * *.” 

Page 14, first column, paragraph 5, text reads: “Viking-NASA 

also plans (through its Viking project) to send two instrumented 

spacecraft to Mars for 90 days in 1973.” 

Should read: “The unmanned Viking lander will be launched to 

Mars in 1975.” 

launches are scheduled for 1970.” 
Table of Contents 

I . Progress Toward U.S. Aeronautics and Space 

Introduction ......... Service to Mankind ......................... 

.......... 

National Security ............. Scientific Exploration .......... New Capabilities .............. International Cooperation .................... Aeronautics ....... Summary .................................. I1 . National Aeronautics and Space Council ....... I11 . Naticnal Aeronautics and Space Administration . Introduction ................................ Manned Space Flight ........................ Apollo Program .... .................. Lunar Exploration . .................. Advanced Manned Missions .............. Planetary Exploration ....................... 

Advanced Research and Technology 

Basic and Applied Research .............. 

Space Science and Applications ............... 

Chemical Propulsion ..................... Biotechnology and Human Research 

Space Vehicle Systems .................. Electronics and Control .................. Space Power and Ele 

Nuclear Propulsion . . Tracking and Data Acquisition ............... University Programs ......................... International Affairs ......................... Industry Affairs ... 

Relationship With Other Government Agencies . 

IV . Department of Defense ....................... Introduction ................................ 

Space Ground Support ....................... 

Aeronautics Development Activities ............ Supporting Research and Technology .......... Cooperation With Other Government Agencies . . V . Atomic Energy Commission ................... Introduction ................................ Space Electric Power ........................ Space Radioisotope Power Systems ........ Space Reactor Power Systems ............. Space Isotopic Fuel Development ......... Nuclear Rocket Program ................. Detection of Space and Atmospheric Nuclear 

Explosions ................................ VI . Department of State ......................... Introduction ................................ VI1 . United States Information Agency ............. Introduction ............................... Guidelines .................................. Treatment ........ .... VI11 . Arms Control and Disarmament Agency ....... Introduction ................................ 

Introduction ............................... Aeronautics ................................ 

re ................... Introduction ..... .................... Research Results . .................... 

The NASA Safety Program .................. 

Space Development Activities ................. 

DOD National Ranges ..... ......... 

IX . Department of the Interior . .. 

Space ........... .................... X . Department of A 

Earth Resources Survey Program ... ....... 

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Earth Resources Technology Satellite .......... Aircraft Utilization . XI . Department of Com 

Introduction ................................ Environmental Science Services Administra 

Coast and Geodetic Survey Operations 

The Environmental Data Service ...... Weather Bureau Operations .............. ESSA Research Laboratories .............. National Bureau of Standards ................. Basic Measurements and Standards 

Materials Research and Standards ......... Technological Measurements and Standards . Office of State Technical Services .... Maritime Administration .... XI1 . Department of Transportatio 

Introduction .............. The Supersonic Transport ... Air Traffic Control and Navigation System ..... Aviation Safety Research and Development ..... Human Factors in Aviation .................. Aviation and the Environment ......... XI11 . National Science Foundation ................. Introduction ............................... XIV . National Academy of Sciences, National Academy 

of Engineering, National Research Council . . Introduction ............................... Space Science Board ........................ Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board . . Division on Behavioral Sciences ............... 

Center for Short Lived Phenomena ............ National Air and Space Museum ............. National Museum of Natural History .......... XVI . Federal Communications Commission .......... Introduction ............. Regulatory Activities ........................ International Radio Consultative Committee .... Maritime Mobile Service ..................... Aeronautical Development ................... Amateur Radio Service ...................... Radio Astronomy and Space Services .......... Broadcasting Policy Coordination ...... 

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Appendixes 

A.1 . U.S. Spacecraft Record (chart) ................ 92 

A-2 . U.S. Spacecraft Record ...................... 92 

U.S.S.R. Spacecraft Successfully Launched ...... 92 

A-3 . Successful U.S. Launches--1969 ............... 93-99 

A-4 . Aeronautical Events of 1969 ................... 100 

B . U.S. Applications Satellites, 1958-69 ......... .IO 0-102 

C . History of US . and Soviet Manned Space Flights 103-104 

104 

E . Nuclear Power Systems for Space Application .... 105 

F-1 . Space Activities of the U.S. Government ..... 105 

U.S. Space Budget-New Obligational Authority 

F-2 . Space Activities Budget ....................... 

D . U.S. Space Launch Vehicles .................. 

(chart) ................................... 105 

Aeronautics Budget ........................... 106 

106 

V 
”That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” 
I Progress Toward U.S. Aeronautics 

and Space Goals in 1969 

Introduction 

Nineteen hundred and sixty-nine was truly a significant year for both aeronautical and space endeavors. 

Man for the first time set foot on another celestial body, 

began its exploration, and returned safely to Earth. 

History will record this generation as the one that overcame the bounds of this planet and opened up the vast 

reaches of space to both man and his machines. This 

accomplishment, which was the primary goal and the 

dominant theme of our space activities during the past 

decade, caused a spiritual uplifting for man that has 

transcended national boundaries. Within the Earth’s 

atmosphere, we flew the first of many large, widebodied jet aircraft for civil use and initiated development of several new advanced aircraft for military use. 

These aeronautical milestones ushered in a new era 

of efficiency and comfort in air transportation and 

strengthened our posture for national defense. 

During the first half of 1969 the Apollo lunar landing system completed final phases of test and demonstration. Apollo 9, during a 10-day flight starting on 

March 3, successfully simulated in Earth orbit the 

operation of the lunar module through a lunar landing and take-off demonstration. Next, on May 18, 

Apollo 10 started an 8-day flight during which the 

manned lunar module made two low orbit passes approaching within 47,000 feet of the lunar surface. These 

flights were over the prospective lunar landing site in 

preparation for the first manned touchdown. 

On July 16, a large and varied audience of distinguished visitors from all over the world assembled 

at the Kennedy Space Center to view the countdown 

and departure of the first successful manned landing 

and exploration of another celestial body. Man’s first 

step on the lunar surface was taken by Astronaut Armstrong in full television view of all mankind. Astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin spent over 21 hours on 

the lunar surface ,before they rejoined Astronaut 

Collins for a safe return to Earth. Even though the 

primary purpose of this flight was to verify the capability of the Apollo system, the scientific data from 

this mission have served as a major advance in the 

exploration of our solar system. 

On November 14, Apollo 12, now a proven space 

exploration system, took departure from Earth on 

man’s second journey to the Moon. With pinpoint accuracy, Astronauts Conrad and Bean landed on the 

Ocean of Storms within a few feet from the edges of 

a crater in which Surveyor I11 landed in April 1967. 

During two surface excursions by the two astronauts, 

major advances were made in our understanding of the 

Moon and its history. The astronauts, along with their 

scientific bounty, safely returned to Earth on November 24. 

While the Apollo system was in its final demonstration phases, the unmanned Mariner VI and VI1 were 

en route on their 6-month-long journey to Mars to 

give us our first detailed TV type look at our nearest 

planetary neighbor. This dual unmanned mission demonstrated a highly effective planetary exploration system and provided a major step forward in our understanding of Mars. 

The primary goal of the first decade to develop a 

space exploration capability has been accomplished. 

Challenging and profitable steps lie ahead. 

In addition to the primary goal, our space activities 

have focused on the goals of service to mankind, enhancement of national security, scientific exploration 

of our solar system, development of new capabilities, 

and encouragement of international cooperative effort. 

These five goals have guided our efforts during the 

past decade and will serve to direct our future efforts. 

Major achievements can be recorded toward each of 

these goals during 1969. 

Service to Mankind 

Communications-The development and use of communications by means of satellites made significant 

progress in several important areas. 

The International Telecommunications Satellite 

Consortium (Intelsat) , managed by the Communications Satellite Corporation, is now providing a large 

percentage of the total commercial transoceanic communications service acmss the Atlantic, Pacific, and 

Indian Oceans. The next generation spacecraft, Intelsat IV, with about eight times the capacity of the current operating spacecraft, are under procurement and 

should be ready for launch in 197 1. 

1 
The United States also continued the use of the defense satellite communications system (DSCS) to satisfy unique and vital governmental communications 

requirements. In this system, 23 operational spacecraft, 

launched during 1966-68, in near-synchronous orbit 

are being used by 29 fixed and transportable ground 

stations. During 1969, development of a new series of 

high performance geostationary spacecraft to replace 

the present DSCS system was started. These spacecraft will be equipped with “Earth coverage” antennas 

and two steerable narrow beam antennas. The narrow 

beam antennas can focus energy into 2,000-mile diameter circular areas, thereby increasing the channel 

capacity of the system for selected geographical areas. 

The Department of Defense is also proceeding with 

the development of communications satellites to support tactical operations. The first such satellite, Tacsat 

I, was launched early in 1969, and working in conjunction with the Lincoln Laboratory experimental satellite, 

LES-6, provided significant operating experience to 

Army, Navy, and Air Force mobile terminals. 

Navigation-A constellation of four Transit navigation satellites, which were in operation in 1968, have 

continued to serve surface and subsurface navigators. 

Since 1967, when the Vice President announced the 

availability of navigation by satellite to all users, the 

number of civil users has continued to increase. The 

strongest interest has been shown by offshore oil survey 

companies, oceanographic research ships, and ocean 

1’ iners. 

Experimentation has continued on advanced satellite 

navigation concepts which could meet the needs of air, 

surface, and subsurface navigators at low cost. Preliminary results have been highly encouraging. 

Geodesy-One of the significant accomplishments for 

the space program has been the precise determination 

of the size and shape of the Earth‘s geoid. A national 

geodetic satellite program was established in 1964, with 

the objective to establish a primary geometric network 

of 44 interconnected stations to an accuracy of -+lo 

meters extending around the globe. Such a network is 

of major importance to science, to defense, to global 

operations requiring precision location, etc. The observations for this objective will be completed in June 

1970. Stations with even greater accuracy are being 

established for specialized purposes, such as antenna 

locations for the deep space tracking network and test 

range instrumentation sites. 

Meteorology-Space meteorology is the best known 

space applications program. It directly benefits all mankind. Although the -data are primarily for weather 

forecasters and weather researchers, television viewers 

everywhere are familiar with synoptic satellite weather 

pictures. 

The U.S. meteorological satellite program was 

started in April 1960, with Tiros I. It is now a mature 

system consisting of two types of satellites, an automatic 

picture transmission (APT j type and an advanced 

vidicon stored picture readout type. This system meets 

the requirement for daily observation of global cloud 

cover conditions. A minimum of one spacecraft of each 

type is required to maintain the integrity of the system. 

Only one replacement launch was required in 1969. In 

1970, the system will be improved by the addition of 

the day/night temperature mapping capability of 

Tiros M. 

This year, new sensors were demonstrated in orbit 

from which the vertical atmospheric temperature distribution down to the surface of the Earth could be 

derived. Experimental work with geostationary satellites was greatly refined, providing time-lapse films of 

the development and movement of hurricanes. This 

technique promises to add significantly to our ability 

to understand and to forecast destructive storms. Continued progress in meteorology by means of satellite 

data will result in improved forecasting with attendant 

economic benefits. 

The US. weather satellite program has been most 

successful in developing international cooperation in 

meteorology. 

Earth Resources-In 1969 the experimental Earth 

resources survey program made progress by using aircraft as sensor research vehicles. The Earth resources 

technolqgy satellite (ERTS) A and B, based on the use 

of telemetry for data return, proceeded into a system 

definition and preliminary design phase. The need for 

higher resolution calibration of ERTS A and B through 

the use of photographic sensors is being studied. Earthoriented, multispectral sensing by both aircraft and 

spacecraft holds promise of mar,y direct benefits. This 

was recognized by the President, and international cooperation in this area became a major initiative in his 

speech to the United Nations in September. The experimental NASA program includes participation by 

such user agencies as the Departments of Agriculture 

and Interior. The program is still in an early phase 

and significant tasks remain for the early 1970’s. 

National Security 

The space programs of the United States are providing 

benefits to the Natior, in the form of enhanced national 

security. These benefits derive from the applicability of 

space technology to those military programs that are 

consistent with our commitments as a signatory to the 

Outer Space Treaty. 

The capabilities of space systems have a direct effect 

on our national defense posture through such areas as 

2 
communications, navigation, surveillance, and map 

ping, and weather forecasting. During the past year, 

two new Vela satellites were successfully placed in orbit 

to detect nuclear detonations occurring at any place 

outward from the surface of the earth. In addition, this 

program has provided radiation data for manned lunar 

flights. 

The Titan I11 family of launch vehicles, among other 

systems, is providing boosters for these military needs 

as well as a growing number of civil uses. The Titan 

IIIC launch vehicle research and development program was completed in the past year with two successful flights. 

The scientific knowledge and technical expertise of 

the United States were clearly displayed to an international audience by the successful lunar landings and 

Mars flybys in 1969, as well as by the long series of 

preceding missions. Apollo 11 and Apollo 12, whose 

television pictures were transmitted live around the 

world by means of communications satellites, were 

compelling examples of great accomplishment and 

peaceful purpose. The furtherance of world peace and 

our image as a strong and peace-minded people were 

directly served by these historic accomplishments. 

Space offers both a medium for the protection of our 

freedoms and those of our friends, as well as an 

increasing opportunity to demonstrate our peaceful 

intent. 

Scientific Exploration 

The United States has assumed a commanding lead 

in the science of space. Measurement of the solar 

wind and interplanetary magnetic field have been 

correlated with observations of the Sun to yield new 

understanding of the way in which the Sun’s atmosphere extends into space to form the interplanetary 

medium. Instruments left on the lunar surface by both 

Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 are already changing our 

ideas, not only about the Moon, but on how the interplaneary medium interacts with the Moon. The two 

Apollo landings have produced significant new data 

that are revealing information on the formation of 

the solar system and the time scale of its evolution. 

The planetary program is structured around three 

primary goals: The understanding of the origin and 

evolution of the solar system; an understanding of the 

origin and evolution of life; and a better understanding of large-scale phenomena by .doing comparative 

studies of Earth and other planets. 

The dramatic Mariner 6 and 7 Mars encounters 

have greatly modified our thinking about the possibility 

of life on Mars. These vehicles transmitted 200 times 

more data about Mars than were obtained from 

Mariner 4. The atmosphere of Mars is far more hostile 

than had been previously thought. Terrestrial life 

forms could not survive on the Martian surface; the 

atmosphere is so thin that lethal ultraviolet radiation 

actually penetrates to the surface. Indications are that 

oceans have never existed on Mars and that water 

vapor is present only in vanishingly small quantities. 

Space astronomy has made major advances in 1969. 

Observations of the Sun and other stars are being 

made in wavelength regions that are inaccessible to 

astronomers using Earth-based instruments. For example, ballon- and rocket-borne instruments have discovered that the pulsar in the Crab Nebula emits 

powerful X-ray pulses. Each pulse contains as much 

energy as could be produced by collecting the entire 

electrical output of our present terrestrial civilization 

for 10 million years, but this pulsar produces such an 

X-ray pulse 30 times each second. The study of such 

extraordinary extraterrestrial phenomena will lead to 

a new understanding of physical processes that may 

help us to improve life on Earth. 

New Capabilities 

The vitality of the Nation’s aeronautics and space program and its ability to serve the needs of this country 

is dependent on a strong program to develop new 

capabilities. This includes improved aeronautical systems, improved space launching systems and improved 

space vehicles. The thrust of this effort must be to 

increase safety and performance of aeronautical systems, to bring down the cost of space launch operations and to increase the usefulness of space vehicles. 

The whole spectrum of technolGgy, including the most 

advanced, must be used as necessary to achieve these 

objectives. 

During the past year, our national space program 

demonstrated numerous significant new capabilities. 

The most outstanding of these was the culmination of 

a decade of intense effort with the operation of all 

elements of the Apollo program. This remarkable program not only produced a highly sophisticated and 

extremely complex system, but also created the technological base and management tools that can readily 

be applied to the development of new capabilities. 

The Apollo capability, in addition to lunar exploration, has provided the cornerstone for the 

manned follow-on Earth orbital program-Apollo applications. This program involves orbiting a Saturn V 

upper stage, outfitted on the ground as a manned work 

shop. This will be a major step forward in our manned 

Earth-orbital capability. In addition to providing facil3 
ities for scientific, technological, medical, and human 

factor experiments, it will provide valuable precursor 

data for a future permanent space station. 

To achieve economy in space flight, reusability of 

hardware and commonality of mission equipment are 

major guidelines in developing future space systems. A 

space transportation system, proposed as a joint program by the NASA and DOD, is now approaching the 

project definition phase. Through the principle of 

hardware reuse, major cost reduction in space operations should be achievable. A permanent space station 

is also in the early definitioi phase. The basic element 

of the space station is a standard module which, by 

changing instrumentation and internal arrangements, 

should be usable in an Earth oribital, lunar orbital, or 

in a planetary flyby mode. 

A new satellite infrared spectrometer sensor was used 

in 1969. The data from this sensor permitted the vertical profile of the atmosphere to be derived in terms of 

temperature, water vapor, and ozone content. This 

information will be highly useful in improving weather 

forecasting over the globe. 

The Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (OAO2), launched December 1968, demonstrated during 

1969 the importance of extending astronomical observations into the invisible ultraviolet regions. Major 

discoveries were made in this region. 

The Viking-Mars program, consisting of an orbiting 

spacecraft and a soft lander will use aerodynamic braking and parachutes in addition to retrorockets in landing the soft lander on the .Martian surface. This differs 

from pure retrorocket techniques of our lunar landings 

and aerodynamic braking plus parachutes for our 

Earth reentry systems. Development of this vehicle 

moved into the hardware contractual phase during 

1969. 

The advantages of isotope heat sources for space 

electrical power were increasingly recognized. The 

SNAP-27 generator was used as the electrical power 

source for the Apollo 12 experiments left on the Moon 

by the astronauts and the SNAP-19 was used to power 

the Nimbus 3 weathei satellite. 

With the completion of testing of the world’s first nuclear rocket engine, the technology development phase 

of the nuclear rocket was concluded. Based on this 

technology, development of NERVA (nuclear engine 

for rocket vehicle application) engine was started. 

This engine will be a restartable 75,000-pound thrust 

engine with a specific impulse of 800 to 900 seconds, 

more than double that of conventional rocket engines. 

Advanced development continued on a new liquid 

rocket engine, featuring both high performance and 

reusable features for new systems. A new tripropellant 

system provided record performance for chemically 

powered engines. Together with work on guidance systems, materials, structural designs, lifting body flight 

vehicles, and other technology programs, our research 

and development organizations continued to provide a 

base for future systems development. 

International Cooperation 

In 1969 the President highlighted the potential of 

space as a force for peace. At his request, the Apollo 

11 astronauts visited six continents to dramatize their 

conviction that their successful lunar landing was a 

triumph for the human spirit everywhere. In September, the President avowed before the General Assembly of the United Nations the determination of the 

United States to share both the “adventures and the 

benefits” of space and offered the Earth resources survey program as a manifest of our intentions. 

In support of the President’s interest in enlarging 

foreign participation even beyond current levels, 

NASA informed ministerial and space agency officials 

abroad of plans for future US. space activity, thereby 

affording foreign interests the earliest opportunity for 

consideration of increasing their participation in new 

and important ways. Consultations with officials abroad 

began, and foreign experts participated in the NASA 

conference on space shuttle concepts as a first step in 

acquiring a base of information for use in defining 

their own nations’ potential interests in participation at 

new and higher levels. 

Meanwhile, the established programs of cooperation 

continued and responded to technical and scientific 

opportunities and enlarged the basis for support of the 

President’s emphasis on substantive international participation. Among the more significant developments : 

NASA concluded an agreement with the Indian 

space agency for a project in which the ATS-F 

satellite will be made available for experimental 

instructional TV broadcasting, directly and by 

relay, to receivers in 5,000 Indian villages. 

Experimental projects with both Brazil and 

Mexico in remote sensing of earth resources from 

aircraft helped pave the way for future satellite 

missions and served increasingly to demonstrate 

the meaning of these techniques for other developing countries. 

NASA launched two spacecraft in joint projects 

with other countries (Canada and Germany) and 

one spacecraft on a reimbursable basis (the 

10-nation European Space Research Organization). In addition, an agreement was concluded 

with Italy for reimbursable laurichings of NASA 

4 
satellites from the San Marco platform in the 

Indian Ocean. 

Thirty-nine scientists and their associates from 

nine foreign countries participated, on the merits 

of their proposals in the analysis of lunar materials 

returned to Earth by the crew of Apollo 11. 

In 1969 the operational weather satellite program of the United States continued to demonstrate how relatively modest investments in 

advanced technology can bring incalculable benefits to ourselves and others. U.S. weather satellites 

provided cloud-cover data which was either distributed through World Meteorological Organization communications channels or transmitted 

directly from satellites to more than 500 inexpensive ground stations in 54 countries. 

Efforts to develop substantive and mutually cooperative programs with the U.S.S.R. are continuing but 

have met with limited success. The exchange of meteorological data continued via a Washington-Moscow 

data link. The value of the U.S.S.R. data was overshadowed however, by the quality and availablity of 

meteorological data from U.S. satellites. 

Intelsat, the international communications satellite 

consortium, further proved its worth as an instrument 

to advance cooperation between nations during 1969. 

The venture, managed by the U.S. Communications 

Satellite Corporation, now includes 70 nations with 36 

earth stations in 24 countries relaying live television 

and telecommunications around the globe. This year 

the consortium moved to develop permanent agreements to replace the interim founding agreements of 

1964. Intelsat satellites supported all Apollo launches 

and relayed our Moon landings to the largest audience 

in the history of man ever to witness a single event. 

Aeronautics 

The levels of aeronautical technology reached during 

1969 have subtle and far-reaching significance for 

most of the world’s population. Confronted with 

achievements of the U.S.S.R. and the British-French 

consortium in flying their civil supersonic transport 

prototypes, the President was supported by Congress 

in his recommendation for our Nation to proceed with 

the construction of a U.S. supersonic transport prototype which is to be both larger and faster than those 

now flying. 

The U.S. aircraft industry accomplished a major 

achievement in making the first flights of several large 

wide-bodied jet transports for civil use early in the year. 

These flights were followed by a highly successful flight 

test and certification program. 

Both the SST and the wide-bodied jumbo jet aircraft are destined to have as much impact on the 

traveling habits of the business and private citizen as 

did the smaller jets when they replaced piston engined 

transports. The SST and large jets will open new commerical markets for the U.S. businessman, stimulate 

our economy, and provide cultural contact between 

nations separated by distances too great for easy direct 

contact. 

Aircraft research and development eff orts continued 

to improve both the quality and quantity of options 

in aircraft technology available to the designer in 

aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, safety, air traffic 

control, and flying qualities. Efforts to reduce the public irritants of noise and chemical pollution during the 

past year promise relief from these undesirable byproducts of aviation progress. 

Aircraft continue to become more important to our 

national economy. Aircraft are used by the Government for a variety of purposes: Research and national 

defense, aerial surveying, management of wildlife resources, forest fire patrol, Earth resource surveying, 

etc. In addition, aircraft of all sizes and performance 

are used by the business and private sectors as a means 

of enriching our economic life. For example, besides 

the obvious transportation function, aircraft are used 

for commercial fish spotting, pipeline patrol, aerial 

prospecting, agricultural application, as well as business 

and pleasure flying thus adding to the aerial activity 

in this country. 

We have witnessed the growth of the airport terminaI 

to preempt the train and bus terminals as the major 

transportation hubs in our cities, while at the same 

time, we find ourselves increasingly ensnarled in unmanageable surface traffic. Major efforts were begun 

in 1969 to improve the quality and effectiveness of 

surface and air transportation. This activity in aviation 

has centered about improvements in airport design and 

in air traffic control to eliminate costly and frustrating 

delays in the air terminal traffic. 

In national defense, the United States took steps to 

replace its aging fleet of strategic deterrent military 

aircraft by proceeding with a request for proposals 

from industry for a new strategic bomber (B-1). To 

assure the future capability for tactical air superiority 

and support of our ground forces, engineering develop 

ment was approved for a new tactical fighter (F-15). 

The needs for an advanced fleet air-defense aircraft and 

an improved tactical anti-submarine-warfare ( ASW) 

aircraft have been recognized and engineering development was started for both a carrier-based fighter 

(F-14) and an ASW aircraft (S-3A). A significant 

potential for improvement in our combat mobility and 

air transport capability has been realized with the initial 

delivery of an operational heavy military air transport 

(C5A) to the Air Force. 

5 
Summary activity is being initiated. A vigorous program of 

aeronautical research and the development of vital 

aircraft systems for civil and military needs arc planned 

for the coming years. l'hc decade of the 1970's promises concrete returns to the United States in aeronautics 

and space that will benefit the life of each individual 

citizen and uplift the spirit of the Nation. 

The achievements in space during 1969, as well as 

the marked progress in aeronautics, are truly historic 

events in their own right and the forerunners of a new 

era of application of our expertise to our national benefit and to the world. A far-sighted program of space 

I1 National Aeronautics 

and Space Council 

The National Aeronautics and Space Council, established by the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 

1958, has a statutory responsibility for advising and 

assisting the President on policies, plans, and programs 

of the United States in aeronautical and space 

activities. 

The President accepted the resignation of the Council's first Executive Secretary in February 1969, and 

selected a new Executive Secretary in May 1969. Due 

to the fact that the newly selected official was an astronaut then assigned to the backup crew of Apollo 11 (the 

manned lunar landing mission), it was agreed that 

the appointment would not take effect until the Apollo 

1 1 duties of the Executive-Secretary-designate were 

completed. 

Early in the year as progress in the Apollo program 

clearly indicated that achievement of the manned 

lunar landing and safe return to Earth goal was near at 

hand, the President asked the Vice President to chair a 

Space Task Group study to recommend the direction 

the U.S. space program should take in the post-Apollo 

period. The Secretary of the Air Force, the Administrator of NASA, and the President's science adviser 

were asked to assist, as was the Director of the Bureau 

of the Budget. 

During the period of this study, the Space Task 

Group functioned in lieu of the National Aeronautics 

and Space Council. The NASC staff provided staff 

support for the Vice President, as Chairman and member. The last meeting of the Space Task Group, in 

September, for approval of the report was joined by the 

newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Council. 

This meeting marked the transition from the ad hoc 

Space Task Group to resumption of normal Council 

activity. The Space Task Group report included 

amongst its findings a recommendation that the National Aeronautics and Space Council be utilized as a 

mechanism for continuing reassessment of the character 

and pace of the space program. 

Council meetings during the year were concerned 

with interagency approval of the Space Task Group report, the presentation of the report to the President, 

and the revitalization of the Council staff and Council 

functions in both space and aeronautics as proposed 

by the new Executive Secretary. 

As the year closed, the Council staff had been enlarged to include specialists in space science, space 

nuclear systems, and aeronautics; several having been 

furnished on detail from Council member departments 

and agencies to assist in the reviving of the staff effort. 

Under the direction of the Executive Secretary, an 

intensive effort was underway to define national policy 

issues in both aeronautics and space for early Council 

action. 

6 
I11 National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Introduction 

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

concluded another year of successful accomplishments 

in space achievements and aeronautical research. 

This year saw the climax of over 8 years of intensive 

effort by NASA to achieve the goal established by 

President Kennedy in 1961 “of landing a man on the 

Moon and returning him safely to Earth” within this 

decade. Apollo 11 Astronauts Neil Armstrong and 

Edwin Aldrin, aboard the Lunar Module Eagle, 

landed at Tranquility Base on the Moon at 4: 17 p.m. 

e.d.t., July 20, 1969, to become the first man on the 

lunar surface. Six hours and thirty-nine minutes later, 

Astronaut Armstrong stepped from the ladder of the 

Lunar Module (LM) onto the Moon with the remark, 

“That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for 

mankind .” 

Apollo 11 was one of four successful manned Apollo 

flights during the year. Others were Apollo 9, during 

which a manned LM was first tested in space; Apollo 

10, in which an LM carried two astronauts to within 

47,000 feet of the lunar surface; and Apollo 12, the 

second Moon landing mission, which was piloted by the 

astronauts to a precise landing on the lunar surface on 

November 19,1969. In subsequent Apollo launches, the 

astronauts will stay longer on the lunar surface and 

carry on more extensive investigations. 

In addition to planning for future Apollo missions, 

NASA continued the development of the Apollo applications Saturn V workshop for an Earth orbital 

mission, defining a permanent space station module, 

and studies for the configuration of a reusable space 

shuttle. 

Also this year, NASA continued its many spacecraft programs for both scientific investigations and 

space applications. To explore Mars, Mariner spacecraft were flown past the planet’s equatorial region and 

southern hemisphere. Other Mariner class spacecraft 

were being developed this year to orbit Mars during 

1971 to map about 70 percent of its area and to investigate imts atmosphere and surface, and later, to land 

in a search for organic compounds and living 

organisms. 

The NASA planetary program is structured around 

three goals. No. 1 is understanding the origin and evolution of the solar system. The second one is to underI 

stand the origin and evolution of life, and the third 

is to get a better understanding of Earth by doing 

comparative studies on the other planets. 

Two Orbiting Solar Observatories ( OSO’s) , an 

Orbiting Geophysical Observatory (OGO) , and an 

interplanetary monitoring platform (IMP), were 

launched to study Earth’s outer magnetic field, solar 

ultraviolet and X-ray radiations, in the regions surrounding the Moon, the Sun, and the Earth. In addition, NASA launched a Biosatellite carrying a highly 

instrumented monkey into Earth orbit to conduct a 

complex experiment in biological science. This flight 

had to be terminated early due to the monkey’s early 

deterioration. The monkey died shortly after recovery 

from the ocean. The cause of death has been attributed 

to cardiovascular failure. 

Cooperating with lthe requirements of the Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA) , NASA placed sophisticated meteorological satellites 

into orbit, and also orbited highly advanced commercial communications satellites for the Communications 

Satellite Corp. (Comsat). In addition, it carried on 

cooperative studies and experiments with the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, and 

Navy to investigate the uses of space-acquired data 

for surveys of the natural resources of the world. Of 

great practical significance to international transportation is the continuing evolvement of satellite navigation and air traffic control technology. These efforts 

by NASA are being carried out in cooperation with 

DOD and the FAA. 

NASA’s advanced research and technology efforts 

continued investigations related to present and future 

aeronautical and space requirements. Research scientists and engineers obtained results having application 

to the improvement of aircraft technology, to the behavioral and biomedical aspects of aeronautical and 

space flight, and to spacecraft engineering for programs beyond the current Apollo flights. 

Through research activities, NASA showed how the 

noise caused by jet aircraft approaching airports can 

be substantially reduced by 10 to 15 decibels. The concepts studies include a means of acoustically insulating 

the turbo-fan nacelles. Additionally, studies have 

shown that Doppler laser techniques for measuring 

atmospheric and incremental winds caused by passing 

aircraft (trailing vortices) can have beneficial applica7 
tion to the design and operation of airports and safer 

control of aircraft in the landing process. 

Research pilots completed 28 flights in the HGlO 

lifting body research vehicle showing that it has good 

flying qualities over the entire altitude and speed 

ranges flown. Data from this study will apply to advanced high speed aeronautical vehicles as well as 

to the design of future space shuttles. Other research 

and development flights and studies have been conducted in a wide range of aeronautical areas of interest. 

Participating with the Navy and the Department of 

the Interior, NASA helped conduct project Tektite 

I-a study of marine, biomedical, and behavioral 

sciences. In this project, four marine scientists spent 

60 days in a nitrogen-oxygen environment 42 feet 

below the surface of the Caribbean Sea. 

Manned Space Flight 

The successful Apollo 11 lunar landing mission in 

July highlighted the progress of the manned space 

flight program of NASA. It also dramatically demonstrated a national capability for future manned space 

exploration. 

In addition to the historic Apollo 11 mission, there 

were three other manned space flights in calendar year 

1969:Apollo 9 and Apollo 10 which paved the way for 

Apollo 11, and the second lunar landing flight Apollo 

12, which followed in November, with pinpoint accuracy in both the landing on the Moon and on return 

to Earth in the Central Pacific. 

Three Apollo launches are scheduled for 1970. Work 

on Apollo 13, 14, and 15 is in process in the factories, 

at the test facilities, and at the NASA centers, carrying 

forward the momentum attained in the program by 

the four Apollo flights this year. 

In Apollo Applications the program was restructured to provide for a dual-launched dry workshop 

mission of 28-days’ duration and two manned revisit 

missions of 56 days. This dry launch concept, using the 

Saturn V vehicle, now replaces the so-called wet concept, which would have used the expended S-IVB 

stage for conversion in space to a workshop, and would 

have been launched, using the Saturn IB vehicle. The 

dry workshop will be completely outfitted on the 

ground. 

The space station and space shuttle programs both 

progressed significantly during the year, each entering 

the phase B or definition study phase. 

The Apollo 10 mission demonstrated perforinance 

of the complete Apollo system in the lunar environment; it was a full dress rehearsal for the lunar landing 

mission. The Apollo 10 lunar module descended to 

about 47,000 feet above the lunar surface, and the 

crew reported excellent visual perception of the pro8 

posed landing areas. All mission objectives were successfully achieved. 

The Apollo 11 mission achieved the objective of the 

manned lunar landing program. It accomplished all of 

its objectives. The international reaction was almost 

overwhelming. 

With the Apollo 12 mission, the Apollo program was 

transitioned from the lunar landing phase to the lunar 

exploration phase. A key feature of this transition was 

a reduction in launch rate from 2-month launch intervals to 4-month intervals to increase emphasis on lunar 

science and to reduce costs. 

Apollo Program 

During 1969 the accelerated pace of the Apollo program was maintained through the Apollo 11 lunar 

landing mission in July. Prior to this, two manned 

missions were conducted in March and May to provide the operational experience and confidence needed 

to proceed with the lunar landing mission. 

The Apollo 9 mission was the first Saturn V/Apollo 

spacecraft flight in full lunar mission configuration. 

This Earth orbital mission permitted an evaluation of 

the complete Apollo system and was the first manned 

demonstration of the LM system’s performance. 

The Apollo 10 mission demonstrated performance 

of the complete Apollo system in the lunar environment; it was a full dress rehearsal for the lunar landing 

mission. The Apollo 10 LM descended to about 47,000 

feet above the lunar surface, and the crew reported 

excellent visual perception of the proposed landing 

areas. All mission objectives were successfully achieved. 

Following the Apollo 11 mission, the Apollo program moved from the lunar landing phase to the 

lunar exploration phase with the flight of Apollo 12. 

The launch rate was reduced from 2-month-launch 

intervals to 4-month intervals to lower costs and increase emphasis on lunar science. The capability for a 

precise “pinpoint” landing of the LM on a preselected 

lunar site and the increase in lunar extravehicular activity both demonstrated on Apollo 12 enhanced the 

future outlook for scientific exploration of the Moon. 

Apollo 9-This second manned Saturn V/Apollo vehicle was successfully launched on March 3, 1969, following a 3-day delay because all three astronauts had a 

mild virus respiratory illness. The major objective of 

this IO-day, Earth orbital mission was to evaluate the 

performance of the complete Apollo system, including 

lunar orbit rendezvous mission activities. This objective was achieved with outstanding success. The LM, 

flown for the first time with men aboard, operated with 

a precision matching that of the previously validated 
CSM. The performance of the LM thus completed 

the certification of all major hardware required prior 

to attempting a lunar landing. Simulations of the 

lunar mission were executed flawlessly and splashdown 

occurred in the Atlantic on March 13. 

All launch vehicle systems performed satisfactorily 

throughout their expected lifetime with the exception 

of inability to dump propellants following the third 

S-IVB burn. All spacecraft systems functioned satisfactorily through the mission. No major anomalies occurred. Those minor discrepancies which did occur 

were primarily procedural and either were corrected 

in flight with no mission impact, or involved instrumentation errors which could be checked by other 

means. Temperatures and consumables usage rates 

remained generally within normal limits throughout 

the mission. 

The flexibility of Apollo mission planning was 

demonstrated by changing the splashdown site during 

the mission. Splashdown was originally planned for an 

area southwest of Bermuda on revolution 151. Because 

of predicted marginal wind and sea conditions, NASA 

chose an alternate recovery area approximately 600 

miles east of Cuba, deiering splashdown to revolution 

152. 

Other significant Apollo 9 achievements included 

the fourth Saturn V on-time launch; the largest payload ever placed in orbit; the first demonstration of 

the second restart of the S-IVB while in orbit; the first 

CSM-active dock; the first LM-active rendezvous and 

dock ; the first in-flight depressurization and hatch 

opening in LM and CM; and the first Apollo space 

walk. 

ApoZZo 20-Following the Apollo 9 mission, it was 

decided to fly Apollo 10 as a lunar orbit mission in 

order to evaluate technical areas still under consideration from the Apollo 8 mission. These were the precision 

of the lunar orbit timeline and naviagtion while in 

lunar orbit. 

The Apollo 10 space vehicle was launched successfully on May 18 from the Kennedy Space Center. This 

lunar orbit mission, lasting 8 days, was a nearly perfect 

dress rehearsal which simulated the lunar landing 

mission except for the landing itself and the lunar surface activities. This was the first mission in which the 

complete Apollo spacecraft was operated around the 

moon, and the LM, on its second manned flight, 

descended to within 47,000 feet of the lunar surface. 

Splashdown occurred in the midPaeific on May 26. 

All launch vehicle and spacecdtaystems performed 

satisfactorily during the mission and all primary mission 

objectives were achieved. A number of minor discerpancies occurred, but they were readily corrected or 

compensated for. Temperatures and consumables 

usage rates remained generally within normal limits 

throughout the mission. 

The LM demonstrated its operating capabilities in 

cislunar space and validated both the ascent propulsion system (APS) and the descent propulsion system (DPS) in the Moon's environment. These 

were vital to the lunar landing mission. In two circuits 

of the Moon the landing radar received a thorough 

checkout. Previously, the landing radar underwent 

numerous tests in Earth environment. On this mission, 

however, the lunar surface reflectivity characteristics 

were checked with the landing radar. (The descent 

to within 47,000 feet of the lunar surface provided a 

low level evaluation of lunar visibility.) These tests 

provided valuable data to be used in mission planning 

and crew training for the Apollo 11 lunar landing 

mission. 

Apollo II-The objective of the Apollo 11 mission 

was to make a manned lunar landing and return. Supporting the major objective were numerous engineering 

goals which were achieved. The scientific goals, necessairly subordinate to the engineering aspects on this 

first landing mission, were also attained. 

The mission began on July 16 from the Kennedy 

Space Center. The Saturn V booster performed perfectly, inserting the third stage and spacecraft into a 

100-mile circular orbit. The third stage injected the 

spacecraft into a translunar trajectory 1 % revolutions 

later. 

After a 3-day flight, the spacecraft arrived at the 

Moon only 4% minutes ahead of schedule. After circling the Moon for a day, the LM was separated from 

the CSM. It landed on the Moon in the planned 

landing area at 23" east longitude. After a 21S-hour 

stay, which included a l-hour 31-minute period of 

activity on the lunar surface, the astronauts launched 

the LM's ascent stage from the Moon's surface and 

rendezvoused with the CM. The astronauts returned 

to earth aboard the CM and landed in the Pacific 

Ocean 2v2 days later-just 41 seconds earlier than 

had been planned long before the mission began. 

The engineering aspects of this first landing mission 

were paramount and all systems functioned satisfactorily. Minor subsystem problems developed with outof-tolerance temperatures or pressures, but these were 

either reevaluated as acceptable or resolved by operational procedures. The crew was never in danger as a 

result of any of the few subsystem problems. 

During the final approach phase of the descent to the 

Moon, the manual attitude control was used in order 

to avoid large boulders and guided the LM to a landing 

point approximately 1,000 feet farther down-range, 

at Tranquility Base. 

9 
The crew adapted quickly to the one-sixth (Earth) 

gravity and the extravehicular activity (EVA) was 

accomplished about 375 hours earlier than originally 

planned. 

The astronauts unveiled the plaque mounted on the 

strut behind the LM ladder and also erected an American flag on the lunar surface. Both crewmen indicated that their mobility and agility throughout the 

EVA significantly exceed all expectations. Also, metabolic rates were much lower than premission estimates. 

Lunar Exploration 

The crew collected a total of 54 pounds of lunar 

material including two lunar core samples and a considerable amount of discretely selected specimens. A 

considerable force was required to drive the core 

tubes an estimated 6 to 8 inches inches into the lunar 

surface. The crew also emplaced three scientific instruments during their stay on the lunar surface. 

Throughtout the EVA, TV was useful in providing 

continuous observation for time correlation of crew 

activity with telemetered data and voice comments and 

in providing live documentation of this historically 

significant achievement. 

Summary of Primary Scientific Results-The primary scientific results of Apollo ll, which will be 

revised following further analysis and receipt of additional data, include the following: Analysis of the 

rock and soil samples has thus far uncovered no 

evidence of life in any form. Preliminary physical 

chemical, mineralogical, and biological analysis is 

continuing. Since no additional hazard or possibility 

of Earth contamination was detected, samples were 

released to scientists for detailed analysis. 

Analysis of the samples indicates that the minimum 

age of the surface materials of that part of the Sea of 

Tranquility is 3.1 billion years (plus or minus 200 million years). Additional work has indicated that the 

Moon may be older. If so, this would place the formation of this material early in the history of the solar 

system, generally estimated to be about 4% billion 

years old. Some experimenters are suggesting that this 

result supports the theory that the Moon was formed 

at the same time as the Earth, from the same whirling 

gas cloud. If this is so, the Moon may provide a means 

of learning the conditions of the Earth at the time of 

its formation. 

Other tentative findings from the material analyzed 

to date are (1) changes in the Moon’s surface in the 

area of the Apollo 11 landing are very slow; (2) the 

density of the Moon is about the same throughout, with 

heavy elements more prominent than would be the 

case on Earth; and (3) no evidence was found of 

water. 

The passive seismometer, an extremely sensitive instrument, recorded numerous events that are being 

studied. Analysis was being pointed toward the development of criteria by which events of natural origin 

can be distinguished from man-induced events. The 

experimenters have suggested the possibility that the 

data received might be explained by a very heterogeneous structure of the Moon. If this were so, it would 

be a major discovery in planetary science. 

Laser beam returns from the retro reflector (mirror) 

have been received by telescopes at the McDonald 

Observatory in Texas and the Lick Observatory in 

California. These reflections have resulted in more 

precise measurements of the distance between the 

Earth and the Moon. The Lick Observatory measurement on August 1 was to an accuracy of 150 feet. The 

McDonald Observatory measurement on August 19 

was to an accuracy of 12 feet, measuring the distance 

as 232,27 1.406 miles. The best previous measurement 

of the Earth-Moon distance, done in the Soviet Union, 

also by laser beam reflection, was to an accuracy of a 

few thousand feet. Further measurements in the near 

future are expected to refine the figure still further 

and to permit related experiments of considerable 

significance. 

The solar wind composition experiment involved 

exposing a strip of aluminum foil to the lunar environment and returning it to Earth for analysis. A small 

piece of the foil has been released to the principal 

investigator. 

The scientific results to date neither prove nor disprove any of the major candidate theories regarding 

the origin and history of the Moon. Some results appear to favor one theory; some another. The analysis 

of Apollo 11 results to date is quite preliminary; much 

work remains. The astronauts commented ‘that they 

were frustrated in having to leave so quickly with such 

a wide variety of interesting phenomena to examine 

and photograph at that single site. 

It should be emphasized that the landing site in the 

Sea of Tranquility was selected for considerations of 

safety on the first landing. Most of the Moon’s surface 

is much more rugged and probably older. There are 

some opinions that samples from other sites will be as 

old as the 475 billion years of the solar system itself. 

Apollo 22-The second lunar landing mission was 

successfully launched on schedule at the Kennedy 

Space Center on November 14, 1969. All launch vehicle stages performed satisfactorily, inserting the third 

stage and spacecraft combination into an Earth parking orbit. Approximately 36 seconds after liftoff, the 

fuel cells in the CSM went off the line, the spacecraft 

10 
main electrical circuits were lost, the inertial measurement unit platform tumbled and numerous caution and 

warning indications were noted by the crew. Through 

prompt action by the crew, power was reinstated within approximately 1 minute. After orbital insertion, 

the platform was realined and special checks were 

made in the CSM and LM. The tentative conclusion 

is that an electrical overload was caused by an electrical 

discharge from the clouds through the space vehicle to 

the ground. 

A second firing of the S-IVB stage injected the 

spacecraft into a translunar trajectory. Separation of 

the CSM, turn around and docking with the LM, 

were performed without difficulty. A11 previous missions to the Moon had maintained a free return trajectory; that is, one which, in the event of problems, would 

return the spacecraft to Earth after circling the Moon 

with no need to fire the main engines. In Apollo 12, 

however, a midcourse correction was made to put the 

spacecraft into a hybrid of non-free-return trajectory. 

Use of a hybrid trajectory for this mission permitted 

a daylight launch and translunar injection over the 

Pacific Ocean conserved fuel and resulted in an approach to the landing site when the Sun was at the 

desired elevation for best visibility. 

The spacecraft went into lunar orbit on November 

17. Certain techniques, developed for Apollo 12 to improve landing accuracy, proved effective and the LM 

landed about 600 feet from Surveyor 111. The Apollo 

12 mission was planned as a lunar landing mission to 

develop techniques for a point landing capability ; perform selenological inspection, survey and sampling in 

a mare area; deploy and activate an Apollo lunar 

surface experiments package ( ALSEP) ; develop man’s 

capability to work in lunar environment; and obtain 

photographs of candidate exploration sites. 

The point landing capability was clearly demonstrated. After a period of rest and preparation, two 

astronauts left the LM and began to carry out the 

scientific objectives of the mission. Television transmission was lost shortly after the camera was removed from 

the bracket in the modularized equipment stowage 

assembly (MESA) and despite repeated efforts, was 

not regained. 

After taking a contingency sample and deploying 

the S-band erectable antenna, the solar wind composition experiment and an American flag, the two 

astronauts deployed the ALSEP about 600 feet from 

the LM. The ALSEP contains its own energy sourcea radioisotope thermoelectric generator which supplies 

nuclear power for the six experiments in the array. 

The ALSEP experiments included a passive seismometer to measure seismic activity of the Moon; a magnetometer to measure the magnetic field of the Moon; 

a solar wind spectrometer to measure the strength, 

velocity, and directions of the electrons and protons 

from the Sun; a suprathermal ion detector to measure 

the characteristics of positive ions near the lunar surface; a cold cathode ion gage to determine the density 

of any lunar ambient atmosphere; and a detector to 

measure the amount of dust accretion on the ALSEP 

to provide a measure of the degradation of thermal 

surfaces. The array will remain on the surface and is 

expected to transmit scientific and engineering data to 

Earth for at least a year. The astronauts reentered the 

Lunar Module, concluding a first extra vehicular activ; 

ity (EVA) of 4 hours 1 minute. 

The second EVA began November 19 and lasted for 

3 hours and 49 minutes. The astronauts went to the 

ALSEP deployment site, to several craters, to the Surveyor 111, and back. They walked between 1,500 and 

2,000 feet from the LM, a total distance of about 6,000 

feet. During this EVA, the crew took photographs, 

gathered samples, and retrieved parts from the Surveyor for later analysis on Earth. 

Following the walk, the astronauts retrieved the 

solar wind composition experiment, stowed all the collected samples, parts and equipment in the LM, and 

repressurized the cabin. Lunar liftoff occurred without incident November 20, concluding a total lunar 

stay time of 31 hours, 31 minutes. The astronauts encountered no difficulty during rendezvous and docking 

with the CSM. After the two astronauts transferred 

back to the CM, the ascent stage was jettisoned and 

deliberately impacted on the Moon to provide a signal 

for the seismometer. Scientists were surprised at the 

length of time (55 minutes) that vibrations continued 

to be recorded by the instrument after impact. 

The CSM continued in orbit to achieve the final 

objective of the mission-obtaining photos of candidate future landing sites, Fra Mauro, Descartes, and 

Lalande. 

The maneuvers for return to Earth were all nominal 

and the spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific at 

3:58 p.m., e.s.t., on November 24. 

Forthcoming Launches-Additional Apollo missions 

will be flown to different localities on the lunar surface 

where experiments and sampling will be carried out in 

the immediate vicinity of the landing site. On these 

missions, Apollo 13, 14 and 15, the remaining three 

Apollo lunar surface experiments packages ( ALSEP’s) 

will be deployed on the lunar surface. 

Utilization of CSM capability will allow comprehensive orbital surveys with instrumentation now under 

development. At the conclusion of these missions sufficient new knowledge should be in hand to chart the 

future course of space activities on the Moon. 

11 
Apollo Applications-The Apollo applications program (AAP), which will make maximum use of 

Apollo-developed capabilities in Earth orbit is a necessary precursor program to a future permanent space 

station module in Earth orbit. Through studies of 

habitability and men’s reactions to extended periods 

in space flight the full potential of man’s capability to 

perform useful work and conduct scientific and technological tasks for th? benefit of man on Earth can be 

realized. 

During the early part of 1969, NASA was concentrating on the development of the Saturn I workshop, 

making use of the so-called wet concept. That is, the 

S-IVB stage would be used as a part of the launch 

vehicle until it reached orbit. Once there and empty 

of fuel, it would become a workshop. Subsequently, 

a three-man CSM would dock with the workshop. 

Later launches would add the airlock module (AM), 

the multiple docking adapter (MDA) , and the Apollo 

telescope mount (ATM) . 

Studies made in the first half of the year, however, 

led NASA to adopt the so-called dry-launch concept. 

This concept permits NASA to completely outfit the 

workshop on the ground, then launch it into orbit, 

using the Saturn V vehicle. 

Work progressed during the year on defining the 

workshop configuration; on mission planning; and 

on design and development of the modified CSM, the 

AM, the MDA, the ATM, the workshop, itself, and 

the flight experiments. 

One experiment, welding in zero g falls in the category of manufacturing in space. The potential for 

space processing and manufacturing has received considerable attention in the past year. Several hundred 

members of industry, universities and government 

attended a symposium on this subject at the Marshall 

Space Flight Center at Huntsville, Ala., on October 21 and 22, 1969. Over 30 papers were presented 

ranging from isotope production to the growth of 

crystals in the space environment. 

The dry workshop provides for more flexibility in 

ground and space operation. 

The dry concept offers two significant advantages: 

It simplifies the total space vehicle by integrating the 

systems into a total payload package, outfitted and 

checked out on the ground; and it assures increased 

reliability because of the simplification. 

Advanced Manned Missions 

Studies of potential advanced manned missions 

reached several crucial ‘decision points during 1969, 

with planning for space and aeronautical activities to 

12 

be conducted following Apollo being stimulated by the 

President’s Space Task Group. The resulting NASA 

program plans are intended to achieve a balance 

among all options available. 

This program is a part of the NASA integrated plan 

for manned space flight. The major manned space 

flight features of this plan are development of a lunar 

orbit station, then a lunar surface station, following 

the exploration of the Moon with Apollo-type equipment; development of a major facility in Earth orbit, 

a space station that could evolve into a space base supplied by a reusable space shuttle; and, finally, development of a system for a manned mission to Mars. In 

the integrated plan these space ventures would be pursued through development of space hardware designed 

for multi-use, for long life, and for reuse to achieve 

maximum return for the investment. 

Simultaneously with the evolution of the integrated 

plan, NASA began efforts to implement it in order to 

assure a smooth transition from the lunar landing program into the more advanced activities. Planning for 

the space station and space shuttle programs will conform to the phased project planning system developed 

for management of new NASA programs. 

NASA set up special task forces for these new programs and enlisted contractors to help define the space 

station and the space shuttle. In the latter part of this 

year, NASA was in the process of identifying the studies and technology required to initiate the other major 

elements of the integrated plan. An orderly approach, 

to be backed with supporting technology effort, has 

been tentatively fixed for the next 5 years. This approach should make certain that all elements of the 

integrated plan are well devised and initiated at the 

proper time to accomplish overall objectives. 

Space Station-The space station is a key element in 

the total integrated space flight system. It can be the 

laboratory in Earth orbit for scientific and technological experiments. It can be the supply depot and 

assembly point for future deep space missions and it 

can be the heart of significant applications activity 

that will enhance the life of man here on Earth. Communications, air and sea traffic control, Earth environmental survey and analysis and medical, biological and 

physical experiments are some of the prospects for a 

future permanent space station. 

Such a space station in addition to providing for 

practical, beneficial applications of space to the civil 

economy sihould also serve as a base for research to 

increase man’s knowledge of his surroundings and 

provide a thrust to space technology and operations 

for use in future exploration of the solar system. 

NASA concentrated its space station activities on 
defining the uses and intrinsic nature of a manned 

Earth Orbital Research Facility to meet the nearterm goals of the Nation’s space program. 

Toward these ends, certain space station general 

characteristics were defined. The concept selected for 

study is a 12-man station, to become operational in the 

mid-l97O’s, capable of modular growth to accommodate about 50 men in later years. It should have a useful life of at least 10 years, with adequate maintenance 

and resupply. As envisioned, such a space station 

would be a centralized facility, placed in space, to conduct research and development in many disciplines. 

It would also serve as an orbital operations and maintenance center for unmanned satellites. 

Having better defined the nature of the desired 

space station, NASA, in April, issued a request for 

proposal to interested contractors. Proposals were received in early June. NASA appointed a Source Evaluation Board to evaluate these proposals and report its 

findings. In late July, two contractors were selected to 

conduct the studies. 

The major purpose of these contractors’ efforts is 

to conduct what NASA calls the “definition phase” of 

the effort: to evaluate the preferred concepts for the 

space station program. Such evaluations would include 

the core station modules, the experiments and experiment module, the logistics system, operations, and facilities. It would also include development of technical 

and management data. From such data, NASA can 

select a recommended single program concept for possible design effort (phase C) . In addition, in-house and other contracted activities 

in the area of experimental payload modules, logistics 

vehicle, and supporting systems are involved in the 

total program definition effort. 

Responsibility for overall space station program 

management and integration was delineated and a 

former astronaut was selected to be Field Director of 

the program. 

Space Shuttle-A series of preliminary design studies 

of logistics systems was started in February as part of 

the advanced manned mission program. These studies 

served as the focal point for a task group established 

by NASA in April. Subsequently, more definitive 

characteristics and requirements for the space shuttle 

were determined. These results narrowed the number 

of alternatives and focused attention on developing 

preliminary design concepts which more nearly met 

the desired system characteristics. 

NASA and DOD conducted a joint study to assess 

the practicality of a low-cost space transportation system to meet the needs of both agencies. From this 

effort a joint summary report which was submitted 

to the Space Task Group reached the conclusion that 

it was both practical and desirable to develop a common system that could meet the needs of both agencies. 

Additionally, the report defined the general characteristics desired in such a system. 

Several basic missions bearing on the future of space 

exploration were identified. The space shuttle should 

provide for space station/space base logistic support, 

placement and retrieval of satellites, delivery of propulsive stages and payloads for high energy missions, 

delivery of propellants, satellite servicing and maintenance, short duration orbital missions, and possible 

space rescue and the retrieval of space debris. 

Desired system characteristics for the space shuttle 

were examined, and certain ones were selected as 

design criteria for developing a space shuttle. 

Of the several classes of space shuttle studied, the 

fully reusable class appears to.be the most economical 

prospect. The Space Shuttle Task Group recommended that concepts within this class be examined in 

the phase B “definition” study, to be conducted in 

1970. 

Planetary Exploration 

Mariner-The Mariner VI spacecraft, launched on 

February 24, encountered Mars on July 31 to transmit 

valuable scientific data on the planet’s equatorial region. Mariner VI1 (its twin) was launched March 27 

and flew by Mars August 5 to supply data on the 

planet’s southern hemispherical region. Both carried 

out their missions as planned, even though there were 

several malfunctions that were successfully corrected 

in transit. 

These vehicles obtained over 200 times more data 

about Mars than obtained with Pioneer 4. The scientific return from these vehicles represents a major 

achievement in planetary exploration. It was learned 

that the probability that microbial life exists on Mars 

is much less than had been previously supposed. It 

now appears unlikely that Mars has ever had an ocean. 

The amount of water vapor detected in the atmosphere 

is too little to permit the growth of any known terrestrial species. And finally, it had been determined that 

lethal ultraviolet radiation reaches the surface of Mars; 

its atmosphere is too thin to protect it. 

Exciting new features of Mars were discovered. For 

example, the chaotic and the featureless terrains, which 

constitute dramatic evidence of presently unknown 

surface phenomena. The true power of the Mariner 

class vehicle for planetary exploration was demonstrated by these missions. 

These spacecraft provided over 2,000 measurements 

on the chemical composition of the upper atmosphere 

and more than 400 measurements on the composition 

of the lower atmosphere and surface. Also, over 100,000 

distant and 800 close-up temperature measurements 

13 
were made of the surface and atmosphere. In addition, 

TV cameras took 198 high-quality pictures of the 

surface. Atmospheric pressures near the planet’s surface 

were found to be between 1/250th and 1/125th of 

that of the Earth’s sea level pressure, and evening 

atmospheric temperatures near the surface ranged from 

28” F. in the equatorial region to - 80’ F. in the polar 

region. 

Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and atomic hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon were detected in the upper 

atmosphere, but nitrogen and ozone were not. Pictures of the edge of the planet showed at atmospheric 

haze almost 6 miles thick at an altitude of about 9 

miles. Solid carbon dioxide at high altitudes off the 

bright limb and solid silica or silicate material in the 

lower atmosphere were observed. The surface temperature was found to be relatively moderate-during the 

day between -63” F. and +77” F. and at night between -63’ F. and -153” F. Southern polar cap 

temperature was determined to be about - 193’ F.-a 

temperature at which solid carbon dioxide will not 

evaporate under Martian conditions. 

Numerous craters up to 300 miles in diameter were 

seen on the planet’s surface. The sharp demarcation 

of the light and dark areas, noted from Earth, seemed 

more diffused and splotchy when observed in higher 

resolution. The polar cap region, also heavily cratered, 

appeared to be covered by a thin layer of ice, which 

might be carbon dioxide with a small mixture of 

water. There were three types of terrain-ratered, 

featureless, and chaotic. The featureless terrain (without geographic marking at 900 feet) was observed 

in the Hellas region just north of the southern polar 

cap. 

The northwest region of Aurorae Sinus, near the 

equator, was one of unusual chaotic topography indicative of terrestrial slump regions but much larger 

in area. Cratered regions, quite different from the 

Moon’s, were observed throughout the areas photographed except in the area Hellas. 

Since spacecraft design was completed, the major 

spacecraft effort progressed to the hardware fabrication and test planning phase. Functional design of 

mission operations was also completed, and moved 

forward to development and performance demonstration of the required computer programs. 

Viking-NASA also plans (through its Viking project) to send two instrumented spacecraft to Mars for 90 

days in 1973. 

In February, 38 outstanding scientists-including 

three Nobel laureates-were asked to help plan the 

entry and lander portion of the missions. They were 

assisting in determining the scientific objectives for the 

spacecraft and in developing instruments to assure the 

maximum return of data. 

Also, in 1969, a contract was signed for building 

the lander. The Viking Orbiter teams were formed 

at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory; NASA and the Air 

Force agreed on the use of Titan-Centaur as the launch 

vehicle; and NASA and the Atomic Energy Commission agreed on using radioisotope thermal generators 

as a source of electric power for the lander. 

Pioneer-In addition, it was decided in February to 

fly the Pioneer F and G (XI and XII) spacecraft 

beyond Mars for exploring the interplanetary medium, 

the Asteroid Belt, and the environment and atmosphere of Jupiter. The spacecraft contractor and experiments were selected for launches in 1972 and 1973. 

The fifth and last in the early Pioneer series 

(Pioneer E or X) was launched on August 27. However, about 8 minutes after liftoff the vehicle was 

destroyed when the Delta boosters failed. Pioneers VI 

through IX-launched into solar orbits, 1965-68- 

were still transmitting data on the interplanetary 

medium, solar activity, and their influences in Earth‘s 

environment. 

Advanced Studies and Technology-Updating 

NASA’s long-range plans for planetary exploration and laying the groundwork for missions to 

the planets in the near future, various studies were 

conducted. It was concluded that two three-planet 

“grand tours”-one to Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto in 

1977 and another to Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune in 

1979-would take advantage of the unique relative 

positions of these outer planets, not occurring again for 

179 years; and a Venus-Mercury mission in 1973, to 

benefit from a “gravity assist” by Venus, would afford 

scientists an economical first exploration of Mercury. 

Also established was the feasibility of a relatively 

low-cost Delta class mission to Venus in 1975 with 

multiple probes to explore the Venusian atmosphere; 

rendezvous missions for several comets with ordinary 

ballistic flight using chemical propulsion; and a Jupiter 

orbiter mission employing the ba$c spacecraft developed for the “grand tours.” 

These outer planet missions require major technological advances in such areas as telecommunications, 

data handling, and storage, guidance and control, onboard computing, failure diagnosis and self-repair, and 

environmental effects analysis. Through its planetary 

advanced technical development program, NASA was 

preparing to meet these stringent requirements. 

The long life, more reliable, smaller, and lighter 

electronic and mechanical components, which are expected to be developed, will have widespread nonaerospace applications. 

Planetary Astronomy-Two telescopes (funded by 

NASA) will be used in lunar and planetary studies. 

One of these-a 107-inch instrument at the McDon14 
old Observatory of the University of Texas-btained 

high resolution spectra of the planets and employed a 

laser beam to measure the distance between the observatory and the Moon. The other, an 88-inch telescope, 

was recently installed atop a 14,000-foot mountain 

peak for astronomers of the University of Hawaii. 

Space Science and Applications 

Orbiting Observatories-Three satellites of the Observatory type were launched during 1969: OSO-V, 

January 22; OSO-VI, August 9; and OGO-VI, 

June 5. 

OSO-V-in a nearly circular orbit at a height of 

350 miles, above most of the Earth‘s atmosphere-is 

made up of a rotating wheel to spin-stabilize the spacecraft and a “sail” section pointing steadily at the Sun. 

The “sail” carries an X-ray spectroheliograph designed and built in Great Britain; a Naval Research 

Laboratory ultraviolet spectroheliograph to map the 

solar disk; and an X-ray grazing angle spectrograph 

from Goddard Space Flight Center to study radiations 

from 1 to 400 angstroms. On the rotating wheel are 

experiments to monitor solar hydrogen, deuterium, 

and gamma rays, X-rays, and ultraviolet radiation, 

and to observe the dim zodiacal light. 

OSO-VI, shaped like OSO-V, is designed to better 

scan the solar disk from a similar orbit. Its stabilized 

“sail” can point with an accuracy of better than 1 

minute of arc at any of 16,384 points in a grid over 

the solar disk, and carries an ultraviolet spectrometerspectroheliometer and X-ray spectrometers. On the 

“wheel” are a British experiment to study important 

solar helium spectral lines, an Italian experiment in 

solar X-rays and gamma-ray astronomy, and three 

American experiments in solar X-rays, zodiacal light, 

and the neutron flux. 

Flown aboard OGO-VI (in low Earth orbit, 250 to 

675 miles) are 25 experiments to investigate geophysical and solar-terrestrial phenomena helping scientists 

to better understand the relationship of the Earth as a 

planet of the Sun. These experiments ranged from 

investigations of the density and composition of 

Earth’s upper atmosphere to studies of solar radiations 

reaching the Earth. 

The performance of Orbiting Astronomical Observatory I1 (OAO-11), launched in December 1968, 

marked a substantial advance in astronomy when it 

demonstrated that astronomical observations must be 

extended from the visible to the invisible ultraviolet 

region of the spectrum to understand stellar phenomena. Traveling at an altitude of about 480 miles, the 

satellite carries two experiments. One of these, from the 

University of Wisconsin, uses five ultraviolet photometers and two spectrometers to obtain detailed photometric measurements of stars and nebulae, and the 

other, from the Smhhsonian Astrophysical Observatory, uses four telescopes with “V imaging photometers 

to map the sky in the ultraviolet. 

Explorer and Znternational Satellites-Also launched 

in physics and astronomy programs were an IMP or 

Explorer XLI on June 21 and three cooperative international satellites. Explorer XLI, in its highly elliptical 

orbit extending to 110,000 miles from the Earth, carries 12 experiments for studying particles and fields 

in the near interplanetary space reaching about half 

way to the lunar orbit. In addition to transmitting 

scientific data, it supplied information needed to assure 

astronaut safety. 

Radio Explorer I (RAE-I) --orbited July 4, 1968- 

continued to map the distribution of ionized hydrogen 

in the Milky Way of Earth‘s galaxy. 

ISIS-I, the largest of the three international satellites was launched on January 29. A cooperative Canadian-American spacecraft, it was built in Canada, and 

orbited and tracked by NASA. In a near polar orbit, 

from 300 to 2,800 miles, its 10 experiments (four 

designed in the United States) study ionospheric physics by observing the upper ionosphere and atmosphere. 

The satellite continues investigations of the upper ionosphere begun by Canadian-American spacecraft in 

the Alouette I and I1 series of 1962 and 1965. 

Also launched by NASA was the European Space 

Research Organization (ESRO) satellite Borealis on 

August 9. Borealis carries eight experiments from ,three 

of the 10 ESRO countries to study the polar ionosphere 

and the polar aurora borealis. In addition, the first cooperative satellite with West Germany, AZUR, was 

orbited by NASA on November 6. From a near polar 

elliptical orbit at moderate altitudes up to 1,600 miles, 

this satellite’s seven experiments developed in German 

laboratories measure magnetic fields, protons, electrons, and a band of ultraviolet radiation between 

3,000 and 3,900 angstroms. 

Sounding Rockets and Ba12oons-During 1969 approximately 85 sounding rockets were launched to 

altitudes between 100 and 1,000 miles for studies in 

space physics and astronomy. These launches were 

conducted from sites in the United States, Canada, 

Brazil, and India. Also, about 60 high-altitude balloons were launched for outer space observations to 

altitudes as high as 150,000 feet, rising above 95 

percent of the atmosphere of the Earth. These balloons carry heavier equipment than either satellites 

or sounding rockets. 

Biosatellites-A primate was orbited for 8% days 

aboard Biosatellite I11 June 28 through July 7 and 

recovered, marking what could well be the most complex experiment in the history of biological science. 

The most important result of the flight (about 200 

15 
miles above the Earth, was the direct measurement of 

an increase in central venous blood pressure which 

the investigators have ascribed to weightlessness, caused 

by blood pooling in the central part of the body-shown 

by implanted catheters in and near the heart. Resultant 

increase in perspiration and urine output led to a 

dangerous drain in the monkey’s fluid content leading 

to failure to maintain adequate blood pressure. The 

animal had to be recovered earlier than planned, since 

it was losing alertness, had stopped drinking and eating, and showed decreased brain temperature and 

venous pressure. It died 12 hours after recovery due 

to cardiovascular failure. 

During the flight the primate lost about 20 percent 

of body weight mainly through water loss, had disrupted sleep patterns, a disturbed relationship between 

the eyes and organs of balance, and a loss of skeletal 

calcium. 

Although these results cannot be directly extrapolated to man, the physiologic alterations, except for 

severity and progression, tend to validate some of the 

observations made in manned space flight. Since the 

cardiovascular control mechanisms of man and monkey 

are thought to be similar, they also suggest questions 

to be studied in future flight and ground-based experiments on both animal and man. 

Communications Satellites-Three of the Intelsat I11 

series of commercial communications satellites were 

launched in 1969-in February, May, and July. The 

July mission was unsuccessful when a launch vehicle 

failed. Two more Intelsat 111’s will be orbited next 

year, if needed by Comsat. These all have 1,200 twoway voice channels and can operate for 5 years. 

NASA launches the Intelsat satellites (on a reimbursable basis) for Comsat on behalf of the 70 countries of the International Telecommunications Satellite 

Consortium (Intelsat) which owns them. 

Intelsat IV procurement for an advanced spacecraft to provide between 3,000 and 10,000 telephone 

9uits to function for 7 years was in progress. An 

agreement was signed with Comsat to launch these 

satellites with Atlas-Centaur launch vehicles beginning 

in 1971. 

NASA also served as consultant to Comsat, provided facilities services, and advised the Federal Communications Commission on several technical inquiries 

regarding the Intelsat spacecraft. Launching and 

associated services, including specific consultations and 

facilities services, were provided on a reimbursable 

basis. 

Applications Technology Satellites-Applications 

Technology Satellites I and I11 (ATS-I and ATS-I11 

orbited in 1966 and 1967) continued to provide experimental services. ATS-V launched this August 

failed to stabilize as planned. Even though some of its 

16 

experiments were useless, a large number of them 

were able to achieve a high percentage of the expected 

results through modified data recovery techniques. 

In September NASA and the Indian Government 

agreed to cooperate in an experimental program using 

ATS-F for instructional telecasts for agricultural training and family planning throughout that country. 

Navigation-Trafic Control Satellites-In addition, 

NASA continued to use the ATS-I11 Omega position 

location experiment, in cooperation with the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration, to pinpoint the locations of ships and aircraft. 

NASA also entered into a cooperative study arrangement with them to investigate a preoperational UHF 

satellite system for the North Atlantic, and discussed 

testing this system in cooperation with the European 

Scientific Research Organization. 

Geodetic Satellites-GEOS-I1 (Explorer XXXVI 

launched in January 1968) continued to supply some 

data and support Air Force camera teams in geodetic 

observations. The satellite also helped to calibrate laser 

tracking equipment for NASA and the Smithsonian 

Astrophysical Observatory. Operation of GEOS-I1 

will not be continued beyond 1969. 

Meteorological Satellites-Nimbus 11, launched in 

May 1966, responded to commands until its control 

system failed in January 1969. Nimbus I11 (replacing 

Nimbus B destroyed at launch in May 1968) was 

orbi’ted on April 14, 1969. The satellite has provided 

the world’s first quantitative measurements of the 

structure of the atmosphere-supplying data from 

which the vertical profile of the temperature, water 

vapor, and ozone content could be deduced. 

As the year ended Tiros M, the operational prototype for the next generation of operational weather 

satellites, was being readied for launch in early 1970. 

It will replace the global stored data satellite and the 

local direct-readout satellite of the first generation 

Tiros operational satellite system, and transmit global 

and local cloud cover data day and night. 

NASA launched ESSA IX, a Tiros operational 

weather satellite, for the Department of Commerce 

in February. This spacecraft replaced ESSA VIIwhich had experienced camera and recorder failuresin providing global recorded cloud cover data. ESSA 

VIII, launched late in 1968, continued to transmit 

local readout cloud cover data. Other satellites of this 

system (ESSA 11, V, VI, and VII) also continued to 

provide limited cloud cover coverage. 

Meteorological Sounding Rockets-NASA launched 

63 research sounding rockets of the Nike-Cajun class 

at altitudes between 20 and 60 miles, to obtain quantitative measurements of the Earth’s atmosphere and 

develop methods of obtaining new and improved 
meteorological data. NASA also continued to develop 

improved, less expensive techniques to obtain routine 

meterological data for aerospace operations and research by launching 126 Dart or Arcasonde rockets. 

Earth Resources Survey Program-Studies and experiments to investigate uses of space-acquired data 

to survey the Earth‘s natural resources were being continued by NASA at an increasing pace in a cooperative program with the Departments of the Interior, 

Agriculture, Commerce, and Navy. 

Twenty-three aerial missions were flown over ground 

test sites to provide geoscientists with substantial Earth 

resources information. Aircraft operating at low, medium and high altitudes flew these missions carryirig 

multispectral cameras, infrared imagers, microwave 

radiometers and radar to provide sensory data for evaluating developmental sensors and for developing 

scientific observational and interpretive techniques. 

Besides these test site missions over the United States 

cooperative aircraft overflight missions were conducted 

in Mexico and Brazil. 

In addition, contracts were awarded two companies 

for definition and preliminary design studies of Earth 

Resources Technology Satellites (ERTS-A and 

ERTS-B) . Spacecraft procurement and payloads were 

scheduled to meet launches in 1972 and 1973. These 

missions are expected to provide information needed 

for further devolpment of the applications of Earth 

resources survey data, test the operation of specialized 

sensors in space, and try out ground data management 

systems. They will help pave the way for an operational Earth resources survey system. 

Further+ooperating with the Departments of 

Agriculture, the Interior, and Navy-NASA continued to support numerous detailed investigations to 

develop practical applications of space-acquired data 

in agriculture, forestry, geology, geography, hydrology, and oceanography. These investigations are based 

on the sensory data supplied by the aerial overfilights 

of the test sites, and from space photography such as 

the Apollo 9 multispectral photography experiment. 

This Apollo mission experiment demonstrated the potential of simultaneous correlated spacecraft and aircraft coverage for compiling an inventory of Earth’s 

natural resources. 

A conceptual study of two film recovery Earth Resources Satellites (ERTS-C and -D) was completed. 

The study clearly indicates the desirability of flying 

such missions while the ERTS-A and -B satellites 

are in orbit and acquiring data. 

Light and Medium Launch Vehicles-During 1969 

Scout launched the ESRO 1B satellite and the West 

German GRS-A 1 cooperative international spacecraft. 

Thor-Delta vehicles orbited OS0 V, ISIS I, Intelsat I11 (F-3), ESSA IX, Intelsat I11 (F-4), Explorer 

XLI, Biosatellite 111, OS0 VI, Skynet I and Intelsat 

I11 (F-6). The launch vehicle failed to launch Intelsat I11 (F-5) and Pioneer E, 

Thorad-Agena launched Nimbus III-a replacement for the Nimbus lost last year when the vehicle 

malfunctioned-and OGO VI, the last in the series. 

Atlas-Centaur was used to launch two Mariner 

spacecraft to fly by Man. The vehicle also orbited Applications Technology Satellite E. 

. 

Advanced Research and Technology 

Basic and Applied Research 

Fluid Dynamics-A significant advance in gas dynamic laser research was made this year with the development of an all chemical laser. It is the first for 

which continuous operation is achieved solely by the 

simple act of mixing commercially available bottled 

gases together. Laser energy is supplied .entirely by the 

energy release of the chemical reaction that results 

spontaneously when the requisite bottled gases are 

mixed together. The advantages of this chemical laser 

are compactness, simplicity, and the fact that no electrical power source is required for excitation. 

In sonic boom research, progress was made in predicting pressure waves from aircraft maneuvering 

through a nonuniform atmosphere. Theories were 

extended to include the effects of unsteady winds and 

atmospheric turbulence. Research was also underway to 

determine the pressure magnitudes in a “super boom” 

and also to determine the effects of three-dimensional 

flow fields near the aircraft on the prediction of sonic 

boom signatures near the ground. Of great importance 

were theoretical studies of the lower bounds for overpressure and shock pressure rise which indicate that 

substantial boom reductions are feasible. Theoretical 

concepts to achieve these lower bounds of sonic boom 

were evaluated in the NASA wind tunnels. 

Research was initiated on the fluid dynamics of the 

interaction and dispersion of atmospheric pollution 

from airborne and ground sources in urban areas. 

Preliminary data from smoke flow experiments on an 

urban development model in a wind tunnel showed 

the concentrations and flow motions near buildings on 

streets perpendicular or parallel to the directions of 

winds. On streets perpendicular to the wind direction, 

there appears to be low ventilation into the adjacent 

streets. Research will continue to obtain quantitative 

data for a variety of atmospheric and pollution source 

conditions. 

Recent improvements in instrumentation technology 

were the basis for the development of a skin-friction 

balance for direct measurements of the skin friction of 

aircraft structures for mach numbers up to 7. This 

17 
new research tool reduced the uncertainty in the skinfriction results obtained by previous empirical methods 

from about 50 percent to a level of about 10 percent 

at mach 7. For a typical hypersonic transport designed 

to fly near mach 6, an uncertainty in skin friction of 

25 percent is estimated to be equivalent to an uncertainty in payload of 25 passengers. 

Applied Mathematics-In an effort to acquire more 

knowledge about exact solutions of nonlinear stochastic 

differential equations, NASA investigated a class of 

stochastic optimal control problems with minimum 

time, minimum expected fuel consumption, and least 

upper bound fuel consum@ion as performance criteria. 

The mathematical results were encouraging and should 

be applicable to calculations relating to the control of 

space vehicles by low thrust engines. 

Electrophysics-A technique for continuously tuning 

a laser over many wavelengths is an important step in 

developing a laser for use in electronic communication 

systems. Although the intensity of the radiation at each 

of the various colors was very low, the Electronics Research Center researchers obtained a smoothly varying 

range of colors (wavelengths) from a single wavelength 

source of radiation by sending a highly intense beam 

of red light from a pulsed ruby laser through a small 

beaker containing ordinary water. Some of the red 

light was converted into light of other colors, and a 

continuous distribution of colors, ranging from violet 

to green, was observed, each color emerging at a different angle. Research is being continued in an effort 

to understand the color distribution and to develop 

the effect for practical use. 

Materials-Silicon, which is the most important material for solid state electronics, depends upon the kind 

and the amount of impurities that can be introduced 

into its crystal structure for its electronic properties. 

Materials scientists at NASA's Langley Research Center were able to control the introduction of magnesium 

and beryllium impurity atoms into high purity silicon, 

and are continuing research on the manner in which 

magnesium and beryllium modify the electronic structure of silicon. Data from this research should increase 

power and current levels in circuits using these 

materials. 

In other materials studies, a new nickel-base allow 

strengthened with tungsten, aluminum, and zirconium 

was developed; it may be useful at temperatures up 

to about 2050" F. Dispersion strengthened alloys were 

also extensively studied and ways were found to 

strengthen these allows and make them easier to 

produce. 

In surface studies, new techniques (ion implantation) and new compounds (rare Earth fluorides) were 

evolved. The innovations will extend the life and temperature capability of dry film lubricants. Also, a new 

way to study the nature of a compound absorbed on 

metallic and semiconducting surfaces were found. The 

method, which utilizes field electron emission techniques, gives information on the electronic structure 

of absorbed molecules. 

Aeronautics 

Aircraft Aerodynamics-Progress in aerodynamlc 

research .increased knowledge of the basic principles 

involved in overcoming the limiting effects of shock 

waves generated as the local air flows over subsonic 

jet aircraft become supersonic. In wind tunnel tests, 

various improvements resulting from a better understanding of these principles were combined into advanced aircraft configurations capable of cruising very 

near the speed of sound (660 m.p.h.)-an increase of 

about 20 percent-without prohibitive penalties in 

range or payload. The reshaped wings and bodies 

evolved in the laboratory research will #be flight tested 

on a supersonic airplane being modified by NASA. 

Research also indicated that this supercritical technology may be applicable to supersonic aircraft configurations without serious loss of supersonic capabilities. 

Thus, it may prove advantageous for supersonic cruise 

aircraft, such as the SST, to fly overland at speeds 

considerably faster than those of present subsonic jet 

rransport aircraft but not fast enough to generate intolerable sonic booms on the ground. 

Aircraft Operating Problems-Field tests proved that 

the laser Doppler technique can be used for remote 

measurement of atmospheric winds and incremental 

winds caused by the vortex wake of aircraft. One 

immediate use of the technique will be in an aircraft 

vortex wake research program, which seeks increased 

knowledge of the extent and persistence of dangerous 

winds contained in the wake of heavy transport aircraft. Such knowledge should be useful in the design 

and operation of airports, and control of air traffic in 

relatively crowded situations. The technique would 

also be valuable in research on clear air turbulence and 

wind shears. 

Aircraft Flight Dynamics-An investigation was 

carried out to determine the cause of an apparent 

directional divergence problem experienced in flight 

by a twin-engine swept-wing aircraft. The problem, 

which occurred at high angles of attack and produced 

inadvertent poststall gyrations and spins, was found 

to be part of one cycle of a highly unstable Dutch roll 

oscillation brought about by simultaneous loss of both 

static directional stability and effective dihedral. The 

study indicated that the problem could be alleviated 

by incorporating wing leadiny-edge droop; this method 

was tested and verified by flight tests. 

18 
Aircraft Noise Alleviation-Research to determine 

methods of acoustically insulating turbofan nacelles to 

reduce engine fan-compressor noise showed that reductions of 10 to 15 decibels are feasible. 

The quiet engine program advanced with the letting 

of a contract to develop and demonstrate the technology for a subsonic aircraft engine with maximum 

quieting of internal noise sources through basic changes 

in engine design. 

Supersonic Aircraft-NASA wind tunnel tests of the 

low speed landing and takeoff characteristics of a 

highly efficient supersonic cruise transport configuration led to design improvements representing a significant advance in supersonic transport technology 

that may be applicable to current and second generation supersonic transports. 

V/STOL Aircraft 

The V/STOL transition research wind tunnel at 

the Langley Research Center is readied to begin operation in March 1970. It is the only Government wind 

tunnel designed specifically for tests of V/STOL aircraft models. Specially designed slotted and removeable 

walls in the 15-by-21-foot test section will make it possible to obtain accurate aerodynamic data on high-lift 

STOL and VTOL models at very low speeds. 

A large number of concepts for V/STOL aircraft 

have been investigated in past years. One V/STOL 

concept under present consideration for transport applications features a tilt rotor as the primary lift and 

thrust mechanism. A study of this design was begun 

in order to verify experimentally predicted characteristics of low disc loading of tilt rotors and to determine 

the effects of aeroelasticity, mach number, and Rey7- 

olds number on tilt-rotor performance. Initial tests 

were completed in the NASA 40-by-80-foot tunnel, the 

Army 7-by- 10-foot tunnel, and the French Onera 26- 

foot tunnel, at speeds up to 500 knots. Additional 

tests of the dynamic characteristics of these rotors are 

scheduled. 

An extensive flight research program continued the 

study of the operational problems of VTOL aircraft 

in the low-speed descent and landing phase of flight, 

particularly under critical instrument-flight conditions. 

Vehicles tested employed vectored-jet-lift, lift-fan, tiltwing, and rotor concepts. The program seeks to determine the levels of control power and automatic stabilization required to minimize the time, fuel consumption, pilot workload, and airspace for landing the 

vehicle under instrument flight conditions. The program also includes the consideration of the use of pilotdisplays to assist the pilot in making the approach to 

landing. 

NASA-USAF YF-12 Flight Research ProgramWith the conclusion of the XB-70 and X-15 programs, a joint NASA-USAF supersonic research 

program was instituted in June to continue aeronautical research and development using YF-12 aircraft 

capable of sustained mach 3 flight. Phase I of the program is oriented primarily toward Air Force interest 

in a further definition of the tactical performance and 

support requirements of an advanced interceptor. 

Phase I1 is concerned primarily with NASA research 

objectives such as investigations of propulsion systems, 

airframe-propulsion system interactions, stability and 

control predictions of an aerothermoelastic airplane, 

structural deformation and flight loads, elastic mode 

control, and aerodynamic characteristics. Two YF-12 

aircraft were being put in a flight-ready status and 

instrumented for the flight research. 

Chemical Propulsion 

Liquid Propulsion Systems-Work in this area included the design of propulsion modules to investigate 

the problems of flight-weight propulsion system using 

two space storable, high energy propellant combinations, OF,-diborane and flox-methane. Spacecraft 

thermal control and performance and weight were 

emphasized. Long firings with diborane produced a 

chamber durability problem arising from an apparent 

chemical attack on the carbon lining of ablative chambers. The solution to the problem involves the use of 

vaporized diborane as a regenerative coolant in a 

metal chamber. 

Progress was made in developing a chemical process 

to manufacture oxygen difluoride at less than half the 

current market price. 

Research on the flox-methane space storable propellant combination advanced with the completion of 

tests on a 5,000-pound thrust regeneratively cooled 

thrust chamber at 500 p.s.i.a. chamber pressure under 

simulated altitude conditions. Test performance and 

heat transfer data were used to prepare the detail 

design of a flight-weight pump fed flox-methane 

engine, capable of delivering a specific impulse of 400 

seconds or more and of throttling over a 10/1 thrust 

range. 

Experimental engineering tests of the 100-inchdiameter truncated plug nozzle thrust chamber under 

simulated altitude conditions were completed. These 

and similar sea level tests demonstrated the altitude 

compensation characteristics of this thrust chamber 

configuration. They also showed that this type of 

engine concept can provide ideal engine performance 

for booster stages operating in the Earth’s atmosphere 

and for upper stages operating at altitudes. 

In tests of the catalytic ignition of gaseous oxygen 

and gaseous hydrogen-a candidate propellant com19 
bination for auxiliary propulsion systems-ignition of 

20-pound-thrust engines was obtained with propellant 

temperatures as low as - 250°F. at chamber pressures 

of 10 and 100 p.s.i.a. Reliable ignition was also 

obtained with as much as 25 percent helium in the 

propellants. This combination would have application 

in space shuttles, space stations, and propulsion stages 

using oxygen-hydrwen as the main propellants. 

A new high in delivered specific impulse for chemical 

rockets was attained in an altitude facility firing of a 

tripropellant ( fluorine-lithium-hydrogen ) thrust chamber: 508 seconds. This firing used a two-stage combustion cycle that avoids the extremely high temperatures 

normally associated with this propellant combination. 

A companion engine design study, using the two-stage 

cycle, indicated that a 15,000-pound-thrust pump-fed 

engine would weigh approximately 250 pounds and 

deliver a specific impulse of 515 seconds. A study program was started to compare the value of this engine 

system with a fluorine-hydrogen system over a range 

of spacecraft missions and launch vehicles. 

Large Solid Motor-The effort in this area was expanded to include work on low-cost rocket case insulation, ablative nozzle materials, propellant process variables, a simplified motor steering system, and handling 

heavy motors. 

Solid Spacecraft Propulsion Systems-Significant 

technology advances in solid fuel propulsion systems 

included the successful testing of two of the three concepts and readying of the third for test. 

A full size hybrid motor prototype, weiqhing 3,200 

pounds, was successfully fired in October. The energy 

level of the slightly modified propellant mix was equivalent to 380 seconds specific impulse under space conditions. In the firing, which had two burning phases15 seconds and 50 seconds-separated by several days, 

all components performed satisfactorily. 

A low acceleration motor was designed and tested. 

This design calls for loading the motor case completely 

full of propellant, with no central bore, and “endburning” it to maximize the burning time. Three such 

motors were successfully tested, two weighing 60 

pounds, the third 800 pounds. The latter burned for 2 

minutes, three times the duration normally associated 

with this motor size. Further work to increase burning 

time and reduce hardware weight, should enable this 

motor to reach the remarkable efficiency level of being 

93 percent propellant. 

The third spacecraft propulsion system-a high 

energy restartable motor-is of a more conventional 

configuration, but includes a composition delivering 10 

percent more energy than current solid systems and a 

stop and restart capabilitv. A motor weighing over 

3,000 pounds was manufactured and prepared for 

testing early in 1970. At any time during burning, the 

20 

motor can be extinguished by injection of a small 

amount of water into the chamber. A built-in second 

igniter can reignite it, and a second quench supply used 

to finally stop burning. For missions not requiring stop 

and restart, the quench system can be removed and an 

increase in performance attained. 

Solid Propulsion Technology-Several significant 

achievements were made in this area. An electron 

paramagnetic resonance (EPR) method for monitoring the rate of atomic bond rupture in plastic type 

materials was demonstrated. This very sensitive technique, which may provide information not readily obtainable by more conventional methods, can be applied to study environmental effects (stress crazing, 

cracking, damage from impact ,and shock loading) on 

polymers, including rubber and propellants. Another 

achievement is the use of the scanning electron microscope in combustion research. Using this device, it 

is possible to study in detail never before possible the 

deflagration behavior of ammonium perchlorate, aluminum and beryllium metal particles, and composite 

propellant itself. The ability to make such studies is an 

important advance in theoretical modeling and in the 

practical control of combustion processes. Finally, the 

Langley Research Center made significant progress in 

work on the decomposition mechanisms of ammonium 

perchlorate-a principal solid propellant ingredient. 

It found a means for stabilizing undesirable decompositions of this material. Such stabilization is an asset 

in solid propellant motors which must withstand the 

severe heat sterilization environment. 

Biotechnology and Human Research 

Human Research-Emphasis on vestibular research 

was increased during the year because of the apparent 

occurrence of a type of motion sickness in several of 

the Apollo astronauts shortly after launch. Studies are 

being continued in an effort to solve this problem, but 

no reliable protection from it has yet been found. 

Studies were underway in the National Academy of 

Sciences to define the effects on biorhythms of rapid 

transportation across time zones, cardiovascular research and bacterial and viral implications of space 

flight. 

Bioinstrumentation-Transcutaneous optical techniques were being developed to measure major blood 

gas constituents during long duration manned space 

fliqhts. The Electronics Research Center (ERC) tested 

an electro-optical instrument which measures the blood 

oxygen level by using red and infrared radiation reflected from the back surface of the eye when it is 

illuminated through the pupil. The instrument can be 

applied to other blood gases and, with minor modifica- 
tion, to other body sites such as the earlobe and finger. 

Clinical instrumentation of this type should be useful 

in anesthesiology and in mass medical screening 

centers. 

The Flight Research Center (FRC) developed 

a modified Wright spirometer (a small device for 

measuring respiratory gas flow volume which must be 

read and recorded manually) in which a spoked wheel 

interrupts a light beam between a low power light 

source and a photosensor. The resulting digital electrical output can be automatically recorded and computer analyzed, permitting correction of the data for 

any nonlinearity at low flow rates. Such instruments 

should be increasingly useful to laboratories and hospitals which monitor active patients. 

Aircraft Noise and Sonic Boom-NASA continued to 

gather data on the psychological and physiological 

effects of noise parameters on people. Acoustical and 

sociometric surveys which involved interviews with 

over 4,000 people while related noise measurements 

were being taken were made in Boston, New York, and 

Miami to determine community reactions to airport 

noise. The data was being studied and related to similar information collected last year for other cities. 

Spacecraft Water Reclamation-A reverse osmosis 

water reclamation unit using glass membranes was developed. The glass membrane material eliminates 

problems of clogging and deterioration affecting units 

using organic membrane materials. Also, the glass can 

be subjected to heat sterilization and is chemically inert 

and resistant to corrosion. Tests of the unit at the Ames 

Research Center (ARC) showed over 97 percent rejection of organics, salts, and phenol. The Office of 

Saline Water continued to work with NASA on this 

approach to water conversion because it offers several advantages: low cost production of contaminantfree water, ease of service, complete and rapid system 

sterilization in the event of bacterial contamination of 

the water supply. 

Emergency Life Support System-A prototype 

emergency life support system was being developed for 

the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) . The lightweight system includes a breathing vest, a gas-operated 

pump for air and coolant circulation, and a 1-pound 

sublimator unit for cooling. Total weight of the system, 

excluding the liquid cooling garment, is 30 pounds; it 

fits in a container approximately 7 by 17 by 19 inches. 

Metal Fabric Space Suits-A constant volume hybrid 

space suit made of a metal fabric with nonflammable 

elastomer backing was being developed for the MSC. 

The one-layer fabric, combining the qualities of abrasion resistance, pressure restraint, and gas impermeability, should be much more durable under operational 

conditions than the multiple layer suits now in use. 

Aircraft Oxygen System-NASA developed a closedloop breathing oxygen system for aircraft and tested 

it in a Navy aircraft. This system supplies oxygen from 

the electrolysis of water and removes carbon dioxide 

from exhaled gases through an electrochemical cell. 

The newly developed unit requires only stored water 

and electrical power, and NASA plans to study application of the technique to long duration manned 

flights. The military services also planned to support 

further development of the system as a possible replacement for present on-board liquidlgas stored oxygen 

systems. 

Habitability-MSC surveyed the preferences of the 

astronauts and Air Force test pilots for off-duty activities during long duration space flights. Preferred items 

were physical exercise equipment, news and sports 

events, communications, and availability of snacks; 

however, the astronauts indicated that they did not 

believe there would be much free time available. MSC 

also developed equipment using flexible boots and 

small magnets dispersed in the sole, to facilitate astronaut mobility inside a space station in orbit. And the 

Langley Research Center was designing lunar shelters 

to improve habitability by facilitating passage through 

hatches and by arranging internal furnishings. 

Behavioral Research-Tektite I, a joint Navy, NASA, 

Department of the Interior marine sciences, biomedical, and behavioral research study, was completed. 

Four marine scientists spent 60 days in a nitrogenoxygen environment at a depth of 42 feet in the Caribbean Sea, collecting information on group interactions, psychomotor performance, habitability, and on 

microbiological and physiological data of interest to 

NASA. 

Space Vehicle Systems 

Aerothermodynamics-The NASA HL-10 liftingbody research vehicle completed 18 flights this year for 

a total of 30. It was flown near its maximum speed and 

altitude capability, reaching Mach 1.6 and an altitude 

of 80,000 feet. The flight test data indicated that the 

HL-10 has good flying qualities over the entire speed 

and altitude ranges flown. Future flights were scheduled to obtain additional aerodynamic data and to 

evaluate powered landings. The X-24A Air Force 

lifting-body made its first flight on April 17, and has 

now completed seven flights. 

Flight and wind tunnel tests of parachutes designed 

to land unmanned spacecraft on Mars concentrated 

on ways of obtaining more stable operation at higher 

21 
Mach numbers. Progress was also made in research on 

inflatable devices attached to the aft end of planetary 

entry spacecraft to provide greater deceleration of the 

vehicle. Wind tunnel tests with 5-foot-diameter models 

demonstrated that the inflatable device will operate 

satisfactorily in the low density atmosphere of Mars. 

Research also continued on vehicle shapes and heat 

protection systems for planetary atmospheric probes. 

Advances were made in designing and fabricating a 

spacecraft that can be used to determine planetary 

atmospheric composition from instrument measurements and vehicle motions during entry. 

Structures-A NASA-sponsored computer program 

for structural analysis-Nastran-was completed and 

delivered to the Agency. Nastran gives NASA the capability for analyzing far more complex structures than 

was previously possible, and it will solve a greater variety of structural problems. Because it can be employed 

on several different types of computers, it will transmit 

structural data between the NASA centers and their 

contractors. In addition, its modular design makes 

it easy to incorporate improvements in structural analysis resulting from research programs. This ability gives 

the program a longer and more useful life and an 

increasingly broader capability. 

Space Environmental Protection and Control-Research on charged particle radiation shielding led to an 

improved ability to calculate the effectiveness of shields 

against high energy protons. Codes previously applicable to particles up to 400 MeV were extended to 

energies as high as 3 GeV. They will be useful in shielding calculations for the supersonic transport program, 

high energy particle accelerators, and for space 

vehicles. 

The Pegasus I11 meteoroid detection satellite reentered the Earth’s atmosphere on August 4, after a 4- 

year lifetime, with all subsystems operating properly. 

A Scout-launched meteoroid technology satellite was 

approved ; it will incorporate improved pressure cell 

sensors to obtain anchor-point data on the effectiveness 

of double-wall structures in preventing meteoroid penetrations. Another pressure cell meteoroid sensor experiment and an optical meteoroid experiment were approved for flight on the Pioneer F/G mission to assess 

the meteoroid hazard between the Earth and Jupiter, 

especially in the region of the asteroid belt. Continued 

research on devices for laboratory simulation of meteoroids resulted in acceleration of a 2-gram simulated 

meteor to 42,000 feet per second. 

A triangular radiator, based on the selective stagnation concept developed for the Apollo CSM environmental control heat rejection system, was constructed ; 

a simplified version, incorporating a glycol coolant, was 

found to have a sufficiently wide heat load range for 

use on a lunar landing vehicle. It was studied as a 

22 

possible replacement for the present expendable water 

cooling system used on manned lunar landing vehicles. 

A computer program was developed which permits 

greater accuracy in estimating incident radiation on 

orbiting spacecraft surfaces. It was used in the thermal 

design of spacecraft at the Goddard Space Flight 

Center. 

To improve calibration of solar simulators, both 

1969 Mariners were equipped with radiometers to 

measure solar intensity during solar vacuum testing 

and in flight. As a result, the solar constant was measured in space for the first time; the intensity of solar 

radiation at the Earth‘s mean distance from the Sun 

was found to be 135.341 percent milliwatts per 

square centimeter. Small variations in solar intensity 

recorded during the flight to Mars simultaneously on 

both vehicles are believed to be caused by certain variations in solar ultraviolet energy. 

Aerospace Design-Eleven space vehicle design crlteria documents were completed and disseminated to 

the aerospace community. They covered information 

on environments important in design, and criteria and 

preferred practices for use in the design of vehicle structures and guidance and control systems. 

Electronics and Control 

Predicting Flight Test Perjormance-The ARC 

improved present procedures and developed new methods for mathematically modeling the airframe, the 

vehicle control system, and the pilot dynamics from 

flight test records. The ability to form such mathematical models is an important part of flight test analysis. 

Ames’ scientists used modern control theory and digital 

computers to analyze flight test data, derive the pilot’s 

response, the multidimensional motions, and instrumentation inaccuracies, and to consthct mathematical 

models which are applicable to untried flight conditions or new vehicles. As a result, they were able to 

make more accurate predictions of vehicle and pilot 

performance before flight. The same methods appear 

to be applicable to such fields as biology, economi&, 

and chemical processes, where it is also important to 

identify and analyze the dynamics of systems under 

study. 

Saturn V Manual Guidance and Control-A backup 

manual guidance and control systems for the Saturn V 

launch vehicle developed by the Ames Research 

Center, and verification work by the Marshall Space 

Flight Center and the MSC led to the incorporation 

of such a system on Saturn V launch vehicles, beginning with Apollo 10. This system gives astronauts the 

capability of injecting into Earth orbit for some failures 

of the launch vehicle automatic guidance and control 
system. Without this capability the launch and mission 

would have to be aborted. 

Scanning Electron Mirror Microscope-The operational model of the scanning electron mirror rnicroscope developed by the ERC for nondestructive study 

and examination of semiconductor devices was completed. This instrument is particularly useful on integrated circuits that do not have multilevel flat surfaces. The Air Force used the prototype model of this 

instrument to screen several hundred transistors as a 

test of its capabilities, and is now purchasing an operational model. 

Zntegrated Circuit Production-The ERC devised 

an improved technique for wafer separation, a step 

in integrated circuit production, which results in 

nearly 100-percent yields. In this technique, a scribed 

wafer is placed between a domed surface and a flexible 

cover and pressure is applied to the cover to force the 

wafer into the shape of the dome. As a consequence 

the individual chips are separated and forced away 

from their neighbors, eliminating contact between 

chips and minimizing damage during the separation 

process. In the older method, 10 to 25 percent of the 

chips in a single wafer could be lost due to cracks and 

scratches caused by the scribing and breaking step in 

the process. Since each chip represents a large fraction 

of the total cost of a packaged device, the improved 

technique is important for economy in large-scale 

production. 

Cost Eflective Computer Programing TechniquesERC scientists developed a technique for more costeffective programing of small, high speed computers 

commonly used in laboratory research. This “time 

shared disc operating system” enables the computer 

system to participate in program development by continuous interaction with the user to assess and validate 

each coded instruction as it is generated. Remote input 

and display devices allow several researchers to develop 

independent programs simultaneously using the computer in a time shared mode. Three organizations other 

than NASA have adopted the technique for research 

application, and several computer manufacturers are 

considering commercial marketing in conjunction with 

standard product lines. 

StructuraZ Stress Measurement-The Langley Research Center (LRC) developed an electro-mechanical fatigue gage which measures and records the 

accumulated number of times various strain levels are 

exceeded by aircraft wing structures in flight. Small 

and relatively inexpensive, the device incorporates a 

unique mechanical motion-magnification principle by 

which the motion along the strain sensitive axis is 

magnified 30 times, thus eliminating complex power 

supply and electronic amplification circuits. The gage 

should also be useful in predicting the service life of 

large structures such as bridges. 

Zero Power Remote Switch-The ARC developed 

advanced solid state switches using silicon transistors 

and silicon controlled rectifier circuits. They consume 

practically no power in the off position and thus 

conserve battery power. Actuated by an external 

electromagnetic pulse, such switches are used in ARC’S 

multichannel telemetry circuits and in the ultrasonic 

micrometer which telemeters the dimensions of the 

beating heart to an external recorder. As a result the 

operable lifetime of the circuits is approaching 2 to 3 

years-the shelf life of the batteries. 

High Altitude Altimeter-The Ames vibrating diaphragm pressure transducer system was improved and 

modified from its original laboratory version into a 

rugged, lightweight package suitable for airborne and 

space applications. The principle was incorporated in 

prototype atmospheric entry probes which will be used 

to measure planetary atmosphere profiles, it will also 

be used as a high altitude aircraft altimeter at the 

Flight Research Center. In tests, a system resolution 

equivalent to 10 feet at 100,000 feet altitude was 

achieved. 

Beach Erosion Znstrumentation-LRC developed a 

water current meter which uses a strain gage balance 

similar to those used in wind tunnel instrumentation in 

combination with a small water-force sensing perforated sphere. From measurements with this instrument, water movement was correlated with sand 

transport. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science 

plans to use arrays of such instruments to study methods for the control of beach erosion. 

Pilot Warning Zndicator-Development of a relatively simple and inexpensive pilot warning collision 

threat indicator (PWI) progressed sufficiently to permit testing of the microwave model in actual aeroplane 

flights. The tests demonstrated the soundness and validity of the principle. Work continued to optimize operating frequencies, size, and weight, and to reduce the 

cost, so that the system will be acceptable to the general aviation aircraft industry. 

Work also progressed on development of a PWI 

based on optical principles. Two somewhat different 

models were built for the ERC for testing in 1970. 

Telescope Active Optics Technology-The technique 

of controlling small deformations of the optical surface of large mirrors and of space telescopes was successfully demonstrated with a 30-inch-diameter thin 

mirror. Surface irregularities due to thermal, gravitational, or other effects are detected by a laser ‘‘figure 

23 
6ensor” in front of the mirror. Error signals, proportional to the deformations, are developed and sent 

through a servo control system to a suitable number of 

actuators attached to the back of the mirror. The 

actuators push or pull on the mirror, counteracting the 

surface deforming forces, thereby restoring the mirror 

surface to its undistorted condition. Work continued 

at ERC to refine the techniques and technology and to 

build space qualified components of the complete active optics system. These techniques are important to 

future NASA space astronomy programs, which will 

use large-diameter mirrors. 

Optical Communication Lunar Experiment-The 

technology developed by Goddard Space Flight Center 

for the pulsed ruby laser, used to track orbiting satellites, was successfully applied to measuring the distance 

from Earth to the optical reflector left on the moon by 

Apollo 11 astronauts. Short pulse lasers, coincidence 

detection circuits for noise discrimination, and very 

fast photo-detectors and timing circuits were used, 

and accuracy achieved was about 4 meters. Work will 

continue to reduce the errors to less than 1 decimeter. 

This technology will make it possible to measure the 

distance from the Earth to the Moon, and the lunar 

path around the Earth with greater precision than 

formerly possible. 

New Infrared Detector-Marshall Space Flight Center 

developed a new highly sensitive infrared detector, 

operating in the 9,000-angstrom region whose quantum 

efficiency is some two orders of magnitude greater 

than that obtainable previously. This same detector 

also works in the visible region with very high efficiency. 

Made of gallium-arsenide with a cesium oxide surface, the detector will have wide application in astronomical research in optical communication receivers. 

Space Power and Electric Propulsion 

Thermionic Conversion-Major progress was made 

in several areas of the reactor powered thermionic 

conversion program. Long-term test data were obtained on uranium carbide and uranium oxide fuels at 

thermionic operating conditions (temperatures, power 

densities, etc.) . Very long-term stability of emittercollector surfaces and satisfactory performance of 

other converter components were demonstrated in 

23,000 hours of out-of-pile testing of an unfueled 

thermionic converter. The converter, which operated 

at 1700” C, had a high performance “preferred 

(crystal) oriented” tungsten emitter which remained 

metallurgically stable throughout the test and as a 

result produced a constant electrical power output. 

Also, analytical and electrical analog studies indicated 

that fast neutron spectrum in-core thermionic reactor 

systems can be controlled by conventional means. 

Finally, significant data were obtained in various experimental programs concerning uranium oxide fission 

gas venting methods; performance of “preferred oriented” Rhenium emitters; fuel emitter metallurgical 

compatibility at high temperatures ; and the electrical 

properties of “cracked” insulators in the presence of 

cesium vapor. 

Thermoelectric Conversion-In April, two SNAP-19 

radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) were 

successfully launched aboard a Nimbus satellite and 

are operating. The SNAP-27, another RTG, is used 

as the power supply for the Apollo lunar surface experiment package (ALSEP) placed on the Moon in the 

Apollo 12 mission. RTGs based on the SNAP-19 

design were under development for the Pioneer F and 

G Jupiter missions and the Viking Mars lander mission 

during the 1970’s. 

Electrochemical Power-OAO-11, launched December 7, 1968, carried a new battery charged-controller 

developed for the Goddard Space Flight Center. The 

three batteries have the conventional temperaturecompensated, voltage-limited charge control. However, the specific voltage cutoff is determined by 

ground control based on the third electrode signal. 

Experience during 1969 showed that having this control electrode aboard has permitted the voltage to be 

reduced by 0.4 volt for the first 8 months and by 0.2 

volt thereafter. The lower overcharge resulted in less 

gassing and less overheating of cells, and consequent 

longer cell life. The electrochemical onboard power of 

OAO-I1 has been free of problems. The improved 

battery characteristics make it probable that third electrodes will be used on subsequent spacecraft and will 

also be used directly for controlling the battery 

chargers. 

Solar Cells-NASA continued to make progress in 

extending the usefulness of solar cell power systems 

to the higher power levels needed for future space 

vehicles. Improvements made on lightweight rollout 

solar cell arrays moved toward the goal of 30 watts 

per pound for planetary spacecraft applications. Important experimental data were obtained on a lithium 

diffused silicon solar cell that promises to be more 

radiation resistant that the conventional N on P boron 

diffused solar cell, and theoretical understanding of 

the lithium cell was increased. 

Nuclear Electric Power Systems-All the major components of the 35 KWe SNAP-8 mercury Rankine 

power conversion system reached a demonstrated life 

of 10,000 hours, and life testing is continuing. A breadboarded power conversion was operated for 7,200 

hours without major component change or repair, 

24 
giving important data on long-term component interactions in actual system operation. System transient 

investigations prerequisite to preparation for tests using 

a reactor were completed in a second breadboarded 

power conversion system. 

In the advanced alkali metal Rankine program, 

testing of a three stage turbine representative of a 300- 

KWe unit resumed, testing of a full-scale boiler feed 

pump started, and fabrication of single tube 2100" F. 

experimental boiler for thermal performance testing 

was completed. 

Testing of a 2-10-KWe Brayton turbogenerator system using electrical heaters to simulate the planned 

nuclear isotope heat source was started at the Lewis 

Research Center. Separate hot endurance testing of a 

second combined turbine-alternator-compressor rotating unit for this system reached 1,000 hours. 

A discussion of progress and uses of other, nuclear 

systems, including the SNAP-27 device used in the 

Apollo 12 lunar experiments, may be found in the 

Atomic Energy Commission chapter of this report. 

Electric Engine Systems-Research on solar array 

powered electric propulsion continued to advance. 

The ground systems technology program completed 

a demonstration of remote control of the necessary 

elements of power handling, thruster throttling, and 

attitude control. The results of this study were used 

to assemble the equipment required for evaluation of 

a more advanced system closely approximating that 

required for a mission spacecraft. A second element of 

this effort is the planned space electric rocket test 

(SERT-11) orbital flight intended to verify long-term 

ion thruster performance in the space environment. 

Technical difficulties in the power handling subsystem 

resulted in the rescheduling of this launch to 1970. 

In another auxiliary propulsion effort, a major milestone was achieved with the successful conclusion of 

an 8,000-hour test of high temperature resistojets, 

which are prime candidates for use in drag cancellation and attitude control of manned space stations. 

These engines were also operated on life support system byproducts. 

Nuclear Propulsion 

The nuclear rocket program, a joint NASA/AEC 

effort, is aimed at providing a significant increase in 

propulsion capability for future space activities. The 

principal objectives are to acquire the basic technology 

for nuclear propulsion systems and to develop a 

75,000-pound-thrust engine called NERVA (nuclear 

engine for rocket vehicle application) based on this 

technology. The program also includes a variety of 

supporting and advanced research and technology 

activities to assure continuing improvement of nuclear 

rocket performance and to provide the base of inforination for developing a nuclear stage. 

The United States has been conducting this program 

for 10 years. During 1969, the effort was successfully 

concluded when researchers completed tests on a 

ground-experimental nuclear rocket engine in the 

desert at Jackass Flats, Nev. Based on this technology, 

development of the NERVA engine was initiated. 

Technology Phase-The technology which has been 

developed and is now being put to use in the design 

of NERVA has provided many reasons for being 

optimistic about the future of this new form of propulsion. For example, since 1964, when the first nuclear 

rocket reactor was operated at 1,000 megawatts, 12 

consecutive reactors and engines have been tested for 

a cumulative test time of more than 14 hours. During 

more than 4 hours of this time the test articles operated 

at high power. These tests, when viewed with all of 

the previous research and laboratory tests and analyses, 

have substantiated the belief that a high level of performance and reliability can be achieved from this new 

form of propulsion. 

Power tests on the XE engine involving the flow of 

propellant (liquid hydrogen) began on March 20, and 

ended on August 28. During this period, 28 successful 

engine startups were completed under simulated conditions. The engine was operated for a cumulative test 

time of approximately 2.8 hours at various thrust levels, 

including 3.5 minutes at full thrust (approximately 

55,000 pounds). 

The XE engine tests explored a variety of engine 

operating methods, including automatic startups 

through the use of bootstrap (self-powered) techniques 

which do not require external sources of energy, multiple restarts, and throttling, and demonstrated once 

again the high degree of stability of the nuclear rocket 

engine. The program also validated the design and 

operation of the engine test stand No. 1 for testing the 

nuclear rocket engines. 

Nuclear Engine Develofiment-The results of the 

technology program provided a sound basis for proceeding with the development of a nuclear propulsion 

system capable of rapid startup, adequate shielding, 

high power density, long reactor lifetime, selfenergized start (bootstrap), throttleability, and high 

performance. 

The first generation nuclear rocket engine, NERVA, 

on which work is now underway, is being designed to 

provide approximately twice the specific impulse 

of chemical rockets (75,000 pounds of thrust, with 

a specific impulse of 825 seconds). As an integral 

part of a new capability for space transportation, the 

NERVA engine should be able to move large payloads from low Earth orbit to geosynchronous orbit 

or to lunar orbit in support of extended lunar explora25 
tion. It should also offer major advantages for transporting heavy payloads into deep space in a reusable 

mode consistent with the NASA integrated plan. The 

increased propulsion energy it makes available can be 

used for any of a variety of purposes in such missions. 

It can be used to increase payloads, to reduce trip 

times for certain missions, and to provide greater 

reliability for the successful completion of the mission. 

During 1969, NERVA engine development work 

was concentrated on a thorough systems analysis of 

flight-engine design requirements and on studies to determine the best way of designing the engine to meet 

these requirements. The next step is to complete the 

design of the reusable flight rated engine and enter 

into the component testing phase. 

Test Facilities-NASA and the AEC began preliminary planning and analyses to define the facility 

requirements for NERVA engine/stage development 

tests at NRDS. The existing test cell “C” will be used 

for all NERVA reactor tests. The NERVA engine will 

be qualified in engine test stand No. 1 (ETS-1) . The 

design of ETS-1 modifications to accommodate the 

75,000-pound thrust NERVA engine is underway. 

The two agencies also conducted a preliminary engineering study for the design and construction of the 

new engine/stage test stand. This stand, to be called 

E/STS-2, will be used to qualify the nuclear stage, 

incorporating NERVA, for flight operations. 

Nuclear Stage Technology-The technology required 

for a nuclear-rocket stage is largely the same as that 

for a cryogenic chemical-rocket stage. Consequently, 

stage work sponsored by the nuclear rocket program 

is focused on problems unique to nuclear propulsion 

or nuclear-rocket missions. They deal primarily with 

liquid hydrogen storage. 

During 1969, the two agencies began examining 

various nuclear stage concepts to assure a basic configuration suitable for a variety of missions, including unmanned planetary probes and orbital ferry 

service. Emphasis of this study will be on the ferry 

missions, in which solutions to long-term liquid hydrogen storage requirements bear crucially on mission success. 

One possible approach to improve liquid hydrogen 

storage in space is to reliquefy the propellant boil-off 

and reinsert it into the tank. A hydrogen reliquefier, 

capable of reliquefying about 3 pounds per hour of 

hydrogen vapor was built and is soon to begin undergoing laboratory testing. 

Tracking and Data Acquisition 

The NASA tracking and data acquisition networks 

handled a substantial workedload supporting 64 mis26 

sions, 24 of which were launched during the year. 

The accurate communications support provided the 

flights of Apollo 9 through 12 enabled hundreds of 

millions of persons to follow these flights and to witness man’s first step on the Moon’s surface during 

Apollo 11. Support was also given the highly successful Mariner 6 and 7 missions to Mars, the four Pioneer 

missions, and OSO, ATS, and Biosatellite flights. 

Manned Space Flight Network-The network began 

the year’s flight activity with the launch of Apollo 9 

(March 3). This was the first time the network had 

to support two manned spacecraft simultaneouslythe LM and the CSM. The maneuvers performed by 

the two Apollo 9 spacecraft involved the most complex 

support requirements up to that time. In addition to 

performing many more routine tracking and data acquisition functions, the network also monitored astronaut extravehicular activities. The network next supported the Apollo 10 mission (May 18-26). Th’ is was a 

manned lunar mission development flight to evaluate 

the performance of the LM in the cislunar and lunar 

environment. As the LM and CSM spacecraft undocked in lunar orbit, the network stations began 

simultaneous support of the two manned vehicles. Precision tracking and high quality voice communications 

received and relayed by the global network stations 

permitted the flight controllers at Houston and the 

astronauts to work together to assure safe descent of the 

LM to within 10 miles of the lunar surface and the 

return rendezvous with the CSM. In addition to providing precise tracking and telemetry coverage during 

the journey from the Earth and the Moon and at lunar 

distance, the network received 19 color television transmissions, including dramatic color views of the Moon. 

On July 16, the network began the actual in-flight 

support of the historic Apollo 11 mission-a flawless 

performance by the network facilities and operating 

personnel. Voice communications were perhaps the 

best ever, enabling people all over the world to share 

the sounds, and often, sights, of man’s first journey to 

the Moon. 

Following the Apollo 11 flight, the Apollo schedule 

was revised to a lower launch rate, and si,pificant 

changes in the network configuration were possible for 

the Apollo 12 mission. Only one of the National Range 

tracking ships was required for Apollo 12 (five were 

originally required) , the requirements for Apollo aircraft were reduced from eight to four, and the number of land stations was also somewhat less. 

Deep Space Network-The deep space network continued its support of the four ongoing Pioneer missions-6, 7, 8, and 9. In addition, the network supported the highly successful Mariner 6 and 7 missions, 

lanuched February 25 and March 27, respectively. 

From liftoff through their flyby encbunter of the 
planet Mars, the twin spacecraft were monitored and 

controlled by the network. The continuous command 

and control capability of the network enabled the 

Mariner 6 and 7 spacecraft to come within 150 and 

190 miles, respectively, of their targeted points after 

traveling nearly 190 million miles-an accuracy of 1 

part in 1 million. .Limited support continues for the 

two spacecraft as they continue their journey beyond 

Mars. 

The network stations have received nearly one-half 

billion bits of scientific data from the Mariner spacecraft. The ability to acquire such a vast amount of 

data--16,200 bits per second for the Mariner 1969 

spacecraft, or almost 2,000 times the rate capability of 

Mariner 4 and 5-was the result of significant improvements in the spacecraft and ground support network. 

The deep space network was used for two experiments 

which reqiured no special instrumentation aboard the 

spacecraft. One was an occultation experiment which 

provided atmospheric pressure measurements of Mars 

through the analysis of changes in the spacecraft radio 

signal as the spacecraft disappeared behind the planet 

relative to the Earth. The second experiment dealt 

with celestial mechanics, and, by analyzing the tracking data, it has been possible to determine that the 

mass of Mars is about one-tenth the mass of Earth. 

Satellite Network-This network continued its support of an average daily workload of about 40 satellites 

related to NASA’s scientific and applications programs 

as well as to space projects conducted by other Government agencies and private industry. 

In addition to the planned support of the above 

missions, the network was called upon to provide 

unique support for the OSO-6 and emergency support for the ATS-5. OSO-6, launched August 9, includes an experiment capable of scanning small areas 

of the sun’s surface. Normal operation calls for the 

spacecraft to scan the entire solar surface. If an area 

of the sun’s surface is experiencing unusual activity, 

however, the spacecraft is commanded, via the satellite network, to scan the selected sector, allowing experimenters to examine the phenomenon in greater 

detail. This near-real-time command capability of the 

network increased significantly the scientific data return from this experiment and made it possible to 

formulate a model of solar flare phenomenon. 

ATS-5, shortly after its August 12, 1969, launch, 

required emergency support from the network. Due 

to a malfunction in the onboard stabilization system, 

the spacecraft had to be placed into its synchronous 

orbit at a point where normal coverage from the 

Earth could not be obtained. To overcome this lack 

of geographical coverage, the station at Johannesburg, 

South Africa, made use of the ATS-3 spacecraft to 

support the ATS-5. Flight controllers at the Goddard 

Space Flight Center sent the necessary commands to 

the Rosman, N.C., station which relayed them via 

ATS-3 to Johannesburg and then to ATS-5. The 

rapid response by the network allowed insertion of 

ATS-5 into synchronous orbit during its first apogee 

after launch. 

In June, the final Biosatellite flight in the present 

series was completed. As a result, it was possible to deactivate the station at Lima, Peru, in August, and to 

relocate the majority of the equipment to other stations. Similarly, the launch of ATS-5 allowed NASA 

to close the transportable station at Toowoomba, 

Australia. The station will be operated by the Australian Government for experimentation in conjunction 

with the ATS-1 spacecraft. 

University Programs 

NASA’s university programs include all projectoriented research supported by the various program 

offices and NASA centers, and the sustaining university program. They are supervised by the Office of 

University Affairs. The programs, emphasize quality research which is useful to NASA and to the colleges and 

universities as a source of strength. 

In 1969, NASA funded about 1,400 projects at 

some 230 universities, with an expenditure of approximately $115 million. NASA made a special effort to 

alleviate the recurring funding crises of research projects by providing some forward funding at reduced 

levels for approximately half of the continuing research 

projects at the universities. 

International Affairs 

Significant achievements in NASA’s international 

activities included an agreement with India for an 

experiment involving use of a NASA satellite to broadcast instructional television programs; an agreement 

with Germany or Project Helios; the foreign distribution of lunar material; action in support of the President’s statement to the United Nations on the Earth 

Resources program ; and the successful launching of 

three foreign satellites. In addition, a tracking support 

agreement was extended Spain and a renewal of an 

Australian agreement was under way. 

The purpose of the satellite television experiment 

with India is to demonstrate the potential value of 

space technology to the establishment of mass communications systems in developing countries and to evaluate the impact of the experiment on managerial, 

economic, technological and other aspects of national 

development in India. The experiment will be the 

first to provide television broadcasting from a satellite 

into small receivers without the intervention of ground 

relay stations. NASA will make the ATS-F satellite 

27 371-775 0 - 70 - 3 
available to India for 1 year. The satellite is scheduled 

to be placed in synchronous orbit over the Equator in 

1972 and to be available to India while additional experiments are conducted by US. and other experimenters. India will have sole responsibility for television programing (to be directed primarily to family 

planning, agricultural improvement, and national 

integration). It will also provide and maintain the 

ground hardware segment of the experiment, including 

the village receivers. Any continuing service after the 

first year of the experiment will be the responsibility of 

India. 

Project Helios is a cooperative endeavor with the 

German Ministry for Scientific Research to place two 

solar probes (1974-75) closer to the Sun than any 

other spacecraft yet scheduled. The objective is to 

acquire new understanding of fundamental solar processes and of Sun-Earth relationships. An agreement 

wa5 also reached with Germany on Project Aeros, in 

which NASA will launch a German-developed satellite 

in 1972 for aeronomy measurements. 

Lunar surface material returned by the Apollo 11 

astronauts was distributed in 1969 to 39 principal investigators from nine countries-Australia, Belsium, 

Canada, Finland, Germany, Japan, South Africa, 

Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Major fields 

of investigation are mineralogy and petrology, chemical and isotope analysis, physical properties, and biochemical and organic analysis. Switzerland contributed 

one of the scientific experiments carried out during the 

Apollo 11 mission, a sheet of aluminum foil deployed 

on the lunar surface to measure the composition of the 

solar wind. 

The three foreign satellite launchings in 1969 were 

the Canadian ISIS-I, launched in January as the 

third of a series of cooperative satellites to conduct 

ionospheric measurements ; the ESRO-IB, launched 

in October for the ESRO on a reimbursable basis; and 

the German Azur, launched in November in a German/ 

United States cooperative project to conduct radiation belt measurements. Agreements for new projects 

were reached with the United Kinqdom, Italy, the 

Netherlands, and Canada. The United Kingdom 

agreement concerns the U.K. No. 4 satellite, to be 

launched in 1971 on a NASA Scout vehicle to conduct 

ionospheric particle and radio noise measurements; 

and an experiment to fly on the Nimbus E spacecraft in 

1972. The agreement with Italy provides for the San 

Marco C satellite to be launched in 1970 on a NASA/ 

Scout vehicle from the Italian San Marco Range in the 

Indian Ocean; it also provides for use of the San 

Marc0 Range for launching the NASA spacecraft into 

equatorial orbit. With the Netherlands, the agreement 

enables two scientists to participate as guest obsrvers in 

the OAO program. And the arrangement with Canada 

calls for a reimbursement launching of a Canadian 

domestic communications satellite. The last is an agreement in principle and is the first such arrangement for 

the US. launching of a foreign civilian communications satellite. 

In an address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 18, President Nixon drew attention to the potential benefits of Earth resources survey 

techniques. He stated that as the program proceeds 

and fulfills its promise, the United States would take 

action to share the projected benefits. In support of the 

President’s pledge, NASA has already joined Brazil and 

Mexico in cooperative remote sensing aircraft and provided advice to India on the establishment of a similar 

program. NASA support the international biological 

program with Earth resources .aircraft data and expanded its international graduate fellowship program 

to include Earth resources disciplines. It brought the 

attention of U.N. member states to the Sixth International Symposium on Environment held at the University of Michigan in October. Finally, NASA participated in a number of Earth resources symposia abroad 

and collaborated with India in developing a recommendation to establish a space applications liaison office 

in the U.N. Secretariat. 

Additional international cooperative projects included the launching of one Italian, two British, and 

two French experiments on NASA spacecraft. Sounding rocket projects with Australia, Brazil, Canada, 

India, Japan, Norway, Pakistan, Spain, Sweden, and 

the United Kingdom were continued. Canadian and 

French experiments were included on the Convair 

990 flights to study aurorae in northern latitudes. Also 

continued were the aeronautical research projects with 

Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. 

On June 25, the agreement with Spain for the NASA 

Madrid Tracking Station was extended until 1984; 

and negotiations with Australia were underway to 

extend arrangements until 1980. These extensions will 

assure adequate tenure for the 210-foot-diameter antennas to be established in each country for the support 

of planetary explorations. 

Following reassessment of requirements for tracking 

station support for both the manned flight and scientific 

satellite programs, NASA deactivated the Lima Stadan 

station, arranged for a phase-out of the Newfoundland 

Stadan station, and placed the manned flight stations 

at Antigua and Grand Bahamas Island on a standby 

status. Following fulfillment of U.S. requirements, the 

Cooby Creek Applications Technology Satellite ground 

station was made available to the Australians on a temporary basis for use with Australian-initiated experiments. It was further determined, in coordination with 

the Canadian National Research Council, that US. 

sounding rocket launchinq and related scientific research at the Churchill Research Range under the 

28 
intergovernmental agreement of June 11, 1965, will be 

phased out by June 30, 1970. 

In addition to the support by regular NASA tracking 

stations in Australia, that country supported Apollo 

lunar flights with its 210-foot antenna at Parkes. 

Industry Affairs 

This area embraces a number of different industrially 

related activities of NASA. In each of these, NASA 

sought to improve management practices in the interests of efficiency and economy. 

Znventions and Contributions-The Inventions and 

Contributions Board reviewed and recommended action on more than 140 petitions for patent waiver received from NASA contractors during the year. The 

Board also recommended the granting of monetary 

awards amounting to aproximately $100,000 for scientific and technical contributions made by NASA and 

NASA contractor employees. A study of the activities 

of patent waiver grantees showed a continued increase 

in the number of inventions which were fully commercialized by NASA contractors after a waiver of 

patent rights. 

Research Grants-Measures taken during the year 

to enhance the effectiveness of NASA’s research grant 

program with educational institutions and nonprofit 

organizations included the preparation of a Grant 

Negotiator’s Guide which is being field tested; the 

presentation of a 3-day training course in grant negotiation, award, and administration to a large number 

of NASA and other Government agency personnel; and 

the development of a Research Grant Handbook containing all NASA regulations in this field. It will be 

ready for distribution early next year. 

Government Property Management-For better management of industrial property, NASA expanded its 

Government property controls to require the contractor 

to provide industrial plant equipment costing less than 

$l,OOO; to maintain and administer a program for 

utilizing Government property in accordance with 

sound industrial practice; and to state in writing his 

financial inability or unwillingness to acquire facilities 

necessary for the performance of a NASA contract. 

In addition, the rental rates for commercial use of 

Government property were raised. 

Procurement Processing-NASA continued its efforts to compress the length of time required to put a 

major procurement under contract once the decision 

to proceed has been made. In a study to ascertain the 

time required to process contractual actions requiring 

headquarters approval, the overall time for each of the 

major milestones in the cycle was analyzed, and all 

the elements contributing to the milestones involving 

headquarters’ participation were intensively examined. 

The study results were reviewed by a senior management committee, which recommended ways of streamlining the decisionmaking process. Another phase of 

the study covering milestone steps performed at field 

locations was in progress. 

Cost Reduction Program-Cost reduction savings 

achieved during the year amounted to $345 million 

an increase of $5 million over 1968, although the 

available funds for both years were approximately the 

same. NASA and its major contractors successfully 

accelerated their efforts to improve performance and 

substantially reduce costs. The NASA internal cost 

reduction program yielded savings of $170 million, and 

the NASA contractor cost reduction program, in which 

32 of NASA’s principal contractors voluntarily participate, yielded savings of $175 million, or $25 million 

more than last year. Cumulative savings since 1964 

now exceed $2 billion. 

Labor Relations-The number of man-days lost due 

to strikes on all NASA contracts decreased from 

10,009 in 1968 to 4,427 in 1969. Man-days lost due to 

strikes at Kennedy Space Center were also reducedfrom 3,200 in 1968 to 337 in 1969. 

Most of the days lost were attributable to strikes during negotiations of labor agreements. Lengthy area 

strikes by the carpenters’ unions in the Boston area and 

pipefitters and operating engineers in the Southern 

California area resulted in 1,860 man-days lost at Electronics Research Center, and 1,177 at JPL or approximately three-fourths of the total time lost on all contracts. The remaining time lost was distributed among 

strikes at centers which were short and involved a 

minimum of lost time. The Labor Relations Office 

worked with Center management in anticipation of 

labor disputes to take measures which would minimize 

their impact. As a result, labor problems did not interfere with program schedules. 

Reliability and Quality Assurance-NASA revised its 

quality assurance and basic reliability requirements for 

aeronautical and space system contracts to reflect recent experience and to be consistent with phased project planning. At the field centers reliability and quality 

assurance activities were evaluated with particular 

attention to hardware effectiveness and problems revealed in flight operations. Also, improvements were 

made in disseminating and using reliability and quality 

experience data. 

29 
Technology Utilization 

In its technology utilization program, NASA continued 

to evaluate aerospace-generated technology reported 

by research and development contractors and inhouse 

laboratories; prepared and distributed special publications on technological advances of commercial interest; and identified new technology of potential benefit 

to the public; and established new capability to transfer aerospace technology to public sector are,as such as 

environmental quality. 

New Technology Publications-The amount of published materials on NASA-developed technology available to the nonaerospace community steadily increased. 

Technology Utilization Offices at each NASA installation were primarily responsible for identifying and documenting the new technology resulting from NASA’s 

research and development programs. Almost 1,000 

NASA Tech Briefs were published in 1969 to announce 

innovations with possible nonaerospace uses. Also, 

technology utilization compilations, reports, and surveys included publications on air pollution monitoring 

instrumentation ; bioinstrumentation; clean room technology; and induction heating. 

Regional Dissemination Centers-To help increase 

the transfer of space technology for nonaerospace 

applications, the information bases of the regional dissemination centers sponsored by NASA’s Office of 

Technology Utilization were broadened through an 

expanded chemical abstracts service, and more data 

in engineering, electronics, and plastics. 

These centers also were marketing computer software available from the Computer Software Management and Information Center (Cosmic) program of 

the University of Georgia, and cooperating with other 

Federal agencies such as the Small Business Administration and the Office of State Technical Services, 

Department of Commerce. 

Technology and Biomedical Applications TeamsNASA-sponsored technology applications teams, were 

established at the IIT Research Institute, Chicago, 

Ill., and the Stanford Research Institute, Menlo Park, 

Calif. The teams worked with the Federal, State, or 

local government agencies to match problems in air 

and water pollution, law enforcement, weather modification, and mine safety with potential solutions based 

on aerospace technology. 

Biomedical application teams continued to identify 

and define significant biomedical problems which can 

benefit from application of aerospace-related technology. Stress was placed on problems which represent 

major obstacles to clinical and medical research programs of national scope and importance. Relationships 

were established with the National Cancer Institute 

(National Institutes of Health) and the National 

Health Services Research and Development Center 

(Health Services and Mental Health Administration). 

One example of the results of the application of aerospace technology to such problems is a flexible, implantable electrode which may ultimately provide relief 

for persons suffering from cardiac impairment with 

attendant angina pectoris pain. 

Cosmic-The Cosmic continued to provide service to 

nonaerospace users. 

The Cosmic inventory nearly doubled, now containing some 700 computer software packages of documented programs. 

Two steps were taken to increase public awareness 

of the services available through Cosmic. NASAsponsored regional dissemination centers now make 

available this computer software along with their other 

scientific and technical information services. The computer programs are also now announced in a new 

publication, Computer Program Abstracts, available 

through the Government Printing Office. 

Relationship With Other Government Agencies 

NASA’s Office of Department of Defense and Interagency Affairs is responsible for coordinating the 

relationships with other Federal agencies engaged in 

aerospace activities. 

During this year, the Aeronautics and Astronautics 

Coordinating Board, the principal formal organization for coordinating national space and aeronautics 

activities between NASA and DOD, considered the 

following subjects: NASA-DOD plans for meeting the 

need of the President’s Space Task Group, means of 

applying more NASA effort in the research and development of military aircraft, the need for and ,means of 

establishing new aeronautical research facilities, and 

NASA-DOD plans for the development of a space 

transportation system. 

As part of a continuing review of NASA-DOD 

interfaces in space and aeronautics, NASA assisted the 

Army and Navy in identifying needed design improvements in military aircraft; a joint NASA-Air Force 

research program was initiated using Air Force YF-12 

aircraft; and fifty technical areas were identified for 

exchange briefings and further coordination with the 

Army. 

Collaboration between NASA and the military 

services continued in the detailing of military personnel to NASA for 2- to 3-year tours. Of particular 

interest was the detailing to NASA of some of the 

specialists freed by the cancellation of the DOD 

Manned Orbiting Laboratory program. 

NASA and DOD continued their joint research on 

ways and means of achieving economies in manpower 

and other resources in common endeavors. Specifically, 

30 
the two agencies considered the exchange of additional 

common services at the Air Force Eastern Test Range, 

and the consolidation of activities involved in the 

checkout and launching of common launch vehicles. 

This office also coordinated NASA’s report to the 

Space Task Group, which was appointed by the President in February 1969 to recommend space objectives 

and budget options for the post-Apollo period. The 

NASA report and the Task Group report to the President were both released to the public on September 17, 

and subsequently widely distributed to individuals and 

agencies within and outside the Government. 

In addition, this office handled the negotiation and 

consummation of agreements between NASA and 

other Federal agencies. Those processed and approved 

covered such activities as the loan of DOD operational 

and research aircraft to NASA, DOD support of 

NASA at Vandenberg Air Force Base, DOD support 

of NASA contract administration, DOD support of 

NASA tracking stations, NASA support of the national search and rescue program, and NASA support 

of the General Services Administration’s air pollution 

control program. 

In the area of communications satellites, NASA 

assisted the Department of Commerce and Alaska in 

identifying possible uses of communications satellites 

to meet that State’s telecommunication requirements, 

and NASA assisted a White House working group in 

developing guidelines for use by the Federal Communications Commission in connection with the US. 

domestic communications satellite program. In addition, NASA consulted with such organizations as the 

Office of Education, the National Library of Medicine, 

the Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, 

and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, regarding the possible applications of communications satellite technology in meeting their specific requirements. 

It also continued close working relations with the Office of Telecommunications Management and the 

Federal Communications Commission. 

The NASA Safety Program 

NASA substantially formalized and strengthened its 

system for identifying and controlling hazards and for 

evaluating residual risks in its space hardware systems, 

facilities, and aircraft operations. New concepts in 

safety were implemented and the principle effort underway at year’s end was to measure the effectiveness 

of both the concepts and their implementation. 

Safety Management Approach-The overall NASA 

safety requirements were published in a NASA Safety 

Manual. Additionally, the safety section of the NASA 

procurement regulation was revised to strengthen the 

safety requirements being placed on contractors as part 

of specific facility or space hardware system procurement. It also requires the contractor to preplan the 

safety effort through submittal of a safety plan. Other 

subtier safety requirements were being documented 

and published at the institutional, field installation, 

and functional levels. 

A regular schedule of field installation, program and 

contractor safety reviews was developed and implemented. Staff safety personnel are evaluting the safety 

and safety-related activities to determine what safety 

levels have been attained, and the adequacy of the 

individual safety efforts. The results of these evalutions, together with recommendations for corrective 

action, are forwarded to the appropriate management 

area for resolution. All NASA field installations and 

hardware programs were reviewed so that there is 

now a finite baseline from which improvement can be 

measured during future reviews. 

System Safety-Product or system safety technology 

was formulated and was being documented. The concepts and methods selected for implementation are 

flexible so that the technology will be fully applicable 

to the wide range of the NASA aerospace hardware 

systems and their missions. Strong emphasis was being 

placed on implementing systems safety in new hardware development programs where the greatest effectiveness can be attained. Equal emphasis was placed 

on the mature systems, both manned and automated, 

to formalize the existing safety and safety-related activities into an effective risk evaluation program. 

A special training course in system safety technology 

was coordinated with the University of Southern California, to be offered to NASA personnel during early 

1970. 

Industrial Safety-NASA evaluated the industrial 

accident prevention efforts at all centers, measuring 

them against the new safety manual requirements. In 

general, the reviews indicated satisfactory performance 

in personnel safety. The elements considered necessary 

for a sound agency program are management interests, 

contract compliance with safety requirements, system 

safety, personnel protection, attention to public safety, 

safety certificates and training, hazards research, accident investigation, and fire protection. 

Improvements are being made in NASA’s ability to 

protect Government losses to a degree paralleling the 

importance of NASA missions. This requires that areas 

of weakness be identified and decisions made as to 

where money should be assigned to attain the desired 

standards. In this connection, a higher level of effort in 

the fire prevention and suppression is considered necessary. Steps are being taken to assure that such effort is 

exerted. 

Aviation Safety-NASA progressed significantly in 

the area of aviation safety. A committee comprised of 

31 
NASA personnel with strong aircraft operations experience was established and is functioning. This committee 

is developing a standard aircraft operations handbook 

to provide a uniform set of safe operating procedures 

for all NASA pilots. Arrangements were completed 

with the Flight Safety Foundation for evaluation of 

flight operations in specific areas and for recommendations as to how these activities may be improved and 

made safer. 

General Activities-Safety standards for all NASA 

personnel were documented, and final editing is in 

process for early publication. 

In November, NASA conducted a Safety Conference 

to bring together all the NASA people directly involved in performing safety activities for a frank exchange of ideas, experience, and the latest techniques 

in accident prevention, hazard identification, and risk 

evaluation. 

IV Department of Defense 1 

Introduction 

Action in support of the President’s Space Task Group 

(STG) highlighted DOD activity in aeronautics and 

space during 1969. Other significant events included : 

(1 ) The successful launching of Tacsat I on a Titan 

IIIC booster into geostationary orbit; (2) the launching of the fifth pair of Vela nuclear detection satellites; 

and (3) continued support of Apollo missions. 

Space Development Activities 

Space Task GrouPDuring the year many individuals 

within the DOD participated in the preparation of the 

final report to the President by STG. Through this 

major effort our understanding of future military space 

programs and related technology has been significantly 

enhanced. 

The final report should be a valuable reference document in future DOD planning by providing pertinent 

information on space activities and their relationship 

to national defense objectives. 

It is important to recognize that the report represents program options and mission opportunities and 

does not represent programmatic decisions. In view of 

severe constraints on military spending, each new system must compete with other alternatives on a case-bycase basis. Decisions to initiate new space programs will 

be carefully structured in the context of the threat, 

economic constraints, and the national priorities placed 

on defense. In particular the DOD will embark on new 

military space programs only when they can clearly 

show that particular mission functions can be achieved 

32 

in a more cost-effective way than by using more conventional methods. 

Manned Orbiting Laboratory-At the direction of 

the Secretary of Defense, and with the concurrence of 

the President, Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) 

program was canceled on June 10, 1969. Among the 

factors which contributed to this decision were the immediate need to significantly reduce the DOD budget, 

and the continuing large annual investments which 

would have been necessary to sustain program progress. 

In order to assure that maximum use was derived 

from the MOL program development effort, technology and hardware, the Secretary of the Air Force appointed an ad hoc committee to review MOL residuals 

and to make recommendations for disposal of the inventory. The ad hoc committee findings, arrived at after a 

very intensive and careful technical survey, resulted 

in recommendations, approved by the Secretary of 

the Air Force, for the use of substantial elements of 

MOL hardware and technology by other high priority 

activities. 

For example, ( 1 ) MOL astronaut pressure suits and 

support equipment, waste management and oxygen 

sensor technology, and Gemini aerospace ground 

equipment have been transferred to NASA; (2) computer assisted ground equipment including the associated computers and software is being transferred to 

the Air Force Western Test Range; (3) computer 

integrated test equipment has been transferred to the 

Air Force Office of Scientific Research to be used 

in a National Science Foundation program being conducted at a large state university; (4) significant items 

of hardware, technology and support equipment ac- 
quired during the Titan IIIM development program 

have been transferred to the on going Titan IIIB, C 

and D booster programs; (5) the MOL simulator has 

been transferred to NASA for use in the manned space 

program; (6) 15 sets of automatic data processing 

equipment of differing types, capacities and applications have been reported for disposition in accordance 

with the Armed Services Procurement Regulations. 

Of the 14 MOL astronaut trainees, eight have been 

assigned to NASA, seven as flight crew candidates of 

whom three have been entered into graduate schools 

for work at the masters and doctorate levels. One has 

been assigned to the National Aeronautics and 

Space Council and the remaining five have been returned to high priority flight duties. 

These and other carefully considered actions to 

transfer MOL technology and hardware to laboratories, NASA and designated Government agencies 

will result in the useful application of a significant 

portion of the investment in MOL to important ongoing and continuing Government work. 

Titan ZZZ Space Booster-The flight test phase af the 

Titan IIIC research and development program was 

culminated during this past year with successful flight 

of the remaining two R&D boosters. The first launch 

in February orbited a Tactical Communications Satellite while the second launch carried a Vela satellite 

and three Office of Aerospace Research experimental 

payloads. 

The development of the Titan IIIM booster was 

terminated when the program was canceled in June. 

The Titan IIIC production program continued on 

schedule in order to provide boosters for initial launch 

in 1970. 

Agreements between the Air Force and NASA were 

formalized in September and govern NASA use of 

Titan I11 space boosters in support of certain of their 

scientific missions in the future. 

DOD Satellite Communications-The DOD program 

for satellite communications is divided into two broad 

categories, the long-distance point-to-point system and 

the tactical system. 

Long-Distance Point-to-Point System.-The mission 

of this system is to satisfy needs for secure communications. Efforts to fulfill this mission consist of the 

Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) , Syncom, and international cooperative efforts. 

DSCS : The initial defense satellite communications 

project (IDSCP) which has provided the DOD and 

other government agencies with an initial operational 

satellite communications capability is now referred to 

as phase I of the defense satellite communications program. Phase I1 of the program is now being implemented and will provide for increased capabilities 

through evolutionary growth of the system. Phase I 

of the program has continued its planned progress with 

the space subsystem now having a total of 23 operational satellites. These satellites have low power, are 

spin stabilized and are located in near synchronous 

orbit. The Earth subsystem of the phase I system has 

had similar progress. The worldwide array of Earth 

terminals totals 29 fixed and transportable stations. 

Shipboard terminals once included in the system have 

been withdrawn for modification and improvement. 

The operational use of the phase I system continues 

to satisfy many unique and vital communication requirements. One of the services which the system is now 

providing is the rapid transmission of photographic 

images from South Vietnam to the United States. 

The system can transmit high resolution photographs 

at the rate of 6 minutes for each frame, utilizing two 

satellites and four terminals. In addition to its normal 

use, the DSCS this year constituted a major national 

asset in meeting unprecedented communications demands. Satellite communications for President Nixon 

during his trip to Asia were supplied by the DSCS. 

A satellite communications terminal flown to Alaska 

successfully relayed live television coverage of the 

Apollo 11 mission via satellite. This was the first time 

Alaskans viewed events occuring outside their State 

on live television. .. During 1969, planning has proceeded for the development and acquistion of the phase I1 of the DSCS. 

Contracts have been awarded for development and 

production of the new satellites. Under current phase 

I1 concepts, several new satellites will be placed in 

synchronous equatorial orbits by early 1971. These 

satellites are to be equipped with “Earth coverage” 

antennas which direct most of the radiated power 

toward the Earth so as to cover fairly uniformly that 

portion of the earth visible to the satellite. In addition, 

two steerable narrow beam antennas will be provided 

which are capable of concentrating the satellite’s 

power on an area of the Earth‘s surface 1,000 to 2,000 

miles in diameter. The new satellites will be able to 

provide hundreds of voice channels over the portion of 

the Earth visible to it and additional hundreds of 

channels within the narrow beam area. The phase I1 

Earth subsystem will utilize to the maximum extent the 

terminals acquired during phase I by modifying them 

to phase I1 specifications. Additional new terminals 

are to be developed and procured for operation with 

the phase I1 satellites. With the new satellites and increased number of Earth terminals, the phase I1 system will greatly increase the number of satellite channels available to the defense communications systems 

and will provide greater communication capabilities 

into and within theaters of operations. 

Syncom: Use of the Syncom satellites, developed 

and orbited by NASA originally for R&D purposes, has 

33 
provided DOD Earth terminals with an interim means 

for handling operational traffic in the Pacific area. 

However, as the greater capabilities of the DSCS have 

become inmeasinsly available, use of the Syncom satellites by DOD has been terminated. 

International cooperative efforts: Under the provisions of the September 1966 Memorandum of 

Understanding with the United Kingdom, tests were 

conducted in which rimultaneous operation of two 

United States and two United Kingdom Earth terminals demonstrated the feasibility of joint but independent use of one satellite. In addition, exploratory talks 

with the United Kingdom have continued to discuss 

the characteristics of the phase I1 system of the DSCP 

and the possible operational use of the phase I1 system 

by the United Kingdom. Launch of the first United 

Kingdom Skynet satellite, produced in the United 

States, is scheduled for early 1970. 

Cooperative effort with NATO for the establishment of NATO's preliminary satellite communications 

system continued. Use of phase I satellites was provided to NATO for tests of two earth terminals purchased from a US. firm by NATO. Launch of the first 

NATO satellite, similar to the United Kingdom Skynet satellite, is scheduled for early 1970. NATO has 

contracted for earth terminals to complete their system. One of the NATO terminals will be installed in 

the United States at Norfolk, Va. 

Tactical Satellite Communication Program.-The 

purpose of this joint service program is to investigate 

and demonstrate the use of spaceborne communication repeaters to satisfy selected communication needs 

of our mobile forces. 

The space segment of the program consists of Lincoln Laboratory experimental satellite (LES) Nos. 5 

and 6 which were launched in July 1967 and September 1968 and Tacsat I launched in February 1969. 

Although valuable early experiments were conducted 

utilizing LES-5, currently the test program employs 

primarily the LES-6 and Tacsat I satellites. The 

terminal equipments used by the four services with 

the above satellites are installed in jeeps, trucks, aircraft, ships and team packs. 

Tacsat I was successfully launched on an Air Force 

Titan IIIC booster February 9, 1969 and was placed 

into a geostationary equatorial orbit at 108' west longitude. The 1,600-pound highly complex spacecraft can 

operate in both the UHF and SHF frequency bands 

and has been used for advanced technical tests conducted by the four services. 

The Navy effort has been devoted to extensive testing of Tacsatcom terminals, both shipborne and airborne. The development of operational procedures 

and doctrine and the testing of multiple-access techniques have been emphasized. The Navy is exploring 

various modes of operational application for this sys34 

tem with a view that satellite communications will 

enhance open sea communications reliability. 

The Army is conducting extensive testing of ground 

terminals-team pack, jeep, shelter and van installations-under varied environmental conditions and in 

simulated tactical situations. These tests have proven 

the technical feasibility of the Tacsatcom concept. The 

operational phase of the Army Tacsatcom program, 

if approved, will include a family of tactical ground 

terminals ranging from a one-man portable unit for 

long range patrols to a 2S-ton truck mounted terminal 

to provide communications service for use by ground 

forces within a theater of operations. 

Spaceborne Nuc&ar Detection-Two new Vela satellites were successfully launched into circular orbit at 

18 Earth radii in May of 1969. The new Vela satellites 

were the fifth pair in a series that began in 1963 and 

included launches in 1964, 1965, and 1967. 

The VeIa research and development program is a 

joint responsibility of DOD and AEC. Its purpose is 

to develop a satellite capability to detect nuclear detonations from the surface of the Earth out to deep 

space. 

Vela spacecraft carry sensors to monitor the radiation characteristics of nuclear detonations, such as 

gamma radiation, optical fireball radiation, and radiofrequency electromagnetic signals. In addition, to 

obtain fundamental measurements of the radiation 

background in space, other particle and radiation sensors are provided. The Bela satellite data has been very 

useful to NASA, particularly during Apllo flights, 

and has provided timely data to ESSA and to DOD. 

Geodetic Satellites-DOD geodetic satellite activities 

during 1969 continued toward the goal of defining 

more precisely the Earth size, shape, and gravity field, 

in addition to providing geodetic positions for features 

on the Earth's surface. Satellites observed included 

Geos-11, Pageos, Navy Navigation Satellites, Secor 

and others. This is the last full year of observations 

for the original geodetic satellite program. Continued 

DOD efforts in the geodetic satellite area will be 

directed toward meeting special requirements using 

primarily the doppler system. 

The Army Corps of Engineers is nearing completion 

of the Secor equatorial belt, providing a global control 

net around the equatorial area including several sites 

which will provide geodetic positions for range tracking instrumentation. During 1969 the Secor system 

advanced into the Pacific. The network should be completed early in 1970 when the last link, Hawaii to 

mainland United States, is accomplished. The Secor 

system will be phased out at that time. An Army 

tactical satellite system investigation was initiated to 

study the potential of using special ground station 

equipment for field artillery support. ' 
The Pageos primary geometric network constitutes 

the primary DOD input for the National Geodetic 

Satellite program. It is managed by the Army and is 

being accomplished by the Army and the Coast and 

Geodetic Survey. The observation portion of the program is entering the last phase and should be completed in the summer of 1970. The data reduction 

has been extended an additional year beyond the original completion date because of fund reductions. 

The Navy Doppler Network (Tranet) observed the 

four Transit satellites in 1969 primarily for the purpose 

of improving the model of the Earth’s gravity field and 

positioning various global sites. The positions of 12 

sites were determined during this year. The doppler 

system will be continued as the primary geodetic satellite system for DOD applications. A lightweight package, Geoceiver, has been developed and is being procured to increase the flexibility of operation. 

The Air Force operated PC-1000 cameras in South 

America and at two stations in the Pageos primary 

network. The South American densification supports 

mapping and charting efforts in that area. F’C-1000 

cameras are located in the Pacific to provide additional 

observations necessary to complete the Pageos network 

in this area. 

Navy Navigation Satellite System-The Transit system was declared fully operational to the fleet in October 1968. The same four satellites that were used during most of 1968 continued operating during this year. 

Following the Vice President’s announcement of 

the Transit system for civil use in 1967, commercial 

firms have developed shipboard receivers for sale to 

interested parties. Particular interest has been demonstrated by offshore oil survey companies. 

Space Ground Support 

DOD National Ranges 

Department of Defense space activities are principally 

supported by five National Ranges: Air Force Eastern 

Test Range (AFETR) , Air Force Western Test Range 

(AFWTR) , Air Force Satellite Control Facility, Navy 

Pacific Missile Range and Army White Sands Missile 

Range. Each range is available to any government user 

who may require its support. At Navy Pacific Missile 

Range and Army White Sands Missile Range, space 

activity amounts to approximately 4 percent of the 

total range effort. 

Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR)-During 

the past year the AFETR has continued to emphasize 

the development and improvement of its mobile data 

gathering fleet. These are the aircraft and ships which 

are strategically located throughout the world to gather 

data for ballistic and space programs when land based 

instrumentation is not adequate or available. 

Four C-135B aircraft became operational early in 

the year. These aircraft, in conjunction with the eight 

Apollo range instrumented aircraft, support the NASA 

and DOD aircraft requirements at the national ranges. 

One ship, which provided only telemetry support, was 

deactivated in light of the newly acquired aircraft 

capabilities. 

Air Force Western Test Range (AFWTR)-During 

1969, the AFWTR made several changes in range support capability. An 80-foot antenna autotrack telemetry system was put into operation at Pillar Point 

Air Force Station, Calif., increasing AFWTR’s capacity to receive P- and S-band telemetry signals. A new 

optics site equipped with two mobile optical trackers 

was activated at Santa Ynez Peak, Calif. This site, 

when used with optics at Anderson Peak, Calif., and 

image enhancing processes, provides excellent coverage 

of launch events. The Vandenberg Automatic Data 

Equipment Facility went into full operation and provides real time telemetry data processing through a 

computer based data acquisition and reduction system. The AFWTR range instrumentation ship fleet has 

been reduced by three, the USNS Range Tracker and 

the USNS Mercury have been deactivated and will be 

returned to the National Defense Reserve Fleet and the 

USNS Redstone has been transferred to the AFETR. 

The AFWTR has instituted a comprehensive radar 

calibration program encompassing the calibration of 

all VAFB radars and formed an interrange instrumentation accuracy improvement group. AFWTR 

operates the new Joint Pacific Area Scheduling Office 

which is responsible for coordination of all range test 

operations involving joint use of Pacific area range 

instrumentation. 

Satellite Control Facility (SCF)-During 1969, the 

new Satellite Test Center building at Sunnyvale, Calif., 

was completed. The MOL program cancellation made 

available three mission control complex (MCC) modules out of a total of 14 for assignment to other programs and technical activities. The space ground link 

subsystem (SGLS) installation has been completed at 

all remote tracking stations (RTS) except the Indian 

Ocean station. This installation is expected to be completed in July 1970. The new Guam station has become operational. Study and analysis effort is a continuing task to insure that the SCF is responsive to the 

workload and technological needs of the using 

programs. 

Aeronautics Development Activities 

C-5A Heavy Logistics Transport Aircraft-The flight 

test program began in June 1968. The first seven air35 
planes currently in the program had accumulated 1,320 

hours of flying time as of early November 1969. The 

results to date indicate that the C-5A has good Aight 

and ground handling qualities and that there is high 

probability that the airplane will meet all range, payload, takeoff and landing performance requirements. 

Current predictions also indicate that the contractural 

requirements for reliability and maintainability will 

be met. 

To date, the C-5A has achieved a maximum gross 

weight takeoff of 798,200 pounds, a maximum speed 

of 0.89 mach, a maximum altitude of 40,200 feet, a 

flight duration of over 9 hours, and a short landing, 

ground roll distance of less than 1,500 feet. These are 

all significant results of the flight test program and indicative that the aircraft performance is remarkably 

good. Although the C-5A has not required a major 

“breakthrough” in technology, the design and manufacture of this aircraft of unprecedented size and capabilities has presented some challenging problems, the 

successful solution of which represents an impressive 

achievement. 

The first operational C-5A is scheduled for delivery 

to the Air Force in December 1969. 

F-I11 Aircraft-The F-1 1 1 aircraft program is composed of various models which include four tactical 

versions, F-lllA, F-lllD, F-111E and F-111F; one 

bomber model, FB-111; and one version proposed for 

reconnaissance, RF-111. Also, one model, the F-11 lC, 

is designed for use by the Australian Air Force. 

The F-111A program has been in the process of 

transitioning from a development status to an operational status during the past year. Approximately 165 

aircraft have been delivered to the Tactical Air Command. The category I and category I1 tests efforts are 

continuing at Fort Worth, Eglin AFB, and Edwards 

AFB. The bulk of this continuing work is in the areas 

of weapons release, static and fatigue testing and fullflight envelope clearance. 

Since the development and testing of the airframe 

and the airplane’s general subsystems have been largely 

accomplished in the F-1 1 1A program, development of 

later U.S. mdoels of the F-1 11 has concentrated largely 

on the avionics system. 

The F-1 1 1D model which incorporates the advanced 

Mark I1 avionics package is in production with two aircraft scheduled for delivery prior to 1 January 1970. 

When production is completed, there will be 96 of the 

F-111D aircraft. Because of the cost of the F-lllD/ 

Mk-I1 system, a less expensive and less advanced 

avionics version is being designed into the 219 F-111F 

which will follow the F-l11D aircraft. These F-111F 

aircraft will have also an improved propulsion system, 

utilizing the new higher thrust TF-30-P-100 engines. 

The airframe fatigue test program has revealed the 

36 

need for several modifications to the wing carrythrough 

structure. These modifications are being installed on 

the production line and in a retrofit program. 

Delivery of the first F-111C aircraft to the Australians took place in September 1968. Subsequent deliveries to the Australians have been delayed pending 

additional tests currently underway. 

On September 28, 1969, the first FE-111 was delivered to Carswell AFB, Tex., for use in the Combat 

Crew Training Wing. This organization is scheduled 

to receive eight more aircraft before January 1, 1970. 

Tactical Air Command expanded its F-1 1 1 activities 

to include the buildup of a second tactical fighter wing, 

located at Cannon AFB, N. Mex. Meanwhile, an extensive combat crew training effort is in progress at 

Nellis AFB, Nev., utilizing the ex’perience gained during last year’s deployment to Southeast Asia. 

F-14 Carrier Based Tactical Fighter-Engineering 

development of the F-14, a new advanced carrier based 

tactical fighter was initiated on February 3, 1969. The 

F-14A will be a new airframe utilizing the TF30-P412 

engine and the AWG-9 missile control system. The 

AWG-9 missile control system will control Phoenix, 

Sparrow, and Sidewinder missiles and 20-mm. guns. 

In addition to its Fleet Air Defense capability, the F14A will be superior to the F-4 in other fighter roles. 

The F-14A will also have a significant air-to-ground 

capability to augment attack aircraft once air supremacy has been achieved. 

Contractor proposals for an advanced technology 

engine, with increased thrust and reduced weight, 

are being evaluated. It is planned to initiate engineering development in early 1970. The advanced technology engines will be incorporated in a modification 

of the F-14; i.e., the F-14B to improve air superiority 

characteristics. The F-14B will be capable of countering the predicted threats in the late 1970’s and early 

1980’s. 

F-15 Tactical Fighter-To counter advanced enemy 

fighter aircraft, the Air Force has begun the development of a new air superiority fighter, the F-15. The 

F-15 concept was finalized during 1968; in September 

of that year, the request for proposal was issued to all 

interested major airframe companies. By December 

1968, three aircraft companies were in competition for 

the final development and production contract. These 

companies submitted their design and cost proposals 

during July and August 1969. The Air Force has evaluated these proposals and will soon award the contract 

for F-15 development and production. Supporting 

development programs on engines, radar, and weapons 

were also started in 1968. These subsystem developments will insure that all components of the weapon 

system will have the performance necessary in an advanced fighter. 
The F-15 concept calls for a fixed wing, two engine, 

single seat fighter having a superior performance over 

a broad range of altitudes and speeds. It will have high 

thrust-to-weight and low-wing loading and will carry 

a balanced mix of armament to optimize the aircraft 

for aerial combat. The aircraft is being designed to 

provide sufficient maneuverability and performance for 

air-to-air combat to exceed the capabilities of predicted 

enemy fighter designs in the 1975-85 period. It will 

replace the F-4 in the air superiority role. 

A-7 Development-The Navy A-7A and A-7B 

carrier based light attack aircraft have proven their 

versatility, flexibility and increased ordnance carrying 

capability in combat. Nineteen squadrons have been 

deployed through October 1969. The A-7D/E Air 

Force/Navy joint development program is progressing 

on schedule and aircraft incorporating the improved 

navigation/weapons delivery system entered Air Force 

category I1 and Navy Board of Inspection and Survey 

(BIS) testing during 1969. Increased accuracy and 

tactical flexibility has been demonstrated by the improved weapon delivery system in the A-’ID/E. All Air 

Force A-7D’s and Navy A-7E’s #68 and subsequent 

are powered by the ‘fF-41 turbo-fan which improves 

performance significantly over earlier versions. The 

first A-7E operational fleet aircraft was delivered in 

June 1969 and the first A-7D aircraft was delivered 

to Tactical Air Command in September 1969. 

Carrier-Based AS W Aircraft-The S3A, formerly 

designated VS (X) , received approval for engineering 

development in July 1969. The S-3A will be powered 

by two TF-34 high bypass turbofan engines. It will 

have a crew of four. Through the use of advanced 

ASW sensors and a digital computer, the S-3A will 

provide significant improvement over the S-2 Tracker 

in searching large areas of the ocean, detecting modern 

nuclear submarines and in localizing and destroying 

these submarines. The S-3A will operate in the 400 

knot speed range at altitudes over 30,000 feet enroute 

to operating areas and still be able to operate economically at the lower altitudes required during certain 

phases of antisubmarine operations. The TF-34 engine 

which has been under development since early 1968 

completed “first run” in May 1969 and has subsequently been tested at full power. 

E-2C Development-The E-2C development will provide the vital airborne early warning system necessary 

for effective fleet operations and will provide airborne 

command and control compatible with Navy and Marine Tactical Data Systems. The E-2C has a proven 

airframe (E-2A) and carries an updated electronics 

system which provides greatly improved operational 

capability, system reliability, and effectiveness in its 

operation. The development is proceeding on schedule. 

EA4B Development-The EA-6B development will 

provide an effective tactical airborne electronic jamming system necessary to jam enemy radars. It will 

support carrier and advanced base strike aircraft. The 

EA-6B system will use the basic A-6 airframe (modified for a four man crew) which has proven to be. a dependable and efficient platform in aircraft carrier 

operations. The development is proceeding on 

schedule. 

Helicopter Research-The Army has continued its 

research to improve rotorcraft capabilities. Studies are 

continuing on telescoping rotors and stopped-stowed 

rotors to improve performance. During 1969, a compound helicopter achieved a speed of 274 knots, an 

unofficial world speed record for rotorcraft. Integration of helicopter and airplane controls is being investigated to assure precise control of the aircraft at all 

speeds. 

The Army has also been actively investigating noise 

generation and suppression. A quiet helicopter program initiated in 1968 continued to show encouraging 

results. 

In 1969, as a result of a previous conference on helicopter and V/STOL aircraft generated noises, the 

Army implemented an aeronautical noise program. 

Investigations were undertaken by industry, universities and in-house laboratories to include : basic elements of rotor noise generation and propagation; design tradeoff studies; studies of noise sources; noise 

level detectability criteria; and rotor blade vortex 

interaction. 

The program is being closely coordinated with the 

military services, NASA, and DOT. The achievement 

of program goals will enhance the military tactical 

reconnaissance capability and should provide useful 

data for solving civil helicopter noise problems. 

AH-56A (Cheyenne) .-The AH-56A, the first 

helicopter developed as an integrated aerial weapons 

system, continued in the development phase. The 

Army and NASA are jointly monitoring this development. Flight tests, conducted on the prototype aircraft, 

identified significant technical problems that resulted 

in termination of the production contract. However, 

the Army has a continuing need for the capability 

offered by this type of aircraft. Future production 

decisions will be based on demonstrated performance 

and cost effectiveness. 

AV-6B Harrier.-The U.S. Marine Corps will 

receive 12 AV-6B Harrier V/STOL aircraft, starting in 1970, for use in the close air support role. The 

Harrier is a single-seat, single fan jet transonic aircraft, 

manufactured in the United Kingdom. It is the 

operational version of the P-1127 Kestrel, which 

was funded, developed, and evaluated by the United 

37 
States, United Kingdom, and the Federal Republic of 

Germany. The Royal Air Force has equipped an operating squadron with the Harrier, and the Marine Corps 

and Air Force are actively participating in the British 

operational employment to take full advantage of 

their experience when the Harrier is delivered to the 

United States. 

CX-84.-The Canadian Government is procuring 

three CX-84 tilt-wing V/STOL aircraft for military 

operational suitability testing in calendar iear 1971. 

It is expected that this testing will provide valuable 

experience in the use of V/STOL aircraft. The U.S. 

Army is monitoring the program and contributing 

limited equipment and technology to the program in 

return for test information. 

X-22.The X-22 ducted propeller aircraft completed the triservice V/STOL evaluation in April 1969. 

This aircraft is the only V/STOL aircraft having capabilities and characteristics enabling it to investigate a 

range of flying qualities. A research program is now 

planned, using the X-22 configured as a variable stability aircraft as a flying testbed, to determine the 

effects of various control parameters on the flying 

qualities. It is anticipated that this will be a joint 

program with USN, USAF, NASA, and FAA 

participating. 

Light Zntratheater Transfiort-The Air Force is proposing a V/STOL light intratheater transport (LIT) 

for the late 1970’s to replace the aging C-7’s/C-l23’s 

and aucrment the C-130E’s in the Tactical Airlift 

Force. The LIT will provide increased capability and 

flexibility to be responsive to the Army and other 

users throughout the entire spectrum d tactical airlift mission. The LIT will also have an adequate cargo 

compartment size and payload carrying capacity to 

efficiently distribute cargo offloaded from the C-5, 

C-141, or C-130 aircraft. 

A concept formulation package/technical development plan (CFP/TDP) has been prepared for the 

Office of the Secretary of Defense for fiscal year 1971 

funding consideration. The LIT development plan 

outlines a step-by-step approach which requires technology to be demonstrated before total funding is 

committed. 

During 1969, a large diameter propeller verification 

and demonstration program was initiated. In addition, 

technology efforts were started in the areas of flight 

control and advanced structural materials. 

Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft (B-2)-During 

1969, the Air Force continued preliminary design 

studies and advanced development of critical propulsion and avionics components for the E1 advanced 

manned strategic aircraft (AMSA) . These efforts have 

38 

further amplified and validated the design and characteristics of an advanced strategic bomber. Based 

upon the extensive study effort that has been done on 

the B-1 AMSA, the decision has been made to initiate 

full-scale engineering development in fiscal 1970. The 

Air Force has structured an orderly development program that will lead to a first flight approximately 42 

months after contract award. Although a production 

decision has not been made at this time, the current 

program could provide for an operational force of 

advanced strategic bombers in the latter half of 1970’s. 

Bare Base Program-The Air Force demonstrated a 

new mobility capability in October 1969 by implementing a 2-week test deployment of a tactical F-4D 

squadron and complete associated base support elements to a “bare base.” This concept is centered on 

the ability to move a complete operational unit into 

a location where only runways and water exists. All 

other faci,lities and equipment required for sustained 

operations were airlifted into the base along with all 

supplies and ordnance required for the first five days 

of operations. Tactical operations were conducted at 

a surge sortie rate for the full period of the demonstration, and the demomtration was concluded with the 

air redeployment of all equipment and personnel. This 

concept permits maximum flexibility and mobility of 

tactical aviation and frees it from dependence on continuously maintained fully equipped bases. Quantity 

production of the new base operating support equipment is anticipated to start in fiscal year 1971. 

Supporting Research and Technology 

Over-the-Horizon Radar-Over-the-horizon (OTH) 

radar technology, sponsored by DOD under R&D programs, has demonstrated capabilities to detect aircraft 

and missiles at ranges of several thousand miles. This 

capability is a tenfold range improtement over radars 

developed during the decade following World War 11. 

In this technology, great importance is attached to selecting the appropriate frequency of transmission and 

in utilizing ionospheric refraction of the radar energy to 

detect taqets below the line-of-sight horizon. Laboratory and field evaluations are continuing to determine 

the desirability and feasibility of applying this technique to improve our ability to detect and track aircraft as well as to enhance our tactical early warning 

capability against missiles. 

VTOL Engine Development-This Air Force program includes the United States part of the Joint 

United States-United Kingdom lift engine program. 

This cooperative R&D effort was initiated in 1965 

to develop a lift engine for the United States-Federal 

Republic of Germany V/STOL aircraft program. 
When the aircraft system effort was terminated in 1968, 

the United States and United Kingdom agreed to continue the propulsion portion as a demonstrator engine 

to extract technological benefits from these advanced 

light weight engine concepts. 

The contractors have completed their design and 

hardware fabrication. The program is now in the 

demonstrator engine testing phase, scheduled for completion in 1970. 

The engine, designated the X J-99, incorporates advanced design concepts, lightweight materials and high 

temperature components. As a result, it represents a 

significant advancement in turbine engine technology. 

Wind Tunnel Testing of V/STOL Aircraft-In 1969 

the Army supported research to evaluate wind tunnel 

wall effects and recirculation effects on V/STOL 

model testing. The magnitudes of these parameters 

have been established and it is now possible to properly 

design a wind tunnel for V/STOL testing to meet 

model requirements or to build a model to suit a given 

wind tunnel. A specific result of this program permits 

predicting the ratio between the size of the wind tunnel 

and the V/STOL aircraft model. This research has 

had a significant impact on the testing of V/STOL 

aircraft in government, industry, and foreign facilities, 

and in particular, on the design of new tunnels and 

tests. Reruns of older tests and data comparisons have 

shown some of the old data is actually invalid. 

Spacecraft Technology and Advanced Reentry 

Tests-The Air Force’s current efforts in developing 

technology for maneuverable reentry spacecraft consists of the piloted low-speed tests (pilot) programs 

and the space transportation system (STS) studies. 

Pilot was instituted and is a follow-on effort to prime 

to provide aerodynamic and stability and control data 

from mach 2.0 to horizontal landing. The prime program provided flight data from reentry conditions to 

approximately mach 2. Five glide flights of the pilot 

vehicle (X-24A) from 40,000 feet have been successfully completed. Flow separation and stability characteristics of the X-24A vehicle are being determined in 

preparation for the power phase of the program which 

is scheduled to begin in January 1970. The STS studies 

are a preliminary design effort to evaluate the capability of various system concepts to meet Air Force mission requirements (payload, cross range, etc.) for 

reusable, recoverable launch vehicles. Follow-on studies 

and technology work in this area will depend on the results of the space shuttle being investigated by both 

the Air Force and NASA. 

Advanced Liquid Rocket Technology-The Air Force 

advanced liquid rocket technology program has been 

established to develop and demonstrate critical propulsion technology needed for future space vehicle systems 

which will be operational in the time period beyond 

1975. 

In 1969, development of the XLR-129 high performance reusable rocket engine is continuing with 

emphasis placed on demonstrator engine component 

development and test. This project will ‘provide essential technology in support of a future reusable National 

space launch vehicle development program. Its specific 

task objectives ares continuously coordinated with 

NASA as well as DOD program needs, through the 

joint advanced chemical rocket engine (ACRE) working group. 

Upper Atmosphere Znuestigation-The Ballistics Research Laboratory (BRL) participated in several experiments in aeronomy. Cooperative firing of five 

Nike-Javelin rockets was conducted in Alaska in 

March 1969 producing barium clouds. Electron density in the cloud and the absorption of radio waves 

passing through the cloud were successfully measured. 

Seven Nike- Javelin rockets were instrumented by 

BRL as part of a cooperative experiment on polar cap 

absorption (PCA) . During the experiment measurements were made of electron density, radio wave 

absorption at six frequencies, and the energy and rate 

of emission of energetic electrons, protons, alpha particles, and gamma rays. 

Under contract with a civilian university, 10 

ARCAS rockets were instrumented to measure ion currents during PCA events at Fort Churchill, Canada. 

Space Object Zdentification-During 1969 ARPA 

continued to develop ground-based optical techniques 

to identify physical characteristics of objects in Earth 

orbit. These techniques include measurements of radiation in the visible and infrared region of the spectrum 

and the use of lasers to measure their range with extreme accuracy. This program is carried out at the 

ARPA Maui Optical Station, on Mount Haleakala in 

Maui. At the request of the NASA this facility also 

supported the lunar laser ranging experiment conducted during Apollo 11. 

Solar Radiation Monitoring Satellite Program-The 

Navy’s Solrad IX, launched on March 5, 1968, has 

continued solar radiation monitoring, broadening our 

base of knowledge of the physics of the Sun and the 

mechanism of emission of solar particle, ultraviolet and 

X-ray radiation. This knowledge is required if we are 

to develop techniques for predicting solar-induced disturbances affecting operation of ionosphere-dependent 

systems and space systems. 

Telemetered data is received at the NRL Tracking 

and Data Acquisition Facility at Blossom Point, Md., 

where it is relayed by dataphone to the Solrad Data 

Operations Center at the Naval Research Laboratory. 

Real-time analog and stored digital telemetry data are 

39 
converted to flux values by manuaj and ADP methods. 

Daily pass-by-pass and flare profile messages are transmitted via the U.S. Air Force operated solar observing 

and forecasting network (SOFNET) for use by the 

ESSA Space Disturbance Forecast Center at Boulder, 

Colo., and the U.S. Air Force Solar Forecast Center at 

the NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Complex, Colo. 

Predictions of periods of solar activity, which are 

likely to cause ionospheric disturbances, are transmitted to the Naval Communications Command for use 

in the formulation of Navy alerts to all communicators. 

Although analysis of Solrad data has made possible 

the development of criteria for prediction of solar activity, the reliability of prediction suffers from real time 

limitations of solar observation (6 percent) imposed by 

satellite low orbit configuration. This deficiency will be 

overcome in the future by launching a three-satellite 

constellation in a 20 earth radii circular orbit which 

will readout to a single ground station. This system, still 

in the planning stage, will provide real time and 

continuous monitoring. 

Advanced Turbine Engine Gas Generator-The advanced turbine engine gas generator (ATEGG) program is an Air Force advanced development program. 

Large turbine engine components (compressors, combustors and turbines) are developed and integrated 

into demonstrator engines which receive sufficient testing to give confidence that the advanced concepts can 

be applied into a specific engineering development 

program when the need arises. This program is needed 

because component operations in isolated rig tests are 

not completely representative of that component’s operation when integrated into a high performance engine 

and used in widely varying operational conditions. 

During the past year, the four contractors participating in this program have demonstrated significant 

advances in thrust to weight ratios, high operating 

temperatures, pressures ratios and over all efficiency. 

Advanced Propulsion Subsystem Zntegration-The 

advanced propulsion subsystem integration (APSI) 

program is an Air Force advanced development program, designed for the purpose of assuring that the 

engine and airframe are optimally matched for 

maximum performance. 

The matching starts with the forebody engine inlet 

and inlet interaction. In turn, all of the compoents 

through the engine and airframe back through the exhaust nozzle are analyzed. Through this program, we 

are also working to improve the capability to correlate 

data between wind tunnel model testing and actual 

flight testing. As an example of the contribution of 

this program, valuable data on airframe-inlet integration and inlet-engine interaction was provided to each 

engine and airframe contractor involved in the F-15 

program. 

This program also includes engine component development to adapt the advanced turbine engine 

gas generator (ATEGG) cores to specific flight 

requirements. 

Airborne Warning and Control System-In the 

airborne warning and control system (AWACS) program, the Air Force has completed an overland radar 

technology program demonstrating that the radar technique to be used is feasible. Presently, the Air Force 

is completing a long lead radar component program 

and expects to select the contractor for the program 

in early 1970. The initial phase of the engineering 

development program is a flight test program of a 

prototype brass-board radar testbed through a limited 

operational test. 

The AWACS will provide an airborne air surveillance capability and command, control and communication functions ‘in a military version of a subsonic 

commercial jet. The distinquishing technical feature 

of this weapon system is the capability of its radar 

to detect and track aircraft operating at high and 

low altitudes over both land and water. The AWAC 

aircraft provides command and control for the interceptor force as well as sustaining air operations 

such as counter-air, interdiction, close air support, 

rescue, airlift, etc. The flexibility of the AWAC System permits it employment at any level of military 

action with the capability to serve as an Airborne 

Command Post, Tactical Air Control Center, Airborne 

Direct Air Support Center, and Airborne Control and 

Reporting Center. 

Survivable Flight Control System Development Program-On July 7, 1969, the Air Force Fliqht Dynamics 

Laboratory contracted for a survivable fliqht control 

system (SFCS) development program. This 3-year effort is designed to develop and demonstrate in-flight 

technology that will significantly reduce flight control 

system vulnerabilitv to combat damage. 

The SFCS concept is based on the principle of 

separated redundant control elements and combines 

the heretofore separate technologies of fly-by-wire controls and integrated hydraulic servo-actuator packages 

to achieve a siqnificant increase in flight control system 

survivability. The fly-by-wire approach decreases vulnerability of the control linkage from the pilot’s control 

stick to the surface actuators through redundant separate electrical channels. The integrated servo-actuator 

package reduces the vulnerability of the hydraulic 

lines which supply power to the actuators through the 

application of redundancy, dispersion and hardening 

techniques. 

The use of a proven fly-by-wire control system would 

make possible system performance improvements, reduced system cost, improved reliability and weight 

reductions. 
Advanced Composite Materials Application-The 

technology of applying composite materials to aircraft 

structures is progressing from replacement of selected 

skin panels to conceptual design of major components 

such as wings and stabilizers, using composites for the 

skin and load bearing substructures. Enough confidence and experience has been gained in the application of boron plastic composites to tail skins and 

selected panels that boron/epoxy has been declared 

production capable as a material for new systems. The 

F-14 will have a boron/epoxy horizontal stabilizer skin 

with a 25 percent weight savings over a conventional 

titanium skin. The F-15 will also have various panels 

and skin portions composed of boron/epoxy composite 

material. 

A second composite material, graphitefepoxy has 

been developed to the stage, as a material, where it is 

beginning to be applied to selected aircraft skin components. Higher temperature capable composites such 

as boron/aluminum and boron /titanium are being 

applied to jet engine components with predicted 

weight savings of up to 15 percent. 

The largest composite structure attempted to date, 

an F-100 wing with a boronfepoxy skin, is being assembled for ground tests in 1970 and flight test in early 

1971. As larger and more complex structures are fabricated from composites, the capability to reduce the 

weight of future aircraft by amounts varying from 3 to 

50 percent is systematically being demonstrated. 

Space Experiments Support Program-The Air Force 

space experiments support program (SESP) provides 

spaceflights for DOD Research and Development experiments and certain operational spacecraft as multiple payloads on single boosters. In 1969 SESP 

supported the launch of an Atlas F which orbited 

three Air Force spacecraft containing thirteen DOD 

experiments. The orbital transfer rocket of one spacecraft went into a separate orbit carrying a Navy experiment. An Army geodetic survey spacecraft rode into 

orbit as a secondary payload on the NASA launch of a 

weather satellite. A Navy payload of a cylinder and 

cone, used in space object identification and calibration, was orbited as a secondary payload aboard a 

classified DOD launch. Three Air Force spacecraft 

rode as a secondary payload aboard the launch of a 

Titan IIIC for the Vela program. 

Seek Storm-The Air Force has established Project 

Seek Storm to provide a significant improvement in 

Air Force capability to support the US. hurricane 

effort. This project concentrates on developing an improved radar which will make it possible to see through 

the areas of precipitation which surround hurricanes 

and thus identify areas of turbulence and intense rainstorms from a much longer range. This, in turn, will 

give forecasters more precise storm intensity and location information which will lead to better storm path 

and damage potential predictions. Development will 

be initiated in fiscal year 1970, and it is expected that 

installation in storm reconnaissance aircraft will be 

made in fiscal year 1972 or 1973. 

Cooperation With Other Government Agencies 

DOD has continued its close coordination and cooperation with other Government activities particularly 

NASA. Included below are examples of the manner 

and types of this coordination. 

National Aeronautics and Space Council-There is a 

continuing liaison, coordination and exchange of information with this organization of which the Secretary of Defense is a member. The Council staff is 

periodically briefed on all aspects of DOD aeronautics 

and space activity. There are presently six Air Force 

officers detailed as members of the Council staff. 

Aeronautics and Astronautics Coordinating BoardThe Aeronautics and Astronautics Coordinating Board 

continued to effectively play a necessary role in facilitating the planning, coordination, and information exchange in areas of common interest to DOD and 

NASA. Four meetings were held in 1969. Increased 

emphasis was placed this year on the aeronautics 

area. Large aeronautical ground test facilities necessary for future national aeronautical research and 

development activity were clearly identified and prioritized as a first step leading toward possible facility acquisition. Emphasis was also placed on an assessment 

of current aeronautical research and aircraft developments. The studies initiated last year in a number of 

areas such as manned spacecraft recovery, networks, 

launch vehicles, range support operations, and other 

common areas of DOD-NASA activity were completed. While few near term cost savings were identified, the studies were beneficial in showing the way so 

long term savings and promoting better working relationships and understanding between agencies. 

]oint Army-NASA Aeronautical Research-The 

Army Aeronautical Research Laboratory was established April 1, 1965, as a result of an Army-NASA 

agreement to augment low-speed aeronautical research. 

This agreement permits the Army to use NASA facilities in the low-speed subsonic areas and provides the 

Army with an internal aeronautical research capability. 

The Army’s primary interests are in rotary wing and 

other vertical and short takeoff and landing aircraft. 

The integration of Army personnel into the NASA 

low-speed programs permits efficient use of talent and 

facilities to perform research of mutual interest. The 

laboratory is located at Moffett Field, Calif. 

41 
DOD Support of NASA-During fiscal year 1969 

DOD support of NASA totaled more than $235 million. 

There were 246 military personnel assigned to NASA 

(164 Air Force, 23 Navy, 56 Army, 3 Marine Corps). 

Below are listed examples of support furnished. 

Apollo Program-Commensurate with the national 

objective to place a man on the Moon by 1970, DOD 

continued to provide assets for the support of the 

Apollo program. The major portion of this support was 

allocated to the recovery operation. The primary responsibilities of the recovery force were to insure the 

rapid location and retrieval of the CM and crew and to 

provide on-scene assistance to the astronauts. Associated responsibilities involved the collection, retrieval, 

and return of data and hardware; transportation of the 

astronauts from the recovery area; and, in the case of 

the lunar landing missions (Apollo 11 and 12), insuring 

that lunar samples were delivered within a specified 

time and biological decontamination procedures were 

carried out. 

Medical Projects-The Naval Aerospace Medical Institute, Pensacola, Fla., conducted space-related medical tasks which included study of the biological effects 

of varying magnetic fields, preflight aspects of long 

duration weightless flights with primates, hazards of 

proton radiation, techniques of in-flight electrocardiography, and effects of gravitational forces, inertial 

forces, and extended weightlessness upon man with 

particular emphasis on his vestibular systems. 

V 

The Naval Medical Research Institute, Bethesda, 

Md., carried out tasks including study of microcalorimetry as a method for life detection, biochemistry of 

stress in aviators under combat stress, and the effects 

of varied barometric pressures on human infectious 

disease resistance. 

Aerospace Feeding Systems-The U.S. Army Natick 

Laboratories continued development of new and improved aerospace food products for NASA. Five neb 

thermal processed wet meat products were introduced 

into Apollo flights as the first eat-with-a-spoon foods. 

Menus for Apollo 8 and 9 flights were planned according to the astronauts’ individual selections from available flight qualified foods. In addition, five new 

dehydrated formulations developed for the long range 

patrol ration were adopted as eat-with-a-spoon items 

for space flight use and were carried on Apollo 

flights 10 and 11. 

Test Range Support-The US. Air Force test ranges 

continued to provide major support to the Apollo program. Support areas included recovery, communications, range safety and operation of the Apollo ships 

and instrumented aircraft. Other support to manned 

and unmanned NASA missions included data acquisition, transmission, processing and reduction ; industrial 

support; launch-complex control and support operations; and facilities engineering at the Air Force Eastern and Western Test Ranges. 

N 0. Atomic Energy L;ommission 

Introduction 

During 1969, development of nuclear power for space 

applications included continuation of work on system 

technology that will be required in future missions as 

well as on several operational systems for current national space program missions. Highlight events include the following: 

Nuclear Power-A SNAP-27 isotopic generator is 

serving as the sole electrical power source for the 

Apollo lunar surface experiments package (ALSEP) 

deployed on the lunar surface by an Apollo 12 

astronaut. 

Two SNAP-19 radioisotope thermoelectric generators were launched aboard the Nimbus I11 weather 

satellite in April, and have been supplying continuous 

electrical power to the spacecraft since launch. 

Work has begun to meet the National Aeronautirs 

and Space Administration request for AEC development of isotopic generators for the Pioneer F and G 

Jupiter flyby probe missions to be launched in 1972 

and 1973 and the Viking Mars lander missions to be 

launched in 1973. 

Design and development of a 30-watt-power system 

for a Navy navigational satellite continued throughout 

the year. 

% 

42 
Study efforts were initiated for the development of a 

multi-hundred watt modular power system for use on 

a variety of projected missions in the mid to late 1970's, 

particularly the outer planetary Grand Tour and related precursor missions. 

The zirconium hydride reactor-thermoelectric conversion system was identified as a principal candidate 

for the prime power system on the proposed manned 

space station planned to be launched in 1976-77. 

Ground testing of a flight-configured zirconium hydride reactor (S8DR) achieved full power operation 

early in the year. Several months of endurance testing 

have been accomplished. While the reactor operation 

has been satisfactory, evidence of fuel cracking has 

been observed. 

Nuckar Rockets-The technology phase of the 

NERVA technology program was completed with the 

completion of the ground-experimental engine test 

program. The NERVA engine design and development 

efforts were underway, directed toward development 

of a reusable 75,000-pound-thrust engine. 

Space Electric Power 

Space Radioisotope Power Systems 

SNAP-Zg and SNAP-27-The SNAP-19 and SNAP27 generator programs were successfully concluded 

during 1969 with the !crunch in April of two SNAP-19 

generators on the Nimbus B weather satellite and with 

the deployment on the lunar surface of a SNAP-27 

generator as part of the experiment package left on 

the Moon by the Apollo 12 astronauts. Both generators 

are fueled with plutonium-238. 

The SNAP-19 provides supplemental power to the 

Nimbus B weather satellite while the SNAP-27 is the 

power system for the ALSEP which collects and transmits scientific measurements and data back to Earth. 

The ALSEP experiment package is designed to operate for a period of up to 1 year. The SNAP-27 permits data to be transmitted during the lunar night as 

well as during the lunar day. 

Pioneer and Viking-An adaptation of the SNAP-19 

generators utilizing an improved heat source and 

thermoelectrics is under development for the NASA 

Pioneer and Viking programs. Launches are scheduled 

in 1972 and 1973. 

SNAP-29 Zsotopic Cenerator-Because of budgetary 

priorities, the development of the SNAP-29 short-lived 

generator was terminated in 1969. An electrically 

heated generator test was conducted with available 

hardware but was only partially successful. 

Transit Generator-A comprehensive design tradeoff 

study was completed for selection of the generator 

approach for the Navy's improved transit navigational 

satellite. With a design goal of 5 years of operation, a 

single 30-watt plutonium-238 fueled generator using 

lightweight thermoelectric panels and a refractory 

metal capsule was selected as the reference design. The 

Transit generator will supply total system power for 

the spacecraft. 

Multihundred Watt Generator Module--A contractor was selected and work started on the first phase of 

a program to develop a lightweight, long-life, plutonium-fueled, radioisotope thermoelectric long-life 

power system producing several hundred watts of 

power for use on future space missions. A primary aim 

of the program is to design, fabricate, test, and deliver 

an optimized thermoelectric power module with an 

electrical output of between 100 and 200 watts. This 

module will be a basic building block for space power 

systems in the 100- to 1,000-electrical-watt range. 

During the year, thermoelectric couples using SiGe 

were operated at temperatures up to 1,150° C. Efficiencies of 6.6 percent were demonstrated at 2,000" C 

in a thermoelectric converter, and a nominal 35-watt 

foil insulated generator was fabricated for testing in 

1970. 

High Temperature Radioisotope Capsule--Effort 

continued for development of a high temperature capsule for application with the NASA isotope-Brayton 

ground systems test scheduled to begin in 1972. The 

work included analysis and impact, fire, and creep 

testing. This technology is also applicable to other 

systems. 

Space Reactor Power Systems 

Zirconium Hydride Reactor Systems-Testing of the 

flight-configured ground-prototype uranium-zirconium 

hydride reactor (S8DR) continued. Startup testing 

and operational sequences initiated in 1968 were completed early in 1969. The reactor then underwent approximately 3 weeks of operation at 1,000 thermal 

kilowatts. Following this, it was placed on an intended 

10,000-hour test. Test data collected since that time 

indicate that some fuel element cracking has taken 

place. 

The phenomena that determine fuel element integrity are temperature dependent. Data obtained in 

this test indicates that part of the core may have been 

operated at temperatures higher than expected and 

this could be the cause of the observed cracking. 

371-775 0 - 70 - 4 43 
Operating this reactor at reduced, but useful, temperatures indicated that it would have been possible to 

continue the test to its planned ten thousand hour life. 

The decision was made to shut down the reactor after 

about seven thousand hours of operation because 

longer operation might make it more difficult to obtain 

evidence as to the cause of any clad cracking which 

had taken place. 

Effort continued toward development of components and system technology for use in a reference 

zirconium hydride reactor. This reference reactor, in 

concert with compact thermoelectric conversion systems, is one of the prime power system options being 

considered for use on the proposed manned space 

stations to be launched in the late 1970's. 

Development of the converter system continued, and 

prototype converter modules were placed on test. 

Advanced Reactor Concept-Thermionic ReactorThe in-core thermionic reactor program continued to 

emphasize the development of fuel elements capable 

of long endurance operation at emitter temperatures 

around 3,000" F. This reactor will be capable of satisfying the high power requirements of the expanded 

bases and other missions of the 1980's. The development schedule is oriented towards the demonstration 

of a power-producing prototype reactor during the 

mid-1970's. During 1969, the design concept for the 

first ground based reactor experiment was chosen. This 

concept, employing the so-called flashlight assembly of 

diodes, consists of a matrix of tubular fuel elements, 

each containing a number of small thermionic diodes 

connected in series, much like batteries in a flashlight. 

A prototype fuel element was operated in a reactor 

core for more than 5,000 hours. 

Space Isotopic Fuel Development 

Po2onium-210-With the termination of the SNAP29 short-lived generator project, work in development 

and production of polonium fuel was terminated in 

1969. 

Curium-244-Characterization and property measurements related to development of a curium-244 fuel 

form were continued throughout the year. Several hundred grams of curium-244 were made available for 

these development efforts. Compatibility experiments 

were carried out with refractory metals at temperatures 

in the neighborhood of 1,500" C. for 10,000 hours, and 

2,000" C. for 1,OOO hours. This isotope is the only practical long-lived radioisotope for thermionic generator 

applications. The design and fabrication of a one thermal kilowatt heat source planned for life test operation at thermionic temperatures was completed. 

44. 

Plutonium-238-As an extension of fuel development 

activities carried out in previous years on solid solution 

and molybdenum cermet fuel forms, development was 

initiated on a solid solution cermet fuel form. This fuel 

form combines the properties of the solid solution and 

molybdenum cermet fuel forms. It is being developed 

as one which is more shock resistant and can operate 

at higher temperatures than is possible with the existing microspheres fuel form. This fuel form will be used 

in the Pioneer, Viking, Transit, multihundred watt, 

and isotope-Brayton applications if it can be characterized in time and its characteristics prove to be as 

anticipated. 

Nuclear Rocket Program 

One major objective of the joint NASA-AES nuclear 

rocket program is to develop a 75,000-pound thrust, 

long-endurance engine for space vehicle application. 

This engine, identified as NERVA, will have a specific 

impulse of about 825 seconds, the capability for multiple restarts and a very high reliability. The NERVA 

engine incorporated in a reusable nuclear stage can 

perform a large number of the future missions in the 

NASA integrated plan. These will include earth orbit 

to synchronous orbit or lunar orbit, earth orbit plane 

changes, scientific probe launches to deep space, including ultimately manned planetary trips. Engine development is being accomplished using a base of technology which took more than a decade of extensive 

analytical and experimental research to acquire. 

In addition, the nuclear rocket program goals include a variety of supporting and advanced technology 

activities which are directed toward the extension of 

nuclear rocket performance, and activities related to 

facilities design and construction. For the description 

of progress in these areas, see chapter 111. 

Among the most significant accomplishments in the 

nuclear rocket program during 1969 was the completion of tests on the NERVA ground-experimental engine at the Nuclear Rocket Development Station in 

Nevada, and the completion of the systems engineering 

required to proceed with the preliminary and detailed 

design of the NERVA flight engine. 

The ground-experimental engine test program was 

the last test event to be conducted in the technology 

phase of the nuclear rocket program. Throughout this 

phase, the important basic aspects of nuclear rocket 

operation required to develop a flight engine were investigated. All technology goals have been met. In all, 

12 consecutive reactors and engines have now been 

tested, from which more than 14 hours of power operating experience have been accumulated. Approximately 4 hours of this experience was at high power. 

With the completion of the ground-experimental engine test program, all NERVA effort is now devoted 
to the development of the 75,000-pound thrust 

NERVA flight engine. For the description of the 

ground-experimental test program, see chapter 111. 

Progress in NERVA Development-During 1969, the 

emphasis in the NERVA development program was 

on systems engineering to establish engine requirements 

based on the classes of missions inherent in the NASA 

integrated program plan, design studies to determine 

the best way of achieving these requirements, the preparation of preliminary engine specifications, and engine 

definition studies to establish a baseline engine configuration. Work also was initiated on the preliminary 

design of engine and reactor components, such as the 

turbopump, the nozzle, materials of construction for 

various components, controls and control concepts, and 

engine /stage interface considerations. In the reactor 

design, investigations included details of the structural 

design, reflector configuration, reactor control system 

and the fuel region of the core. 

Fuel Ebment Research-The continuing emphasis on 

fuel technology has resulted in major improvements in 

fuel performance during the past year. Fuel element 

lifetimes of 4 to 5 hours with multicycle operation such 

as required for the orbital shuttle mission appear possible now with the present fuel material systems. Improvement to 10 hours and 60 cycles appears to be 

possible by direct extensions of the present technology. 

Research on new fuel materials indicates the possibility of longer times at current temperatures or 10- 

hour cyclic endurance at a specific impulse of at least 

900 seconds. This performance capability will greatly 

reduce the costs and increase the flexibility to perform 

NASA missions of the kind indicated in the Space Task 

Group report. 

Detection of Space and Atmospheric 

Nuclear Explosions 

The AEC-instrumented Vela. satellite program continued in 1969 with the fifth successful launch by the 

DOD in five attempts of a satellite for the detection of 

nuclear explosions in space or in the atmosphere. 

The launch of Vela V was conducted on schedule 

from Cape Kennedy on May 23, 1969, using a Titan 

IIIC booster. The two AEC-instrumented spacecraft 

were injected into their nominal 65,000-nautical mile 

radius orbit, with a 180” phase separation, on May 24 

and May 26,1969. 

The complement of detectors includes those designed to measure signals generated by atmospheric 

nuclear explosions, and the X-rays, gamma rays, and 

neutrons from a high altitude or space nuclear 

explosion. 

The spacecraft on Launches I (1963) , I1 (1964) , and I11 (1965) were spin-stabilized while those on 

IV (1967) and V were attitude controlled to be continuously pointing toward the earth, which adds materially to the capability of the downward-looking 

detection instrumentation systems. 

In addition to detector systems for nuclear explosions, the spacecraft carry detectors to accumulate data 

for studying the naturally occurring radiation environments produced by the sun and other sources, and for 

evaluating the effect of these on the nuclear detector 

systems. In the performance of this function, these 

additional instrumentation systems also collect much 

basic scientific data of importance to furthering an 

understanding of the solar-terrestrial relationships and 

other astrophysical phenomena. For example, a strong 

X-ray source in the southern sky was first observed by 

Vela V instrumentation, and scientists are now studying this event with great interest. 

VI Department of State 

Introduction 

Worldwide interest in U;S. space activities reached 

unprecedented levels with the landing upon the moon 

by American astronauts. In the course of his address 

before the United Nations General Assembly on 

September 18, President Nixon stated: “Of all of 

man’s great enterprises, none lends itself more log;- 

cally or more compellingly to international cooperation 

than the venture into space.” Noting that he feels “it 

is only right that we should share both the adventures 

and the benefits of space,” the President referred, as an 

example of U.S. plans, to determination to take actions 

with regard to Earth resource satellites as this program 

45 
proceeds and fulfills its promise. In a subsequent 

speech, the U.S. Representative to the First Committee 

of the General Assembly outlined the steps that the 

US. is taking to foster international understanding of, 

and cooperation in, this program. 

During 1969 the Department of State, in close consultation with NASA and other US. agencies, continued active efforts to encourage the further 

development of international cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes, 

and to ensure understanding and support abroad of 

the U.S. national space program. Several new bilateral 

agreements were concluded during the year. Looking 

toward future possibilities to extend cooperative 

arrangements in space science and applications, discussions continued with foreign officials representing 

individual governments and international organizations 

such as the European Space Research Organization, 

and in meetings under United Nations auspices. Further growth took place in the global commercial communication satellite system established by the International Telecommunications Satellite Consortium 

(Intelsat) , and the United States served as host Government for the Plenipotentiary Conference on Definitive Arrangements for Intelsat, which will reconvene 

in Washington in February 1970. 

Activities Within the United Nations-In 1969 the 

United States participated actively in meetings of the 

U.N. Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space 

and its Working Group on Direct Broadcast Satellites, 

as well as in meetings of its two Subcommittees. 

The Scientific and Technical Subcommittee met in 

New York in March and made a number of recommendations, cosponsored and supported by the United 

States, to promote applications of space technology, 

particularly for the benefit of developing countries and 

other nonspace powers. 

At its June meeting in Geneva, the Legal Subcommittee briefly discussed questions relating to the definition and utilization of outer space, but concentrated 

primarily on efforts to complete a draft convention on 

liability for damage caused by objects launched into 

outer space. Although some progress was made, several difficult issues remained unresolved. 

The Direct Broadcast Working Group met first in 

February to study technical and economic matters and 

again in july to study social, cultural, legal and other 

implications of direct television broadcasting from 

satellites. The Working Group at its first session did not 

foresee direct broadcasting to unaugmented home receivers before 1985, but direct broadcasting to augmented home receivers was considered technologically 

possible by 1975 and possibly earlier for community 

receivers. At its second session, the Working Group 

concluded that there was substantial potential in the 

long run for the application of direct broadcasts from 

46 

satellites in the interest of all mankind. The Working 

Group stressed the need for international cooperation 

and further studies. 

The Outer Space Committee met in New York in 

early September to consider the reports and approve 

the recommendations of its two Subcommittees and 

the Direct Broadcast Working Group. The Committee 

agreed to made further efforts to complete the liability 

convention during the 24th session of the General 

Assembly, and requested its Chairman to conduct private consultations among the members and to reconvene the Committee in mid-November to consider the 

results of the consultations. Some progress was registered during the November consultations but the major 

issues preventing agreement were not resolved. 

The General Assembly, in a resolution cosponsored 

by the United States on international cooperation in 

the peaceful uses of outer space, endorsed the report of 

the Outer Space Committee and urged the completion 

of a liability convention for consideration at the 25th 

General Assembly. 

Following up on the President’s speech at its opening 

session, the General Assembly approved a resolution, 

also cosponsored by the United States, expressing the 

desire that Earth resources survey satellite programs 

be available to produce information for the world 

community as a whole and encouraging participation 

to the extent feasible in their development. It invited 

member states to share experiences in remote Earth 

resources surveying and data analysis, and requested 

the Outer Space Committee to study international cooperation in the development and application of Earth 

resources survey techniques. 

New Bilateral Agreements-An agreement was concluded with Japan in July concerning arrangements to 

permit US. industry to provide certain categories of 

unclassified technolo-&y or equipment for the development of specified Japanese launch vGhicles and communications and other satellites for peaceful applications. Under the agreement, the Japanese Government 

provided assurances that the use of the technology and 

assistance obtained will be for peaceful purposes and 

compatible with Intelsat arrangements. Further, that 

the technology and equipment will not be transferred 

to third countries without the approval of both 

Governments. 

Two agreements were concluded with Italy, confirming arrangements between NASA and the University of Rome’s Aerospace Research Center. One, in 

September, concerned arrangements for a cooperative 

project to continue satellite measurements of upper 

atmospheric characteristics, and involves the launch 

of an Italian scientific satellite from the Italian San 

Marco Launch Facility. (Two satellites were previously 

launched under arrangements with Italy in a 1962 

agreement.) The other agreement, concluded in June, 
concerned the conditions under which launching and 

associated services for NASA experimental scientific 

satellites will be furnished to NASA at the San Marco 

Launch Facility. 

In June, NASA and the German Federal Ministry 

for Scientific Research agreed to cooperate in a project 

for the exploration of interplanetary space. Called 

Project Helios, it is the most ambitious international 

space flight project yet undertaken, and involves a pair 

of solar probes (to be launched in the 1974-75 period) 

which will carry 10 United States and German scientific experiments closer to the sun than any spacecraft 

thus far scheduled. NASA and the German Ministry 

also concluded another agreement in June to conduct 

a cooperative project to launch in 1972 an integrated 

aeronomy satellite. Under an earlier cooperative project agreement with the German Ministry, the first 

German scientific satellite (Azur) was launched by 

NASA in November. 

In September, NASA and India’s Department of 

Atomic Energy concluded a memorandum of understanding concerning cooperation in an experiment in 

the use of an applications technology satellite (ATS-F) 

for direct broadcast to rural community receivers in 

India and limited rediffusion through VHF transmitters of Indian-developed instructional TV program 

material (relating primarily to agricultural training 

and family planning) . The arrangements envisage utilization of the ATS-F satellite for this experiment for a 

period of up to 1 year, during 1972-73, while additional experiments are conducted by U.S. and other 

experimenters. 

Tracking Networks-A series of bilateral agreements, 

relating to the establishment and operation of the facilities abroad that are part of NASA’s global tracking 

network, have been concluded in the past with the 

countries concerned. An extension of the agreement 

with Spain, providing for continuation of the tracking 

and data acquisition station near Madrid for an additional 10 years (until January 1984), was effected by 

an exchange of notes in June. A 10-year extension of 

the agreement with Australia is under negotiation. 

NASA plans to construct a 210-foot-diameter deep 

space antenna as an addition to its tracking facilities in 

both Spain and Australia. 

Apollo Program-As in the case of previous manned 

flights, the Department of State and its overseas posts 

maintained a state of alert throughout the Apollo 

missions this year, to support NASA and DOD in the 

event of an emergency recovery requiring such support. Before each such mission, the Department 

through our embassies also facilitated the positioning 

of support units at appropriate locations abroad. 

The Department and its overseas posts assisted in 

arrangements for travel abroad by astronauts, particularly the tour by the Apollo 11 crew, and in informing 

the foreign scientific community of the opportunity to 

participate in NASA’s program for the scientific study 

of lunar materials returned to earth. 

Communications Satellites-The global commercial 

communication satellite system established by Intelsat 

added seven members in 1969 increasing its membership to 70 countries. Additional members are expected 

to join in coming months. 

An increased volume and variety of global telecommunication services have been made available to 

all continents of the world through new and larger 

capacity satellites added to the global system, and 

through the steadily increasing establishment of earth 

stations to work with the satellite system. By January 

1970, a total of 36 Earth stations in 24 countries are 

expected to be in operation; of these, 21 operate 

through satellites above the Atlantic Ocean, 13 through 

Pacific satellites, and 11 through the Indian Ocean 

satellite. Several countries have more than one station 

in operation. 

The global satellite system has not only vastly expanded international telecommunication capacity but 

also made possible direct country to country communications where such service had not formerly been poss$ble. Developing countries have been the particular 

benefactors of greater reliability, versatility and lower 

user costs. Live intercontinental television transmission 

is also now possible via satellite on a global basis. 

In February-March 1969 the United States served 

as host government for the Plenipotentiary Conference 

on Definitive Arrangements for the International 

Telecommunications Satellite Consortium. The Conference recessed in March, having created an international Preparatory Committee to develop draft 

definitive arrangements. The Committee met in 

Washington in June, September, and November and 

has completed a report to the Plenipotentiary Conference which will reconvene in Washington in February 

1970. 

One outstanding Intelsat achievement during the 

year of wide international importance was the transmission of live coverage of the Apollo 11 mission which 

permitted an estimated audience of 500 million persons 

to witness the first step by man on the surface of the 

Moon. 

Aeronautical Service Satellites-The United States 

continued to work with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in the study of requirements and specifications for a satellite system to provide aeronautical services such as air traffic control, 

surveillance, and company operational control. The 

ICAO Panel on the Application of Space Techniques 

RelatiRg to Aviation ( ASTRA) will eventually make 

47 
recommendations with regard to characteristics of a 

system to serve international aviation. 

Cooperation With Department of Defense-During 

1969 the Department of State worked closely with the 

Department of Defense on those DOD space-related 

programs which had an international bearing. Some 

of the major programs were the NATO tactical satellite communications system, the cooperative program 

with the United Kingdom in developing the Skynet 

system, and overseas arrangements to support the 

national geodetic satellite program. 

VI1 United States Information Agency 

Introduction 

In 1969, the climactic year of space exploration, the 

U.S. Information Agency focused on the Apollo 11 

and 12 missions as it had for no other events. 

It has been estimated that over half the world’s 

people saw, heard, or read about man’s first Moon 

landing. USIS was directly involved in this story reaching the world audience. At the Cape Kennedy launch 

a USIA multilingual staff assisted over 800 foreign 

correspondents with accreditation, technical information, and local support; the same was provided for the 

foreign newspaper, radio and television correspondents 

covering Houston. The Voice of America carried the 

story in 36 languages to over three-quarters of a billion 

listeners. In response to an unprecedented demand, 

special motion picture and television productions, exhibits, models, pins, photomurals, books, pamphlets, 

and files of wire service and feature copy, documented 

and amplified the story. For USIA Apollo 11 was the 

event of the year, although other space events were 

given full coverage. 

Guidelines 

USIA used these guidelines for treatment of the Moon 

landing: 

(a) The Apollo Moon landing represents mankind 

on the Moon. 

(b) Men are going to the Moon because it is in the 

nature of man to attempt the difficult and challenging; 

because men are being benefited in practical ways from 

the effort; because the scientific results are important, 

and because, as President Nixon has said, those who 

downgrade space “miss one of the great lessons of history. Any great nation, if it is to remain great, must 

be in the forefront in exploring the unknown-in discovering the new worlds.” 

(c) Historically, Apollo is a U.S. effort that is built 

upon the achievements of scientists from many nations. 

48 

(d) Apollo has a strong international context; its 

scientific results are available to all, while the astronauts are what the Treaty on Outer Space says they 

are, “the envoys of mankind in outer space.” 

(e) Apollo holds a promise-legitimately raising 

man’s hopes that eventually he can use technology to 

resolve some of the long intractable problems that face 

him here on Earth. 

Trea trnen t 

Radio, -The seemingly unappeasible world appetite 

for information on Apollo 11 made it possible for the 

Voice of America as never before in its 27-year-old history to concentrate so completely on a single subject. 

Taking the flights of Apollo 8 through 12, and the two 

1969 Mariners to Mars, the Voice was estimated to 

have had a total audience of 2 billion listeners. Direct 

broadcasts on the Moon-landing mission in 36 languages, plus relayed transmissions by more than 3,600 

foreign TV and radio stations, are thought to have 

reached over 615 millions in 66 non-Communist countries. If audiences in the U.S.S.R., China, and other 

Communist countries are included, VOA’s total audience for the Moon landing could be three-quarters of 

a billion-27 percent of the world‘s population outside 

the United States. 

Planning and preparing the coverage was an extensive project. Some 5,000 prelaunch tapes and scripts 

were shipped to posts around the world for placement 

with foreign media on the mission to come. 

Live coverage of all major aspects of the mission 

was broadcast in worldwide English, and in Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian, while special live broadcasts were made in Arabic, French, Greek, Japanese, 

Turkish, Chinese, and other languages. All 36 Voice 

languages used heavy programing on Apollo 1 1. When 

the Voice, following the mission, announced photos 

of the crew were available upon request, over one-half 

million responses were received. 
Press and Publications-Materials sent to newspapers 

and publications abroad who requested data on the 

Moon landing were unprecedented in quantity and 

scope. Prelaunch materials included special packets of 

byliners, flight plans, flight-path drawings, and interviews with space officials; a special article commissioned from Pearl Buck; and full picture coverage, 

including, with special permission, a weekly magazine’s feature on the astronauts and their families. A 

heavily illustrated pamphlet in color, the 48-page 

“Man on the Moon,” printed in 16 languages for a 

total of 422,000 copies, was also in the field before liftoff. A four-page leaflet commissioned from John Dos 

Passos, “On the Way to a Moon Landing,” stressing 

the human aspects of the flight, was printed in four 

languages, 2 12,000 copies. Also printed in advance 

were 1,958,000 color postcards of the Apollo 11 

astronauts. 

Wireless File, going to 106 countries, reported all 

details of the flight, with 200 stories totaling 68,000 

words going out July 18-20. During the lunar walks 

the File was on the air continuously for 12 hours. 

Fully 39 photos and nine color transparencies of the 

launch went to all posts immediately, while 38 posts 

got fast photos of the Washington-based ambassadors 

of “their” countries watching the launch. 

A special postflight leaflet, “Eight Days in July,” 

was printed in 17 languages, over 1 million copies, 

while 394,1100 copies of a 28-page pamphlet, “To 

the Moon and Beyond,” done in 12 languages, were 

also sent out after the mission. A special album of 

color photos from the mission was made up for presentation abroad to VIP’s below the chief of state level, 

700 copies being printed for post needs. The Wireless 

File covered the 24-nation world tour of the Apollo 11 

astronauts-a Voice of America reporter was on their 

plane-while 150;OOO colored lithographs of the 

astronauts were distributed along the route. America 

Illustrated carried a 16-page section an Apollo 11 in 

its November issue, the November issue of Topic in 

eight-page color spread. 

Motion Pictures and Television-A large part of the 

world’s population that saw the moon landing, and 

other space activities through the year, was observing 

film produced, acquired, or distributed by USIA. 

The Agency produced nine films of its own on 

Apollo, while it distributed other films acquired from 

NASA, including the 30-minute “America in Space: 

the First Decade,” which went to 115 countries. The 

Agency used the Pacific communications satellite to 

transmit its quickly produced “Apollo 11 : Man on the 

Moon,” to Tokyo for fast local processing and distribution to Southeast Asian posts. The Agency’s principal 

Apollo 11 production, “One Giant Leap for Mankind,” 

a half hour color film based on NASA film, went to 

138 countries. Before liftoff the Agency had in hands 

of posts for television a half hour interview with 

an Apollo astronaut on human and technical problems 

related to the coming mission. 

Over a dozen NASA newsclips on Apollo went to 

over 75 countries monthly through the year. “Science 

Report,” a monthly television review of U.S. science, 

seen in 82 countries, used a dozen segments on various 

space subjects. So did “Washington Correspondent,” 

a news and feature program air pouched weekly for 

telecasting in 57 countries. Dozens of space newsclips 

were sent out, while posts abroad facilitated the production of many commercial films by supplying requested footage on space. 

Information Centers and Exhibits-Well in advance 

of the mission, the Information Center Service, which 

services the field with exhibits, books, posters, and special items, began its plans for the Moon landing. A 

large assortment of three dimensional and audiovisual 

items were designed and purchased. In the hands of 

posts well before liftoff were over a million Apollo 11 

lapel buttons; 125 Apollo “Kiosk” exhibits (a 6-foothigh, three-sided stand with blinking lights, music, 

photogelatin transparencies, and five space posters, all 

on Apollo) ; 1,000 photogelatin color transparencies on 

lunar flight to fit light boxes; 390 sets of 10 unmounted 

poster panels on Apollo 11; 280 sets of 32 color photo 

prints; 10,000 lunar maps; 275 manned lunar landing 

charts; 840 plastic Saturn 5 rockets; nine full-size 

Apollo space suits; 103 models of the Apollo spacecraft, and 240 16-inch Moon gIobes. 

The major space exhibit was the showing of the 

Apollo 8 spacecraft at the Pans Air Show, and other 

European cities. The Agency provided heavy support 

for a space exhibit at Amsterdam in October. 

By late autumn, the Agency was exhibiting moon 

rocks in USIS-managed tours of South America, 

Africa, Asia, and Europe, including at a USIA exhibit, “Education, U.S.A.,” in MOSCOW. 

Also distributed were 1,000 copies each of special 

Apollo 11 editions of weekly magazines; two articles, 

“We Reach the Moon” and “Apollo on the Moon,” as 

well as the special Moon-landing edition of a metropolitan daily, with over 5,000 copies purchased. Also 

distributed were sets of 30 to 50 slides on Apollo 8 

through 11, of which about 350 sets were presented 

to schools, universities, and scientific institutions. 

49 
Arms Control and 

Disarmament Agency I I 

Introduction 

Outer Space Treaty-The successful voyages to the 

moon were conducted in strict conformity to the Outer 

Space Treaty of 1967, which has now been ratified by 

54 governments. It is gratifying that these advanced and 

pioneering explorations had already been preceded by 

intellectual and legal concern for the peaceful and 

international nature of space exploration. 

The closing off of new environments to the liabilities 

of an arms race has been one of the most effective ways 

of achieving successful international agreements. The 

success of the Outer Space Treaty has led to similar 

efforts for the region of “inner space” and served as a 

model to some extent in helping to fashion a treaty for 

the “seabeds,” a joint draft of which was presented to 

the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament at 

Geneva by the United States and the U.S.S.R. on 

October 7, 1969. 

Growing acceptance of the concept of peaceful and 

cooperative space exploration has been useful in promoting a spirit of international interdependence and 

is a positive influence in international relations and 

understanding. In this spirit, President Nixon spoke to 

the U.N. General Assembly on September 18, 1969 

and, with reference to developing earth resource survey 

satellites, stated that: “this program will be dedicated 

to produce information not only for the United States, 

but also for the world community.” 

International Cooperation in Space Activities and the 

Problem of Missile Proliferation-Productive multilateral and bilateral arrangements for sharing both 

the results and the means for exploration of space have 

been established in furtherance of the Nation’s peaceful uses of space policy. One such action, The Space 

Cooperation Agreement with Japan, signed on July 31, 

1969, contains a provision that any technology or 

equipment transferred by US. agencies or industries 

to Japan will be used solely for peaceful purposes. The 

Japanese Government agreed to take all available 

steps in accordance with Japanese laws, regulations, 

and administrative procedures to prevent transfer to 

third countries of this technology. These restrictions 

are consistent with our policy of “nonproliferation” 

of missile and weapons technology. 

Aerial and Space Systems for Zmplementing Arms 

Control Agreements-The ACDA research program 

maintains a continuing investigation of the possible 

utilization of aerial and satellite platforms, spaceborne 

communications and associated sensors, data links, and 

processing systems in support of possible arms control 

agreement. Inspection and verification techniques are 

studied with a view to increasing confidence in possible 

future treaty arrangements. Studies indicate that 

satellite communications may be increasingly effective 

as a means for enhancing the rapid transmission of 

information between governments so as to promote 

better understanding and to remove the temptations 

to act hastily and through possible misunderstanding. 

50 
IX Department of the Interior 

Introduction 

The US. Department of the Interior has long utilized 

aircraft in the performance of its missions for exploration, development, and management of the Nation’s 

natural and culturcal resources. 

The Department has played an important role, 

also, throughout the past decade in support of the 

Nation’s space exploration and lunar landing programs, and in support of the development of peaceful 

applications of space technology. 

Aircraft of several bureaus of the Department, 

contractor owned, and other Federal agency-owned 

aircraft of all types are used operationally and experimentally. Experiments are conducted to test and develop improved capabilities that the aircraft themselves 

afford in support of Department programs and to test 

new ways in which use of airborne surveying and 

analytical instruments from cameras to radioactivity 

counters can improve the efficiency and effectiveness 

of departmental performance. 

The earth resources observation satellite (EROS) 

pro-ogram of the Department of the Interior is a program to utilize data collected from aircraft and spacecraft for practical resources purposes. Using randomly 

collected data from Apollo, Gemini, and Mercury 

space fights, the US. Geological Survey has compiled 

photo mosaics that are maplike in quality of over 

1 million square miles of the Earth‘s surface. Using 

these maps as bases, and the color “space” photos for 

interpretation, the Geological Survey scientists have 

prepared (1) a geologic terrain map of the southwest 

United States (essentially a soils-association map), and 

(2) a land-use planning map of the same region, a 

tectonic map, and soon will complete a land-use map 

of the area. Of significance is the “ability” of space 

images to peer far beneath the waters of the ocean, 

thereby, holding promise for increasing the efficiency 

of resources studies of near-shore areas. 

Detailed performance specifications were furnished 

to NASA in 1966, identifying the type of data that 

would be the greatest of utility to the Department of 

the Interior. These specifications have been incorporated into the design of the proposed spacecraft NASA 

expects to launch in late 1971 or early 1972. 

Aeronautics 

In the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau operated 

and contracted, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters are 

used for fire control, monitoring, and logistical support for fire-fighting personnel; for transportation of 

personnel and equipment to remote areas and for 

experimental development for the performance of 

cadastral surveys ; for aerial spraying for eradication 

of brush and noxious plants; for seeding of areas being 

reclaimed after fire and erosion damage; and for 

aerial surveillance of pipelines, remote installations, 

and improvements. 

Airflight equipment is vital to the operations of the 

Bureau because of the extent and the remoteness of 

the areas it must serve, especially in Alaska. On the 

other hand, the adaptation of surveying, fire-fighting, 

seeding, and spraying equipment to air-transport and 

aerial operation greatly increases and enhances the 

work of the Bureau is able to do toward the protection 

and the useful management of the Nation’s forest, 

recreation, grazing, and mineral resources. 

The National Park Service uses remote sensor data 

obtained by aircraft of the NASA, the Willow Run 

Laboratories of the University of Michigan, and the 

US. Geological Survey, and space data from Gemini 

and Apollo missions in studies to determine the applicability of remote sensors to problems of preservation 

of the national park environments such as coastlines, 

forests, waterbodies and geologic phenomena. 

The Bureau of Mines obtains remote sensor data 

using aircraft facilities of the NASA, the US. Geological Survey, the Willow Run Laboratories of the 

University of Michigan, and several contractors. 

Thermal infrared data are used to monitor coal mine 

fires and burning culm banks. Radar data are being 

used in an experiment to determine their value for 

making analyses of geological structure in areas of oil 

production; and a wide variety of airborne sensor data, 

plus spaceflight photography from Gemini and Apollo 

missions, are being used in a study to determine their 

applicability to problems of observing and correcting 

surface effects of mining activities. 

The Bureau of Reclamation owns and operates small 

aircraft and helicopters for transporting control survey 

51 
parties to remote areas, for transmission line patrol 

inspection and for maintenance of microwave or radio 

repeater stations. Contract aircraft are used to acquire 

low altitude aerial photography for detailed topographic site surveys by photogrammetric methods and 

for photointerpretation. Recently the Bureau has 

begun experiments to determine the applications and 

use of airborne remote sensor data obtained by NASA, 

military agencies, and the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Analysis of Gemini and Apollo photography indicate that repetitive observations from 

satellites resulting in synoptic views of large areas on 

a timely basis will provide valuable information for 

reclamation purposes on both domestic and foreign 

programs. 

The Bureau of Indian Affairs uses Government 

owned and contract aircraft for observation and aerial 

photography in wildfire detection and suppression as 

well as forest insect detections, evaluation, and control 

on 48.3 million acres of Indian- and Governmentowned land which includes 12.8 million acres of forest 

land currently valued at $1 to $1.5 billion. Forest land 

observations and photography are repeated annually 

but photography for other purposes such as mineral 

surveys and evaluation or road and highway design and 

construction are obtained as needed. Future use of aircraft is expected to rise. 

The Southwestern Power Administration uses contract aircraft to conduct bimonthly aerial observations 

of 1,600 miles of high voltage transmission lines and the 

associated rights-of-way. This information provides fast 

location of trouble areas during emergencies and is 

helpful to management in planning preventative maintenance of transmission lines. 

The Federal Water Pollution Control Administration has used Government owned and contract aircraft 

in research investigations to develop operational remote sensing systems for water quality surveillance. 

These studies have been oriented toward the detection 

and monitoring of oil and thermal pollution, determining coastal outfall characteristics and measuring the 

discharge of pulp and paper effluents. Study grants 

presently underway with Oregon State University 

(Ocean outfalls) , Cornel1 Aeronautical Laboratory (oil 

spills) and the Universitv of Michigan (systems evaluation) will help define the instrument requirements, 

data applications, and future aircraft needs of the Administration in developing an operational pollution 

detection system. 

The Bureau of Commercial Fisheries employs the 

aircraft facilities of the NASA, the US. Coast Guard, 

and of contractors to obtain data at varied altitudes 

using cameras, low-light-level television systems, and 

multiband sensors, to study phenomena related to fish 

schools and the environments of fisheries. 

The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife currently 

employs 45 aircraft with 60 authorized flight employees 

to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its extensive wildlife and habitat management programs over 

broad areas of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 

Proqrams include international cooperative efforts in 

wildlife surveys, animal control, and agricultural applications, and in national law enforcement patrol. 

The Geological Survey employs its own and contract 

aircraft. Contract aircraft are used to obtain aerial 

photography that is used operationally in the production of topographic maps of the United States. Topgraphic mapping of Antarctica is performed through 

cooperation of the Department of Defense which provides aerial mapping aircraft and crews. Its own aircraft, including propeller and jet driven fixed wing, 

and helicopter types are used in evaluation of airborne 

systems such as mapetometers, scintillation counters, 

light wave, radio wave, and infrared sensors, all for 

surveying for geologic conditions favorable for mineral 

exploration and in the conduct of geologic mapping. 

Helicopters are used by the Department to aid in 

the movement of men and materials in performance of 

surveys of wilderness, Alaskan, Antarctic, and other 

remote areas. 

Conventional aircraft and instrument systems aid 

greatly in enhancing the capability to carry out survey 

and management activities by providing coverage of 

large areas at scales commensurate with conventional 

mapping scales, and by aiding in the identification of 

areas where men on the ground are needed to solve 

specific problems. This utilization reduces the need to 

concentrate field parties in small areas to perform basic 

surveys and greatly increases the capability of each man 

to work effectively over broad areas. 

Space 

The Department has played an important role since 

1961, in cooperative effort with NASA to develop 

peaceful applications of aeronautic and space technology and in support of the manned space flight 

program. 

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Astrogeology Branch 

has performed geologic and cartographic mapping of 

the moon and conducted the training of the astronauts 

in geologic observation, sampling, and mapping procedures. It has provided major support to the historic 

lunar landings of Apollo 11 and 12 by identifying the 

sites and providing detailed geologic maps and reports 

based upon photographs and voice recordings of observations made by the astronauts. These reports are 

supporting the scientists who are studying the lunar 

samples. Among these scientists, also, are 12 members 

of the U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, special 

studies of crater formation and of the effects of meteorite impact upon rocks and minerals are contrihuting 

52 
importantly to an understanding of the nature of the 

lunar materials and of the Moon itself. 

In 1964, the U.S. Geological Survey accepted responsibility for leadership of NASA cooperative studies 

aimed at the evaluation of potentials in aeronautics 

and space technology for the support of geologic and 

hydrologic research. In 1965, the areas of effort were 

expanded to include cartographic, and geographic 

research. At the same time, the Department’s Bureau 

of Commercial Fisheries assumed a supporting role in 

the investigation of potential applications to oceano- 

<graphic and fisheries research. 

The Department established the EROS program in 

order to most efficiently coordinate continuing Department efforts to improve the usefulness of aeronautical 

and space vehicles for advancing capabilities to explore, develop, and manage natural and human resources. These efforts apply to space vehicles carrying 

photographic and other types of sensors to employ the 

unique advantages of space vantage points to obtain- 

(1) Comprehensive views of regional conditions such as mineralogic provinces, drainage 

basins, marine, mountain, and other remote 

environments ; 

(2) Uniform conditions of viewing angle, Sun 

angle, and data format for nationwide observations, thereby, simplifying understanding and use 

of data; 

(3) Fixed scheduling through year-long missions enabling firm programing and the added 

value of identification of features by virtue of 

observation of predictable changes; 

(4) Timely knowledge of changes of environmental conditions over the whole continent. 

The efforts apply, similarly, to aeronautical vehicles 

also carrying photographic and other types of remote 

sensors which are employed for the special advantages 

they offer t- 

(1) Obtain rapid coverage of large areas; 

(2) Meet emergency needs for information as 

in the cases of flood, earthquake, coastal erosion 

resulting from storms; 

(3) Provide adaptability to carry a wide variety of instruments and to interchange instruments rapidly according to needs; 

(4) Obtain high resolution data for small selected areas. 

The earth resources technology satellite (ERTS) 

project of NASA, instituted in 1969, is in response to 

definitions by the Department of the Interior and by 

the Department of Agriculture of potential usefulness 

and operations specifications for such a system. 

In addition, the U.S. Geological Survey, through 

the EROS program, has submitted to NASA a proposal 

for a space flight expe-hent on the ATS-G satellite. 

It asks for the development of a high resolution, long 

lifetime (5 years) imaging system in high altitude, 

geostationary orbit to augment the ERTS and to 

provide especially for immediate observations of areas 

affected by flood, hurricance, earthquake and other 

large scale events. 

A proposal is being readied, also, for a satelliteborne magnetometer to study deep crustal and subcrustal features of the earth. Such a system would be 

expected to “see through’’ the conditions measured 

from aeronautical platforms and provide data much 

more readily applicable to the study of deep-seated 

conditions. 

The recommendation and request to the NASA for 

a first earth resources satellite was a corollary to the 

program’s long-range mission to employ to the fullest 

extent possible airborne and spaceborne remote sensor 

data to the Department’s traditional responsibilities to 

promote the exploration, development, and efficient 

management of national resources. 

The EROS program will serve to coordinate the 

use of data from spaceborne and airborne systems with 

relevant data and !mowledge gained by conventional 

methods of mapping, and of field and laboratory 

procedures. 

Under it, studies cooperative with the NASA are 

now established for research of applicability of airborne and spaceborne systems to cartography; geography and human resources; geology; water resources; 

the ecology of wetlands and uplands game areas; the 

inventory, preservation, and management of national 

parks, oil leaks and slicks; mine areas restoration; outdoor recreation planning and management; air pollution from mining, processing, and utilization of 

minerals and fuels; land classification for resources 

inventory and reclamation planning and management; 

and the improvement of commercial fisheries. 

These studies are being carried out in appropriate 

Interior bureaus and, in part, by contract research 

in colleges, universities, and specialized research and 

technology organizations ; and are correlated with 

NASA cooperative research activities being conducted 

by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the US. 

Naval Oceanographic Office. 

In further fulfillment of its long-range mission, the 

EROS program has conducted studies to determine 

the needs for airborne and spaceborne data among all 

potential users in Federal, regional, and State agencies 

having responsibilities in resources research and management, in educational institutions and in private industry. Continuing efforts will be devoted to the design 

and development of a center for acquisition, duplication, reduction, and distribution of remote sensor data 

and basic information therefrom to serve the cgreatest 

possible number of applications and users of the data. 

Especially significant progress is being made in the 

study areas now being pursued. Airborne cameras, 

53 
magnetometers, scintillometers ( radio-activity counters), radiowave, and infrared sensors are proving to 

have valuable applications to mineral expIoration, 

engineering, planning, and to other geologic research. 

Results of a preliminary study of the usefulness of 

aerial photographic and radar data for analyzing the 

geological structure systems of an oil producing area 

indicate a potential for revealing surface expressions 

of subsurface conditions conducive to production 

stimulation techniques such as induced formation 

fracturing. 

Valuable use of airborne thermal infrared sensors 

has been made in the delineation of underground mine 

fires, centers of fire in culm banks, of submarine springs 

of fresh water, and of hot spots on the surface resulting 

from hydrothermal and other volcanic activity. 

A very significant geologic remote sensing first was 

established when airbone thermal infrared sensor data 

was combined with Nimbus satellite infrared data to 

study the total heat flow resultant from eruption at the 

Surtsey Volcano, Iceland. Another very important development has been that of the Fraunhofer line discriminator, an instrument that measures remotely 

(without contact) concentrations of dye used in stream 

flow and current dispersion studies. The instrument has 

been tested successfully on the ground, shipborne and 

helicopterborne. Future studies will be designed to test 

its operability in fixed-wing aircraft. Other modifications will be made with the aim of adapting the instrument to the detection and measurement of air and 

water polluting substances, and oil slicks indicative of 

the presence of fish schools. 

Soil type and vegetation type maps from space 

photography taken by the Gemini 4 and 5 and Apollo 6 

missions have been prepared. Information obtained in 

the color photographs and the broad regional coverage 

of the space photography coupled with the knowledge 

of one scientist enabled the mapping of soil types and 

vegetation associations over an area more than 80,000 

square miles of the southwestern United States. 

Radar maps of the State of Massachusetts have been 

prepared with the cooperation of the Department of 

Defense, a private contractor and the NASA; the US. 

Geological Survey prepared radar mosaics of the entire 

State. Work is underway toward utilization of this new 

type of map to develop a better understanding of the 

geology of the State. Radar instrumentation makes it 

possible to obtain representations of land surfaces at 

high speed, in darkness and through atmospheric conditions that prevent conventional photography. The 

system itself generates the energy used to obtain the 

records, therefore providing a uniformity of data not 

possible with conventional photography. 

In 1969, Interior participated in the first national 

symposium dedicated to potential applications of balloon flight technology to earth resources applications. 

54 

It has also cooperated, through its EROS program, 

with the NASA Langley Research Center in the conduct of two very high altitude balloon-borne experiments over part of the Delmarva Peninsula and 

adjacent Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay areas and one 

flight over New Mexico and Texas. Data from these 

flights are now being studied to determine the special 

advantages of balloon flight such as very high altitude, 

vibrationless platforms and long dwell times, as well as 

the scientific value of the data. 

Effort has been devoted to extend information 

and the potential values of systems and applications 

developed, through participation in national and international professional meetings and symposia, addresses 

to educational and public service groups, briefings to 

individual educators, and students, to privately and 

publicly employed explorationists, planners, and managers, and to official delegations from foreign countries 

and the United States. 

In addition, special attention has been given to the 

nations of Brazil, Mexico, and Iceland. The EROS 

program, in cooperation with the NASA, has aided in 

the conduct of training programs in remote sensing in 

the United States and experimental programs in Brazil 

and Mexico. With the Air Force Cambridge Research 

Laboratory and Icelandic scientists, the Geological 

Survey conducts a continuing study project in applications of photographic and thermal infrared sensors to 

hydrothermal and volcanic research in Iceland. 

A total of more than 100 speeches and more than 

50 published papers were presented by the EROS program in 1969. These presentations were made in nine 

foreign countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, 

Canada, Colombia, India, Mexico, and Venezuela ; and 

in 46 cities in 28 of the United States. Visitors briefed 

in program offices have been from Australia, Brazil, 

Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, 

South Africa, Japan, and Mexico. 

In the conduct of its EROS program efforts, the Department works closely with the NASA and its several 

centers and its non-Federal cooperating institutions, 

with the Department of Agriculture, the NationaI Environmental Satellite Center, the Naval Oceanographic 

Office, the Office of Naval Research, the Office of 

Emergency Preparedness, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Housing and Urban 

Development, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the 

Delaware River Basin Commission, the New York Port 

Authority, the Tristate Transportation Commission, 

the Asheville and Buncombe Counties, N.C. Planning 

Commission, the Department of Natural Resources of 

the State of Washington, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the Desert Research Institute, the Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories, 

and other interested Federal, State, and local bodies 

concerned with resources research, development, and 

management problems. 
X Department 

Introduction 

During 1969, the US. Department of Agriculture 

(USDA) continued its research efforts in the development and evaluation of remote sensing technology and 

techniques for the improvement of agricultural and 

forestry programs. USDA is constantly concerned with 

improving any and all of its agricultural activities dealing with crops, forests, soil surveys, watershed management, range and wildlife management, and land use 

classification and management. Research in the laboratory and the field is absolutely essential in learning 

those physical and biological parameters that affect 

agricultural production. In addition to and concomitant with laboratory and field research, scientific developments based upon airborne remote sensing 

techniques have opened up almost unlimited horizons 

for the collection of earth resource data. 

These techniques have accelerated the ability to collect and analyze information concerning agricultural, 

range, and forestry resources. One of the most enlightening and promising concepts that has emerged to 

strengthen remote sensing technology is that of multispectral sensing. In brief, it involves simultaneous utilization of two or more discrete portions of the electromagnetic spectrum to identify a material or condition. 

Airborne remote sensing equipment, such as multispectral sensors, infrared scanners, and imaging radar devices, has suddenly provided a new array of techniques 

for learning more about the earth's resources, and for 

doing it much more rapidly than has heretofore been 

possible. 

Recent research conducted jointly by USDA and 

NASA has amply demonstrated that modern aircraft, 

properly sensor equipped, can definitely improve the 

activities of many USDA programs. Furthermore, a 

number of recently conducted experiments with remote 

sensing devices at suborbital altitudes indicate the 

eventual possibility of acquiring information on the 

use, productivity, and potentials of agricultural and 

related resources from space platforms. These experiments also indicate, however, that considerable development in the state of the arts of sensing, imagery 

interpretation, and data management will have to precede the acquisition and utilization of data from space. 

Nevertheless, the potential now exists for increasing the 

frequency and geographic comprehensiveness of reof Agriculture 

source data at relatively low cost with modern sensors 

and high altitude aircraft and satellites for both the 

United States and the world. 

Research Results 

The results of research to date lead to the following 

summarization of projected new capabilities resulting 

from the application of airborne remote sensing to 

agriculture and forestry: 

Data gathered in the ultraviolet, visible, infrared, 

and microwave regions of the electromagnetic spectrum which measure the reflectance, emittance, dielectric constant, surface geometry, and equivalent 

blackbody temperature of plants, soil, and water will, 

when correlated with existing knowledge of agricultural and forestry practices and a minimum of ground 

sampling, permit- 

( 1 ) Identification and area measurements of 

(2) Identification and mapping of pathogenic 

(3) Identification and mapping of gross cate- 

(4) Identification and mapping of major soil 

(5) Identification of salinity and moisture 

(6) Mapping of soil and water temperatures: 

(7) Mapping of surface water, including snowThe research results also indicate the possibility that 

further development of the methods may produce a 

capability to- 

( 1 ) Determine and measure soil moisture content; 

(2) Map silt producing and other water pollution sources; 

(3) Assess crop vigor, and the causal agent 

where plant vigor is lacking; 

(4) Previsually detect and make determinations of the extent and severity of incipient crop 

and forest pathogenic and insect epidemics; 

(5) Identify forest and range species and make 

detailed inventories of their composition and 

density ; 

the major agricultural crop types; 

and insect invasion ; 

gories of forest types; 

boundaries and soil organic matter content; 

stress in plants; 

and 

pack. 

55 
(6) Predict and map areas of high potential 

forest fire hazard ; and 

(7) Delineate and measure critical indicators 

of forest and rangeland productivity as a function 

of energy budget. 

Earth Resources Survey Program 

In cooperation with NASA and several universities, 

USDA continued to investigate the possible use of 

space-acquired data in surveying conterminous US. 

agricultural and forestry resources. The Apollo 9 Earthorbital mission of March 1969 carried onboard a 

multispectral photographic system consisting of color 

infrared and black and white film, with appropriate 

filters, in four satellite-mounted cameras. 

This special experiment, designated SO-65 by 

NASA, uniquely provided USDA with a substantive 

opportunity to evaluate the feasibility of monitoring 

US. agricultural resources from space. It immediately 

became an invaluable exercise in the overall reassessment and further confirmation of the value of utilizing 

Earth orbiting satellites as a distinctly advantageous 

means of acquiring resource data. 

The results of this sinLgular experiment further 

prompted USDA to request NASA to make follow-on 

sequential, monthly, high altitude aircraft overflights 

of the same orbital ground test sites, and with similar 

multispectral photography. These flights provide for 

the continuous monitoring, perhaps for the first time 

in history, of crops, forests, and rangeland through an 

entire year. The accumulated data is continuing to 

provide invaluable information. 

Earth Resources Technology Satellite 

In 1969, in full cooperation with other interested Federal agencies, USDA assisted NASA in determining the 

primary goals and orbital and payload requirements 

for a projected experimental Earth resources technology satellite (ERTS) flight scheduled for early 1972. 

This 496 nautical milc, Sun synchronous, high Sun 

angle, Earth-orbiting vehicle will have a longevity of 

approximately 1 year; with the capability of repeating 

its exact orbit every 18 days over a particular US. 

ground site and providing 20 such repeats during the 

year. Multispectral television cameras and a multipoint 

scanner will provide incalculably useful data. 

The potential of surveying the agricultural scene by 

such a method is envisaged as a means of singularly 

improving agricultural and forestry programs. It would 

permit the very rapid accumulation, analysis, and application of information on crops, forests, soils, and 

water conditions. 

Continuing research and development on remote 

sensing technology and techniques will eventually assure the practicability of fully operational earth resources satellite systems on a worldwide basis. 

Aircraft Uti I iza tion 

USDA was a pioneer in recognizing the merits of aerial 

surveys for obtaining real-time data vital to its needs 

and operations. Consequently, it has maintained aircraft utilization programs since the early 1930's. The 

continuous acquisition and use of aerial photographs 

by various inhouse agencies has greatly enhanced the 

administration of, farm programs in general. Concomitantly, this approach is also used for other purposes ; e.g., crop-area measurements, irrigation and 

flood prevention studies, soil and forest conservation 

work, timber estimation studies, and soil surveying to 

name but a few. In addition to satisfying its own prerequisites (and servicing over 3,000 county offices), 

a large volume of photoprints (approximately 1 million annually) are distributed to other Federal agencies 

and to the general public as well. 

To fulfill its increasing requirements, USDA owns 

approximately 74 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. 

Depending upon its needs, USDA leases and/or rents 

annually, under a variety of contracts, some 1,000 to 

1,400 aircraft of various types. 

Some other important utilizations of USDA aircraft, in addition to photographic missions, are in pest 

control research, fire control and fire research investigations, and in the developing remote sensing program. 

In earlier years the increasing needs for agricultural 

data prompted the Department to investigate the possible use of air photos to save time, effort, and money. 

Today the successful application of airphoto interpretation in agriculture and agricultural development 

planning has well demonstrated both its feasibility and 

its utility. However, the constant demand to provide 

still more precise data to fill the ever-present needs for 

up-to-date information cannot be fulfilled by aerial 

photography alone. For the effective conduct of its 

remote sensing program, USDA will require properly 

multi-instrumented aircraft in the immediate future. 

56 
XI DeDartment of Commerce 

I 

Introduction 

The Department of Commerce has three major organizational units engaged in activities that contribute to 

the national aeronautics and space program. Three 

science and technology bureaus contribute directly: 

The Environmental Science Services Administration 

(ESSA) , the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) , and the Office of State Technical Services. A fourth 

bureau, the U.S. Patent Office, contributes indirectly 

through the issuance of patents on inventions with space 

applications. 

Environmental Science Services 

Administration 

ESSA fulfills the department’s responsibility to describe, 

understand, and predict the state of the atmosphere, 

the oceans and the space environment, and the size 

and shape of the Earth. ESSA has five major subunits 

which contribute either directly or indirectly to aeronautics and space technology : The National Environmental Satellite Center, the Weather Bureau, the Coast 

and Geodetic Survey, the ESSA Research Laboratories, 

and the Environmental Data Service. 

Highlights of 1969-During this year only one 

launch-that of the environmental survey satellite, 

ESSA 9-was required to maintain the operational 

weather satellite system initially established in February 1966. ESSA 2, the first automatic picture transmission satellite of the system, was still capable of 

furnishing useful cloud photography by the end of 

1969, after more than 3% years in orbit. 

The satellite infrared spectrometer (SIRS), carried 

on Nimbus 111, launched April 14,1969, by the NASA, 

was successful in measuring atmospheric temperatures 

from the spacecraft down to the Earth’s surface, providing highly significant temperature profile data. This 

successful flight test of the SIRS instrument is the 

culmination of 10 years of research and development 

from concept to realization. Data from this instrument 

are used operationally in the numerical (computer) 

analysis programs and have resulted in forecast 

improvements. 

The Environmental Data Service of ESSA, and 

NASA’s Aeronomy and Meteorology Division have 

cooperated on the compilation of monthly cloud climatology charts over the Pacific using satellite cloud 

photography. 

These charts, now completed for August 1962 

through April 1969, are the first such compilation 

based on adequate data. 

The spin scan cloud camera pictures from NASA’s 

geo-synchronous (stationary) applications technology 

satellites (ATS) have furnished the basis for many 

operational experiments. Time-lapse films, made from 

pictures taken at 15- or 30-minute intervals, were used 

in near real time as an aid to forecasting the development and movement of active hurricanes. Wind information over the Pacific basin is derived from daily film 

loops of ATS-I pictures, and is used as input to the 

numerical analysis programs of the National Meteorological Center. ATS photographs were also used in 

support of the Barbadoes Oceanographic and Meteorological Experiment (Bomex) and the Apollo space 

flights. 

ESSA engaged in an extensive data gathering effort 

during November 1969 in support of the global atmospheric research program (GARP) . The United States, 

through ESSA, played a major role in this international 

observation program. The data gathered will be archived for future research, and will be used in computer experiments that simulate the behavior of the 

atmosphere. Another similar global data collection 

period is scheduled for June 1970. 

Satellite data gathering and transmission capabilities 

have now become a routine part of Weather Bureau 

operations. The data are incorporated in the observation and analysis procedures of the Bureau, and the 

data-relay capabilities of the applications technology 

satellites are being used routinely to speed up both data 

collection and product dissemination. 

During 1969, solar proton flux data obtained by 

ATS-I were used operationally for the first time by 

the Space Disturbances Forecast Center. The forecasts were used to support manned spaceflight during 

1969. 

NBS worked on the design of the laser reflector 

left on the Moon by Apollo 11 astronauts. Measurements of reflected light from laser pulses will help 

determine precisely both lunar and Earth orbital and 

physical characteristics. 

NBS designed a special mass spectrometer for use 

57 
by NASA in analyzing lunar material. NBS is also 

analyzing lunar samples by other techniques. Standard 

reference materials were prepared for calibrating mass 

spectrometry work between laboratories engaged in 

the lunar sample program. 

Meteorological Satellites-ESSA 9 was the only 

satellite that had to be launched during 1969 to maintain the national operational meteorological satellite 

system (NOMSS) . The satellites of this system furnished, for the third consecutive year, daily worldwide 

pictorial coverage of the Earth and its cloud systems, 

except in areas of polar night. 

The ESSA satellite series partially fulfills one of the 

main objectives of the NOMSS daily observation of 

global weather conditions but does not permit nighttime observations of cloud systems or temperature 

patterns. This feature will be available to the system 

when Tiros M, the R&D prototype of the operational 

improved Tiros operational satellite (ITOS) is 

launched by NASA in early 1970. 

Operations of the ESSA Satellites-The ESSA satellites, now scheduled for replacement by the Tiros 

M/ITOS series, were the primary operational satellites during 1969. Two types of spacecraft are used; 

each is equipped with two cameras for redundancy, 

and each orbiting the Earth in about 114 minutes at 

an average altitude of 790 nautical miles. 

One type of ESSA spacecraft (identified by the 

odd numbers in the series) is equipped with the advanced vidicon camera system (AVCS) . This type 

takes pictures over the entire sunlit portions of the 

Earth and stores them for later transmission to a 

ground station. These stored pictures, which provide 

nearly global cloud coverage of the Earth, are transmitted to ground stations in Alaska and Virginia, relayed to a central processing unit at Suitland, Md., 

processed and made available to the U.S. and international meteorological community. 

The other type of ESSA satellite (even numbers) is 

equipped with two automatic picture transmission 

(APT) cameras which can take and immediately transmit pictures of the area beneath the satellite to simply 

equipped ground stations within a 2,000-mile range of 

the spacecraft. These pictures furnish local forecasters 

with a fresh (31h minutes old) view of the cloud 

patterns over or adjacent to the local area. 

The APT pictures have gained wide acceptance both 

by US. and foreign meteorologists. Some 500 receivers 

are located in over 50 countries around the world. 

The pictures are used as the basis for local and area 

forecasts, route forecasts for aircraft flying domestic 

and overseas routes, television weather programs, 

newspaper weather reporting, and, in several cases, 

were used for routing resupply ships through the Antarctic ice pack. 

Applications Technology Satellites-The two satellites in this series (ATS-I and ATS-111, launched by 

NASA on December 6, 1966, and November 5, 1967, 

respectively) continued to furnish extremely valuable 

data for research and for operational experiments 

throughout 1969. The long, useful lifetime of the spin 

scan cloud cameras, and of the transmitters on these 

satellites, has demonstrated the potential of geostationary satellites for routine, operational observation of 

the environment. The operational version of these stationary satellites will be the geostationary operational 

environmental satellite (GOES) now being developed 

under NASA's stationary meteorological satellite 

(SMS) program. The first SMS launch is planned for 

the middle of 1972. 

Nimbus ZZZ-This research and development satellite, 

launched on April 14, 1969, NASA, carried two instruments designed to obtain vertical temperature profiles 

of the atmosphere. The SIRS, which had been under 

development for 10 years, performed spectacularly 

well, providing temperature soundings within hours 

after the launch. Other instrumentation on Nimbus I11 

is described elsewhere by NASA. The SIRS results are 

described below. 

The Satellite Infrared Spectrometer-The SIRS instrument, undergoing operational testing aboard Nimbus 111, is capable of measuring infrared radiation 

from various levels in the atmosphere. These measurements are converted, by mathematical processing, to 

vertical temperature profiles (soundings) of the atmosphere. Seven measurement channels provide data for 

the sounding; the eighth channel provides measurements of the temperature of the tops of clouds, or, in 

cloud free areas, the temperature at the surface of the 

Earth. 

Since the first measurements were obtained on 

April 14, 1969, a steady stream of measurements, 

equivalent to some 8,000 to 10,000 atmospheric soundings over the globe, have been received every 24 hours. 

For practical considerations, only 400 soundings are 

computed daily for operational use in the Northern 

Hemisphere numerical weather analysis ; additional 

soundings over the Southern Hemisphere are computed for later use in research programs. The Northern Hemisphere soundings derived from SIRS 

radiance measurements have been used operationally 

since June in the Weather Bureau's numerical upper 

air analyses for 1200 GMT, daily. Experimental comparison forecasts starting with 500 mb'analyses without, 

and with, SIRS data have shown that addition of 

SIRS data has, at least in the cases studied, resulted 

58 
in significant improvement in forecasting some major 

features of the midtropospheric flow. 

Meso-Scale Computer Products-For several years 

satellite cloud pictures have been processed routinely 

by computer for operational use. The picture signals 

are digitized, rectified, and combined into mosaics for 

regular transmission by facsimile to U.S. weather stations. The mosaics are also transmitted experimentally, 

but rather routinely, to Europe, Asia, Australia, 

the Pacific Ocean area, and North and South America 

by means of transmitters on ATS-I and ATS-111. 

During the past year additional computerized products have been developed. These include averaged 

brightness charts which .represent the average cloudiness over an area for the time period involved. Fiveday, 10-day, 30-day, and 90-day (seasonal) averages 

have been produced; hopefully these will become the 

basis for up-to-date global cloud climatology charts. 

Charts of minimum brightness for 5-day periods show 

the extent of snow and ice fields, except in areas where 

clouds have persisted for the entire period. Charts comparing successive 5-day brightness charts show areas 

where new snow has fallen or older snow has melted. 

All of the computer produced charts are stored on 

microfilm and listed in catalogs of cloud photography 

to make them available to research scientists. 

Operational Applications of Satellite Data-The 

operational satellite system has furnished cloud data 

routinely and reliably since February 1966. Daily 

operational usage of satellite data is widespread both 

in the United States and abroad. Worldwide cloud 

mosaics are produced centrally in the United States 

and transmitted to many locations around the world. 

Meteorologists found the satellite photographs particularly useful for discovering and tracking weather 

systems over approximately 80 percent of the Earth 

where ground-based observations are not available. 

The discovery and tracking of hurricanes and typhoons 

from their inception to final breakup is the most spectacular use of this capability. In 1969, a total of 39 

tropical cyclones, including 12 Atlantic hurricanes, 10 

eastern North Pacific tropical storms or hurricanes, 

and 17 western North Pacific typhoons, were spotted 

and tracked with satellite pictures. Advisories on these 

storms were sent to U.S. installations and foreign 

meteorological services worldwide. Storm tracking in 

the middle and high latitudes is used to provide improved advisory service particularly to coastal areas, to 

aviation, and to ocean shipping interests. 

Winds in the 30,000- to 40,000-foot levels as estimated from ESSA photographs are used routinely in 

computer analyses, and are transmitted daily to users 

worldwide. These estimates provide wind information 

over tropical and subtropical areas that are almost 

completely devoid of conventional upper-level wind 

information. 

Research and Development Programs of the National 

Environmental Satellite Center-The research programs of the National Environmental Satellite Center 

(NESC) are, in general, long-term projects. Research 

includes two general areas: Studies designed to extract 

the maximum possible amount of data from satellite 

observations, and studies to determine the kinds of 

observations possible from satellites. In the first area 

the studies lead to an increased understanding of 

atmospheric processes, and to the development of 

methods for using satellite data in daily operations to 

improve analyses and forecasting of weather and other 

enviornmental features. The second area of study leads 

to the conceptualization and development of new instrumentation for measuring enviornmental data from 

a satellite platform. The following research and development programs carried on by NESC during 1969 

are particularly interesting: 

(u) Instruments to obtain measurements of the 

vertical structure of the atmosphere are under active 

design. The first SIRS was successfully flown on Nimbus 111; an improved version, designed to measure 

mositure as well as temperature, is being readied for 

flight on Nimbus D, in 1970. Another instrument derived from the SIRS concept is being developed for 

flight testing on Nimbus E. This is the Infrared temperature profile radiometer, which will have spatial 

scan capability to improve operation over areas partly 

obscured by clouds. 

(b) Procedures for making time-lapse motion picture film from ATS-I and ATS-I11 photographs have 

been greatly refined in the past year. It is now possible to study the conditions in a hurricane within an 

hour or two after the pictures are taken, and to use 

the information for making forecast decisions on the 

motion and intensity of the storm. The ATS picture 

films are also used daily to estimate high and middle 

level winds over the entire Pacific basin. The wind 

estimates are used as data input to the objective analysis programs processed by high speed computers. Efforts 

also continue toward devising automated methods for 

wind extraction to replace the time consuming manual 

techniques currently in use. 

(6) The availability of the SIRS-derived vertical 

temperature profiles has engendered active and continuous development of improved mathematical 

methods for processing the raw data, and for making 

use of the processed data in analysis programs. The 

NESC and the National Meteorological Center are 

jointly developing the equations and the computer 

processing programs required to integrate the processed 

data into the mathematical (numerical) analysis 

models. 

371-775 0 - 70 - 5 59 
(d) *Cloud pictures are being used in the development of an objective method for deriving constant 

pressure heights to be used in numerical models of the 

atmosphere. The presence or absence of clouds indicates vertical motion ; this in turn indicates vorticity, 

or the rate at which the air is spinning with respect 

to the Earth. The vorticity values are the basis for 

modifications to the previous 12-hour forecast map 

contours to arrive at a corrected current analysis. The 

current procedure, still under development, is primarily 

manual, but work is progressing toward a fully automated technique. Developments of this kind hopefully 

will result in greatly improved analyses over ocean, and 

other sparse data areas, and hence to improved 

forecasts. 

(e) Studies have been initiated to conduct intensive investigations of the ocean surface, the interactions 

between the sea and the atmosphere, and the temperature structure of the Ocean by means of satellite sensors. The state of sea surface is being estimated by analysis of reflection of the Sun seen in satellite pictures; 

analyses such as these will yield estimates of surface 

wind speeds in remote areas. Temperature fields and 

Ocean currents are being mapped ; the information 

will be used in meteorological and oceanographic 

investigations. 

Znternational Cooperation-During 1969, the continued worldwide availability of automatic picture 

transmission (APT) pictures and the experimental 

semioperational transmission of satellite data through 

the weather facsimile experiment (WEFAX) on the 

ATS satellites helped to maintain the image of the 

United States as an unstinting sharer of scientific results 

in space proqrams. At the end of 1969,53 foreign countries had APT stations receiving direct transmissions 

from ESSA, and Nimbus satellites, and processed data 

transmitted through the WEFAX system on ATS 

satellites. The NESC also participated in the global 

atmospheric research program data month (November 1969) by furnishing winds extracted from ATS-I 

photographs of the Pacific Ocean area. The NESC 

provided training and study facilities for WMO, 

NATO, and AID fellows from Chile, France, Indonesia, and Japan, and briefings for many other foreign scientists during 1969. 

Washington-Moscow Data Exchange-In accordance 

with the 1962 bilateral agreement between the United 

States and the U.S.S.R., exchange of satellite data 

continued over the Washington-Moscow data link during 1969. The U.S.S.R. furnished data from their 

Meteor I, launched in 1969. The United States furnished satellite photographs and nephanalyses (cloud 

maps) based on ESSA 8 and 9 data; these products 

are used in daily analysis operations at the World 

Weather Center, Moscow. Traffic from Moscow in60 

cludes satellite photographs, nephanalyses, and radiation analyses, useful primarily for research purposes. 

Coast and Geodetic Survey Operations 

The Coast and Geodetic Survey (C&GS) continues to 

make significant and steady progress in the use of 

aeronautics and space technology in support of the 

the aeronautical and space programs of the United 

States. The basic programs of the C&GS in this area 

include the operational use of satellites for geodesy and 

precise navigation, and research to determine the 

feasibility for using satellite techniques in performing 

assigned tasks and the use of aircraft for operational 

photography. In addition, the Survey provides support to space facilities and activities through its seismic 

and geomagnetic functions. 

Geometric Satellite Triangulation-Work continued 

during 1969 on the worldwide geodetic network known 

as the national geodetic satelhte program (NGSP) . The network is being established through the joint 

efforts of NASA and the Departments of Defense and 

Commerce, in cooperation with other nations on whose 

territories camera stations of the network are located. 

In addition to the countries cooperating in the observational program, several others are assisting in scaling 

the network by measuring highly accurate geodimeter 

traverses between their borders. 

Of the present 14 BC-4 camera systems owned by 

the United States, four are operated by the Army 

Topographic Command (Topocom) , seven by the 

C&GS, and one each by the United Kingdom, South 

Africa, and Australia. Two BC-4 camera systems are 

owned and operated by West Germany. In addition, 

two US. Air Force teams equipped with PC-1000 

cameras joined the program in May and August of 

1969 to assist in meeting the proposed June 1970 

completion date for the survey. A C&GS employee is 

attached to each team except those operated by 

Topocom. The C&GS has the overall technical responsibility for the program, including maintenance of all 

BC-4 camera systems and furnishing time correct to 

a 50-microsecond accuracy. 

The combined systems were manned and operated 

at 23 stations around the world: eight by the C&GS; 

four by Topocom; two by the USAF; two by West 

Germany; one by the United Kingdom; one by 

Australia; one by South Africa; and five by the combined efforts of Topmom, C&GS, and other nations. 

At present, 42 of the 44 stations in the world net 

have made observations. The Pageos satellite was used 

for all but two of the successful simultaneous photographic observations from two or more stations. 

Echo I1 was the target for the other two simultaneous 
observations. (On June 7, 1969, the Echo IT satellite 

entered the Earth‘s atmosphere and decayed.) 

Field evaluation of all observations shows 1,139 

successful single plates, of which 274 were simultaneous observations (252 two-station observations, 2 1 

three-station observations, and one four-station observation) . Photogrammetric processing during 1969 

included 353 plates measured and 360 processed 

through analysis and computation. Thus far in the 

program, a total of 1,365 plates have been measured 

and processed through analysis and computation. 

The preliminary results obtained at 35 stations of 

the world net are consistent in accuracy with previous 

results. A complete new generation of reduction programs has been computed. These new programs were 

required to make use of the refinements both in 

theoretical analytical modelling, and in field data 

acquisition and reduction techniques. The threedimensional positions of the world net stations will 

have a final accuracy of at least one part in one million 

in terms of Earth dimensions. 

The project in which a surface density layer is substituted for spherical harmonics in the gravitational 

interpretation of orbital tracking data has, on a pilot 

model, produced a stable solution. This indicates a 

promising approach for relating satellite data to surface gravity measurements and for determining the 

position of the center of mass of the Earth in connection with the results for the world geodetic network. 

In addition, a proposal for determining the high frequency variations of the geoid using satellite-altimetry 

has been forwarded to NASA in connection with the 

Geos C satellite launch. 

Time Transfer in Support of Geodetic Measurements-With the movement of the ATS satellites to 

the Pacific Ocean area, the use of the ATS method of 

time transfer has been limited to Pitcairn and Pago 

Pago. An alternate system utilizing the Navy navigation satellites has proved very satisfactory. It is now 

in use at the Palmer, McMurdo, Mawson, and Wilkes 

Stations in Antarctica as well as at Heard Island in 

the South Indian Ocean; accuracies of better than 

+50 microseconds are being achieved. 

Loran C continues to provide accurate timing at 

other stations in the Pacific and Indian Ocean areas, 

where the loran C coverage is adequate. 

Earth Resources Program-During 1969, the C&GS 

directed its efforts in the Earth resources program to 

assist NASA in the implementation of an R&D flight 

program leading to potential cartographic-geodetic 

satellites. It is anticipated that these satellites would 

have application for mapping and would generally 

support the Earth r&ources technology satellite 

(ERTS) program interests of the Department of the 

Interior. 

Further work has been accomplished in preparing 

to test a NASA procured laser-altimeter for its possible 

application in the Earth resources program. 

Seismological Activities-The C&GS provides a 

seismic vibrations measurement program and consultant services for the AEC’s Nuclear Rocket Development Station at Jackass Flats, Nev. The effects of 

ground motions caused by nuclear detonations upon 

the rocket test structures are analyzed to provide information for the development of safety criteria. Plans 

have been completed to monitor ambient vibration at 

locations proposed for the laser communications experiment in Goldstone, Calif. The vibration project 

will locate the optimum site for the laser transmitterreceiver facility. 

Tsunami Warning System Development-Plans are 

being developed for an automated tsunami warning 

system. Telemetry of data from an expanded network 

of 30 seismic and 120 tide stations throughout the 

Pacific will be via communications relay through the 

proposed GOES. In addition to the transmission of 

seismograms and marigrams in digital form to Honolulu Observatory, tsunami watch and warning information will be broadcast via a voice channel to all 

areas of the Pacific. 

Geomagnetism-The C&GS continued to support 

NASA in the development of geophysical instrumentation for space applications. The facilities of a controlled magnetic environment test chamber at the 

Fredericksburg Geomagnetic Center were made available for testing and instrument calibration. This 

cooperative work has continued since the initiation of 

geophysical experiments in the space program. The 

C&GS also provided facilities and technical assistance 

to the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office in the testing 

and calibration of instrumentation employed on Project Magnet, a worldwide aerial geomagnetic survey 

program. 

In a joint effort with NASA, analog records of geomagnetic data from some 40 worldwide magnetic 

observatories were processed, digitized, and prepared 

for use in correlation studies of geomagnetic data collected by satellite and space probes. These cooperative 

efforts have been in progress for the past 6 years. 

C&GS personnel assisted the World Magnetic Survey Board of the International Union of Geodesy and 

Geophysics (IUGG) in conducting a symposium on 

“Description of the Earth‘s Magnetic Field” in Washington, D.C., in October 1968. At this international 

meeting, C&GS scientists participated with some 100 

scientists from 20 countries in the discussion and final 

adoption of an International Geomagnetic Reference 

Field (IGRF) . This analytically described field will 

serve as a common international base for calculation 

61 
of main field values at points near and above the 

Earth’s surface. An internationally accepted IGRF has 

been an urgent requirement of the world scientific 

community for many years, particularly since the 

advent of the space age. 

Compilation of the 1970 issue of the World Magnetic 

Charts was in progress throughout the year. For the 

first time it was possible to use analytical methods for 

describing secular change patterns as well as distribution of the field. Among many important uses, these 

charts serve as the base for magnetic navigational data 

for worldwide nautical and aeronautical charts. 

Use of Navigation Satellites-The Navy satellite 

navigation system, operating aboard one C&GS ocean 

survey vessel, continues to provide the required accuracy of position-fixing necessary for deep sea surveys. 

This technique will be used on other C&GS ocean 

survey vessels as comparable equipment on order is 

delivered. 

Satellite Telemetry Experiments-The C&GS is involved in two experiments combining the environmental and space sciences. 

The first experiment involves the use of a free-drifting buoy equipped with a NASA-supplied telemetry 

package, the omega position location equipment 

(OPLE ) . Oceanographic data, meteorological data 

and the geographic position of the buoy are telemetered in real time via the ATS-I11 satellite. The 

purpase of this experiment is to examine the feasibility 

of gathering data via satellite from a free-drifting 

ocean platform and determine the reliability of communications for various sea conditions. The system 

was successfully exercised during a 2-day period of 

drifting in the Gulf Stream off the Florida east coast. 

A long-term (20 to 25 days) operational test is tentatively planned for the latter half of 1970. 

The second experiment is being performed in 

cooperation with NASA and the Navy. This involves 

the telemetry, via the ATS-111 satellite, of real-time 

environmental and equipment status data, from instruments located on and suspended from a submerged 

stable moored buoy platform. The platform with its 

associated sensors, electronic equipment and Navv 

supplied radioisotope thermoelectric generator is 

scheduled for installation off the east coast of Florida 

in mid-1970. One of the many uses projected for the 

system is as a detection unit in the tsunami warning 

network in the Pacific. 

Aerial Photography-The Coast and Geodetic Survey 

operates two air photo missions in connection with 

ESSA programs. One mission uses a Governmentowned, twin-turboprop ; the other, a leased, twin-engine aircraft. Officers in ESSA’s commissioned corps, 

trained by the US. Army Flight School, command the 

62 

missions. Air photo mission operations normally begin 

in March and continue into November. During the 

winter lay-up, major maintenance and modifications 

are made. 

Coast and Geodetic Survey aerial photography is 

used in connection with nautical and aeronautical 

charting programs. Coverage includes US. coastal 

areas and most civil airfields. Other photogrammetric 

applications are surveys of earthquake damage, 

measurement of ocean currents, and monitoring slow 

earth movement along major faults. 

The Environmental Data Service 

The Environmental Data Service (EDS) , a major subunit of ESSA, archives satellite data after they have 

been used operationally. Both raw and processed data 

are stored at the National Weather Records Center 

(NWRC), which provides retrieval services for research scientists. Since satellite data are used most 

frequently in conjunction with other meteorological 

data, NWRC serves as a convenient one-stop outlet for 

the users. Government and private-sector scientists, 

universities, and industry can purchase, at cost, copies 

of the data in microfilm, photographic, or magnetic 

tape form. Data catalogs are published to provide customers a means to identify the particular items desired. 

The EDS Laboratory for Environmental Data Research is investigating the uses of meteorological satellite data for climatological analysis. In the area of cloud 

climatology, the Environmental Data Service is cooperating with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center to 

compute the mean monthly cloud cover in the Pacific 

Ocean for selected months. Monthly climatologists 

covering August 1962 to April 1969 have been completed. This laboratory is also investigating large-scale 

atmospheric circulation through the use of satellite 

cloud photographs. Periodic changes in total cloud 

amount in the Pacific Ocean have been shown to be 

related to large scale changes in the atmospheric-ocean . 

interaction. In addition, the preliminary results in the 

study of these periodicies permit the inference that 

changes the stratosphere can be linked to tropospheric 

changes caused by variations in Earth albedo. 

Weather Bureau Operations 

Weather Bureau participation in the space program 

is twofold. The Bureau is involved in experimental determination of the usefulness of space technologies for 

its data gathering and dissemination systems and the 

usefulness of space-acquired data for its analysis and 

forecasting operations. During the past year the Bureau 

has greatly expanded its operational use of space technology both by the incorporation of satellite data in 
its observation and analysis procedures and by its use 

of the data relay capabilities of NASA’s applications 

technology satellites. The other facet of involvement 

is the Bureau’s function in supplying meteorological 

guidance or support to space test facilities and space 

operations. 

Experimental Collection and Relay of Data by Satellites-The ATS-I satellite has been used experimentally since 1967 to collect hydrological data (river 

stage and rainfall measurements) from automatic stations, and to relay the data to a central analysis point. 

The experience gained from these tests provides a 

sound basis for the design of a system for use with the 

proposed GOES system. 

An operating system of this kind will be useful for 

the preparation of flood forecasts, the timely dissemination of warnings, and in the solution of many water 

management problems. The ATS-I11 transponder also 

was used in the test of an inexpensive shipboard data 

transmitter in connection with the design of a system 

for the rapid collection of weather data from ships at 

sea. 

ATS Cloud Pictures-Cloud pictures are collected 

routinely from the ATS satellites by ESSA’s Wallops 

Station Command and Data Acquisition (CDA) Facility, and are processed for retransmission by the ATS 

transponders. Retransmitted pictures are received at 

local Weather Bureau (APT) grounds stations at Honolulu and San Francisco, where the pictures are used 

in the daily operations of the forecast offices. 

Sequences of pictures taken by the ATS-I11 spin 

scan cloud camera were used in studies of destructive 

hurricanes that reached the U.S. mainland in 1969. 

Near the end of the hurricane season in September and 

October of 1969, techniques had been developed to 

make use of these pictures for operational analysis and 

forecasting during the progress of the storm. 

The ATS cloud pictures also were used in the preparation of operational forecasts for the Apollo 10, 11, 

and 12 missions. 

Sensor Study-The initial phase of the electromagnetic correlation study, involving the use of microwave 

and infrared sectors of the spectrum, has been completed. The purpose of the study is to ascertain normal 

radiances (common signatures) of environmental factors relevant to hydrological problems. 

Digitized Cloud Mosaics-Digitized mosaics of satellite cloud pictures are now being transmitted operationally from the National Meteorological Center to 

Weather Bureau forecast offices throughout the United 

States. The mosaics are an integral part of the guidance 

material that is transmitted routinely to forecast offices. 

Automatic Picture Transmission-Early in 1968 the 

Weather Bureau began the transmission of raw APT 

signals on an existing central facsimile network. The 

APT data acquired at Wallops Station, Va., San Francisco, Calif., and Kunia, Hawaii, are transmitted to stations on the network within minutes after receipt from 

the satellite. This operational network‘ has been expanded to include a large number of Air Force and 

Navy installations in the conterminous United States. 

The number of APT stations needed for Government 

weather stations has decreased materially as a result 

of this network operation. 

Under the voluntary assistance program the Weather 

Bureau has provided technical assistance and advice 

for installation of complete APT systems in five underdeveloped countries. 

Experiment With Nimbus ZZZ-The remotely sensed 

radiometric measurements obtained from SIRS aboard 

this spacecraft are being evaluated quasi-operationally 

to determine their usefulness and validity. The information is being incorporated through special computer 

programs into computer-produced forecasts. Early results have shown considerable promise. Availability of 

these data globally in real time could conceivably lead 

not only to improvement in the computer forecasts 

but also to economic savings from reprograming of the 

current ground-based upper-air observation network. 

Meteorological Support-Through its Space Operations Support Division, the Weather Bureau again furnished the primary meteorological guidance for several 

NASA activities. For the manned spaceflight program, 

Weather Bureau items provided the staff and local 

forecasting support for the Kennedy Space Center and 

the Manned Spacecraft Center, and the forecasts of 

weather and sea conditions for the four Apollo flights 

in 1969. 

In the case of Apollo 9, in March, much of the 

effort was in support of Earth-oriented photographic 

experiments, some requiring relatively clear skies and 

others involving photography of selected cloud systems. 

A particularly significant operational forecast was that 

which led to a 200 mile shift in the landing point of 

the Apollo 11 spacecraft to avoid an area in which 

thunderstorms were expected (and later observed). 

At the NASA Mississippi Test Facility a Weather 

Bureau team made weather observations and forecasts 

for ground tests of large rocket engines. Meteorological 

advice was provided to assist the testing agency in 

choosing periods to minimize excessive noise levels in 

nearby communities. 

The Weather Bureau group at NASA’s Wallops 

Station facilities provided extensive observation and 

forecast support for the varied space probe activities 

of the installation. 

63 
Utilization of Aircraft-Rental and privately owned 

aircraft are used in the Weather Bureau aviation 

weather services quality control program. Meteorologist/pilot personnel on the quality control staffs at 

the Weather Bureau headquarters, regional headquarters and area offices fly lie;ht aircraft (single or 

twin engine) in connection with the quality control 

duties. 

These flight operations provide a very valuable tool 

for the quality control program by permitting in-flight 

monitoring and evaluation of the aviation weather 

services. The use of aircraft also provides an effective 

means of travel for station visitations and on station 

services evaluations. 

In addition, aviation forecasters take familiarization 

trips as passengers in airline and other aircraft to 

become better acquainted with their areas of forecast 

responsibility and the use made of Weather Bureau 

services. 

Services to Aviation-Specialized weather information is provided to pilots, controllers, and aircraft 

operators in order to promote efficiency in aviation 

activities. This information is in the form of observations, forecasts, warnings, and pilot briefings. 

Observations are made at 908 locations, many of 

which are taken by other government agencies, airlines, and airport personnel. Terminal forecasts are 

made for 425 airports, generally every 6 hours. Area 

forecasts and in-flight advisories are also provided. 

Forecasts for international aviation covering most of 

the Northern Hemisphere and part of the Southern 

Hemisphere are also provided in facsimile and digital 

forms, the latter being used extensively in computer 

flight planning by the airlines. 

Pilot weather briefings are available through 248 

Weather Bureau offices, plus 334 FAA offices and 159 

unmanned FAA facilities. About 2 million briefings 

are provided annually by the Weather Bureau and 

about 13 million by the FAA. 

ESSA Research Laboratories 

The ESSA Research Laboratories (ERL) conduct research in oceanography, geomagnetism, Earth sciences, 

and physics of the troposphere, ionosphere, and magnetosphere. The main offices in Boulder, Colo., and the 

field laboratories also provide services in support of the 

many ESSA mission requirements. Programs include 

studies of tropospheric and ionospheric radio propagation, optical wave propagation, solar radiationmagnetosphere interactions, and the monitoring and 

forecasting of solar activity and its effects on the Earth 

environment. 

The Office of Programs, under the Office of the 

Director, ERL, has established a Consulting Service 

to provide quick response on NASA problems. Under 

this contractual arrangement, an ad hoc team of ERL 

experts are assembled on short notice to provide advice 

to NASA on problems connected with the scientific 

evaluation of proposals and plans. An ERL Task Group 

was formed to deal with such a problem in connection with the proposed NASA Sunblazer program. 

In this program a spacecraft would be placed in an 

orbit around the sun to study properties of the solar 

corona, such as its spatial and temporal variations, 

electron densities, etc. The ERL Task Group assembled 

available information for determining the theoretical 

model of the corona best suited for use in this experimental program. 

Perturbations in the Earth‘s magnetic field are among 

the significant effects produced by solar disturbances. 

Magnetic studies using the ATS-I have so improved 

understanding of these phenomena that they can be 

utilized for monitoring space disturbance. To develop 

further the operational use of such phenomena, the 

Earth Sciences Laboratory has participated in the conceptual design of a magnetometer as part of the space 

environment monitor for the geostationary operational 

environmental satellite. This instrument will monitor 

the three components of the Earth’s magnetic fields, 

its perturbations during solar activity, and magnetic 

phenomena propayating on the field. The measurements obtained will be transmitted to the Space Disturbances Forecast Center for incorporation with other 

data used routinely and continuously by the Center. 

These data are expected to provide a means for space 

monitoring of magnetic field activities; at present such 

monitoring is accomplished bv inference based on magnetometer data from ground installations. 

The Earth Sciences Laboratory is engayed in the 

design and fabrication of systems to relav selected magnetic data from the Antarctic to Boulder, Colo., by 

means of the interrogation recording and location svstem (IRLS) on Nimbus 111. The ground svstem under 

development is expected to be ifi operation early in 

1970. Rapid transmission of these data would permit 

more immediate comparison with the data acquired 

in the Northern Hemisphere. Under current conditions, 

as much as 6 months may elapse between the acquisition of the data in the Antarctic and its receipt at ESSA 

laboratories in the United States. Experience with the 

transmission relay system also is expected to provide 

information valuable for the development of more 

advanced general purpose data collection systems. 

Research programs of the Aeronomy Laboratory 

include studies of the high atmosphere, the ionosphere, 

and the magnetosphere using theoretical, laboratory, 

and observational techniques. Until September 1969 

the laboratory operated, jointly with Peruvian scientists, a large radio ionosphere observatory at Ticamarca. 

The great volume of data accumulated is being ana64 
lyzed. Interesting discrepancies exist between electron 

and ion temperature measurements made from the 

ground and these acquired by probes and ion-trap 

sensors on satellites. Concurrent theoretical investigations suggest these differences may be caused by local 

effects around the space vehicle carrying the sensor. 

The data also are yielding much new information on 

the inherent instability of the ionospheric plasma near 

the magnetic equator. Theoretically, this information 

is applicable to an equivalent instability in the auroralzone ionospheric plasma at high latitudes. This concept is being verified experimentally by observations 

with an “auroral” radar at Anchorage, Alaska. 

A rocket-borne sensor for atomic oxygen is being 

developed. Although troubles with contamination of 

the exposed rocket sensor have been encountered, a 

satellite sensor has performed well and confirms the 

usefulness of the concept. If the troubles experienced 

with rocket-borne sensors can be overcome, a new and 

powerful tool for the investigation of atomic oxygen 

in the atmosphere will be available. 

The Aeronomy Laboratory is studying the rates of 

chemical reactions occurring in the lower ionospheric 

regions. These reactions are of great importance in 

such widely diverse areas as space vehicle reentry, the 

occultation of radio signals from a deep-space probe by 

Mars, and the wetness of the upper stratosphere and 

mesosphere. The laboratory work also leads to an 

understanding of the effects of pollutants at these levels. 

A recent experience uses a tunable dye-laser for precise 

dissociation and ionization measurements. 

A program of ground-based optical observations 

includes investigations of meteoric debris, and temperature variations in the high atmosphere. The observations of meteoric debris are yielding information 

on how vertical mixing and horizontal winds affect the 

composition and properties of the high atmosphere; 

this knowledge is of direct interest in problems related 

to spacecraft reentry and supersonic flight at these 

altitudes. The temperature measurements shown unexpectedly large variations at high levels, information 

which may result in a reassessment of current concepts 

of atmospheric structure. Existing satellite data are 

being used to study the effects of magnetic storms on 

the high ionosphere ; ground-based optical observations 

of the subvisual auroral inidlatitude red arcs are also 

used in this study. 

In addition to these environmental studies, there is 

a strong laboratory and theoretical plasma physics program. Experiments of direct interest for the interpretation of ionospheric observations include plasma diffusion, the propagation of ion-acoustic waves in a 

plasma, and derivation of plasma properties by studies 

of the statistical behavior of irregularities in a plasma. 

The Rocket and Satellite Experiment Section of the 

Aeronomy Laboratory has developed a theory that explains ionospheric resonances observed by satellite radio sounders. This theory has been used to develop a 

new technique for measuring electron densities and 

temperatures of the ionosphere. 

Five ionospheric rockets were successfully launched 

into a polar gap absorption event (period of intense 

activity) at Fort Churchill, Canada. Electron density 

profiles were obtained in disturbed parts of the 

ionospheric D-region by radio signals transmitted to 

the rocket using Faraday rotation techniques. Analyses 

of the profiles should provide significant insight into 

processes occurring in these disturbances. 

Data from the Canadian Alouette I and I1 and 

ISIS-I topside sounder satellites, and from Explorer 

XX, have been analyzed to determine the effects of 

disturbances, such as red arcs and magnetic storms, 

on ionospheric electron density. In both kinds of disturbances electron density decreases, while electron 

temperature increases. The decrease in electron density is believed to be caused by the higher recombination rate of the electrons that results from higher 

temperatures. 

Since observations indicate that production of nitric 

oxide in the high atmosphere is responsible for most of 

the ionization of the D-region; a theory was developed 

to explain the presence of large concentrations of this 

gas. The theory, based on the reaction of molecular 

oxygen with excited atomic nitrogen, appears 

satisfactory. 

The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) 

conducts studies to promote the effective use of 

communication satellites. For example, an investigation of the frequency-sharing aspects of a satellite air 

traffic control system is being conducted for the Federal Aviation Administration. This work included the 

development of a transmission-loss atlas and the analysis of required signal-to-noise ratios for the VHF 

air traffic control (ATC) system, which would have a 

satellite terminal. Both subjective and objective performance evaluations were made using simulated ATC 

transmissions and VHF communication receivers. Objective performance measurements were made using 

the speech communications index meter (SCIM) . The 

SCIM system has subsequently been used in operational tests over live satellite circuits on ATS-1 and 

ATS-3 by a commercial contractor. ITS personnel 

assisted in an advisory and consultative capacity during the operational tests. 

Atlantic Oceanografihic and Meteorological Laboratory’s Physical Oceanography Laboratory is conducting research on the use of sea surface temperatures 

to map ocean currents over the Western North Atlantic. Unique data, which relate observable spacetime changes in sea surface temperatures to the deeper 

thermal structure of the Gulf Stream, are available. 

65 
High resolution infrared data, observed by Nimbus 11 

during part of the period of investigation, were used 

to construct sea surface temperature maps. The NASA 

provided the computations necessary. The observed 

sea surface temperature gradients (temperature 

changes) are being related statistically to the structure of the current. As a first approximation, it has 

been found that the fastest moving surface current 

occurs 14.5 kilometers on the warm side of the maximum temperature gradient; for the Gulf Stream this 

means the strongest surface currents occur 14.5 kilometers (about 9 statute miles) east of the line marking 

the change from cold coastal waters to warm Gulf 

Stream waters. 

Work continues in support of the NASA Apollo 

telescope mount (ATM) program; requirements for 

identifying and forecasting solar data are determined, 

and procedures are developed to meet the requirements. Forecasts of the probable occurrences and locations of solar flares are to be furnished so the ATM 

instruments can be oriented properly to obtain measurements. A manual on solar flare prediction, based on 

various studies of the laboratory, has been drafted and 

the techniques described are being tested. 

The Space Disturbances Laboratory has been using 

a 60-foot parabolic antenna at Table Mountain (near 

Boulder) to track the ATS-1 satellite and to receive 

proton data in the 5- to 20- and 70-Mev ranges from 

the recording instruments aboard the satellite. These 

data are relayed to the Space Disturbances Forecast 

Center (SDFC) for early identification of active solar 

flares. 

Solar X-ray data from solar radiation satellite are 

transmitted daily from the Naval Research Laboratory 

to SDFC. Data for the preceding day reach the Cent& 

every morning; notice of the observation of a solar 

X-ray event is sent immediately to all users via a special 

teletype network. 

In the rocket program, the data from four SKUA I1 

rocket flights in 1968, were analysed. These analyses 

resulted in a description of the diurnal (day-night) 

variation of excited oxygen molecules in the high atmosphere. Six ARCAS I1 rockets were flown from 

Fort Churchill in April 1969; three carried instruments to measure proton flux and electron densities 

during a polar cap absorption event, the other three 

were instrumented to measure the excitation of the 

OH radical. These measurements provide information 

for determining the coefficient of the rate of effective 

recombination as a key to describing the interaction 

of ionizing radiation with the Earth’s atmosphere, and 

also lead to an increased understanding of the high 

atmosphere. 

The SDL is also a participant in the ISIS program. 

The data gathered from the Alouette I and 11, and the 

66 

ISIS-I satellites are processed by SDL and distributed 

for analysis by scientists of ESSA and other participating agencies. 

The Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry Laboratory 

is employing remote sensing to observe and obtain 

measurements of parameters to describe the physical 

and dynamic structure of the stratosphere. Infrared 

sensos carried on aircraft are currently in use. A special, narrow-field high-sensitivity infrared radiometer, 

developed by the laboratory and installed on a NASA 

CV-990 aircraft, obtained data during a number of 

long-range flights in 1969. Analyses of these data have 

yielded quantitative information on the transmissivities 

of cirrus and contrails, and the effects of these ice 

crystal clouds on the atmospheric heat budget. The 

measurements have also been used to determine water 

vapor concentrations in the stratospheric layers above 

the flight level of the instrumented aircraft. 

National Bureau of Standards 

NBS is the Nation’s central measurement laboratory. 

It provides technological support for many national 

programs, including those in space and aeronautics, 

through efforts in three broad categories: 

Basic Measurements and Standards.-developing a 

complete and consistent system of physical measurements, which is the essential foundation of all advanced 

research and technology. 

Materials Measurement and Standards.-providing 

a basis for the determination and understanding of 

the properties of materials. 

Technological Measurement and Standards.-developing means for measuring the properties of products, 

commodities, devices, processes, and systems. 

Basic Measurements and Standards 

A pollo I1 Lunar Range Experiment-NBS cooperated with scientists from the University of Maryland 

and other institutions in preparing the optical retroreflector that was left on the moon by Apollo 11. 

Using this instrument, the round-trip light traveltime from the Earth to the Moon and back is now 

being measured using short laser pulses. Resulting 

data will be used to determine the lunar orbit, radius 

and other characteristics, the wobble of the Earth about 

its rotation axis, the rotation of the Earth, and the difference in longitude between widely separated observing stations. Such geophysical information should help 

in understanding the interaction between the core and 

the mantle of the Earth, and should provide a direct 

test of whether the large-scale crustkl movements predicted by recent theories of ocean floor spreading and 

continental drift are actually taking place. 
Radio Line Spectra of Hydroxyl-NBS made precision measurements of the radio waves given off by 

two excited states of the hydroxyl (OH) molecule at 

the request of Harvard radio astronomers. Using the 

large radio telescope at Greenbank, W. Va., and the 

NBS measurements as the basis for their search, they 

were able to detect faint OH signals in a single night 

of observation. Without the NBS measurements, the 

search would have required a great deal more telescope 

time, which is expensive in terms of both money and 

delays in other scheduled observations; and indeed, 

according to the astronomers, probably would not have 

succeeded at all. 

Speed of Light Measurements-NBS is working to 

measure the speed of light with a greater degree of 

precisiorl than previously possible. Better speed-oflight determinations are needed, among other things, 

in making orbital calculations and long distance measurements-from the Earth to the Moon, for example. 

New Radio Noise Standard-At the request of the 

Communications Satellite Corp. (Comsat), NBS built 

a new standard for measuring radio noise power. It 

will enable Comsat to measure accurately the background noise level in amplifiers and antennas used 

for ground receiving stations. Prior to this developmaking such noise measurements and could not 

properly evaluate the component of their receiving 

equipment. 

Apollo 9 Cameras-Four mapping cameras carried on 

the Apollo 9 mission were calibrated by NBS. Many 

optical characteristics of the camera lenses and mechanical properties of the shutters were checked. 

Atomic and Molecular Physics-Much of the data 

gathered by the space program requires supplementary 

information to assess it. NBS has major programs in 

atomic and molecular physics at its laboratories in 

Gaithersburg, Boulder, and at the Joint Institute for 

Laboratory Astrophysics, an NBS-University of Colorado joint effort. Some of the year's accomplishments 

were1. A critical evaluation of the atomic transition 

probability data for the 10 elements sodium 

through calcium. 

2. Experimental and theoretical investigations 

of the light emission from a hydrogen arc plasma. 

3. New energy level measurements for atoms of 

technietium, tungsten, chlorine, the rare earths, 

and thorium. 

4. Transition probability measurements of neutral and ionized argon. 

5. Studies of the effects of absorbed gases on 

the photoelectric emission from tungsten surfaces. 

6. Establishment of a data bank containing 

evaluated experimental cross sections for electron 

impact on atoms and small molecules. 

7. Photodetachment studies of the ion (H,O) 

OH which show it may play an important role 

in controlling electron densities in the D region 

of the Earth's upper atmosphere and lower 

ionosphere. 

Moon Gun Constructed-NASA has devised an 

experiment to measure electric fields on the surface of 

the moon by observing the deflection of an electron 

beam. NBS designed a suitable electron gun, and built 

two of them for NASA. Now NBS is consulting with 

NASA on construction details of a flyable model. 

Radiation Protection in Spacecraft-NBS has made 

several theoretical and experimental investigations to 

determine how electron radiation penetrates various 

materials used for shielding spacecraft against Van 

Allen belt electrons, and other radiations. The results 

are vital to the safety of space travelers. 

Thermal Conductivity of Gaseous and Liquid 

Hydrogen-NBS recently completed a ten year 

NASA-supported program to gather data on the physical properties of hydrogen at low temperatures. 

Because hydrogen is an important space fuel, data on 

its properties are vital to the design and operation of 

rocket engines. Other recent work has included the 

determination of many physical properties of liquid 

hydrogen, oxygen, and fluorine, and engineering 

studies of these fuels. 

Materials Research and Standards 

Lunar Sample Program-NBS is involved in the lunar 

sample program in instrument development, standard 

reference materials, and in analyses of lunar samples. 

A mass spectrometer was designed and constructed for 

NASA to use in analyzing moon material. NBS will 

also make analyses of moon materials in its own laboratories by mass spectrometry, X-ray and Mossbauer 

spectrometry, electron microprobe and other techniques. Standard Reference Materials of simulated 

lunar samples were prepared to serve as the basis for 

analysis of moon material by other investigators. These 

materials were described at a NASA meeting and were 

considered highly useful in calibrating mass spktrometric work between laboratories in the lunar sample 

program. 

Physical Chemistry of Planetary A tmospheres-This 

project involves many programs in atomic and free 

radical chemistry and the chemistry of excited states 

related to atmospheres which may be encountered on 

other planets. A paper on the photochemistry of Jupiter was published during the year. This work is ex67 
pected to develop valuable data for use in planning 

planetary exploration. 

Standard Reference Materials-Standard Reference 

Materials (SRM) are well characterized materials that 

can be used to calibrate a measurement svstem or to 

produce scientific data that can be readily referred to 

a common base. One more metallo-organic SRM was 

developed and made available for testing the wear of 

modern jet engines, permitting predictions to be made 

of failure rates. Metallo-organic standards are used in 

the air transportation industry to detect engine failure 

before they occur. The additional metallo-organic material brings to nine the total available from NBS. 

Sixteen new gold plating thickness standards were 

issued to check precise measurements for the thickness 

of metal coatings. Gold is often plated on electrical 

components to provide stability and resistance to oxidation and corrosion. 

Technological Measurements and Standards 

Tape Recording Systems for Space Vehicles-Magnetic tape recorders are one of the crucial links in relaying data from the space laboratory or observatory: 

premature failure of these recorders is often traced to 

tape systems or their components. NBS is investigating 

to determine the cause of failure in NASA satellite 

tape recorders due to tape head sticking. The program 

will also give information needed to properly specify 

magnetic tapes and recorder head materials for use 

in satellites. 

Development of Space Radiation Detectors-NBS 

developed a nuclear radiation detector configuration 

that lengthens the useful life in a low-energy-particle 

environment by a factor of about 10,000. This development will extend life of space craft experiments and 

reduce the number of such experiments needed for 

equivalent amounts of data. Solid state nuclear radiation detectors are used to measure the exposure of 

satellites to high energy radiation during flight. 

Perjormance of High Temperature ThermocouplesNBS is investigating the performance of high temperature thermocouples used to improve the accuracy of 

measurements made during tests of advanced propulsion systems for aircraft. These improvements will 

permit a more accurate evaluation by NASA of performance of development propulsion systems. 

Heat Sterilirable Magnetic Tape-At the request of 

Goddard Space Flight Center, NBS is acting as technical monitor of a program at Battelle Memorial Institute to produce heat sterilizable magnetic tape. The 

tapes are needed for recorders aboard spacecraft designed to land on other planets. 

68 

Radiation Detectors in Space Vehicles-The safety 

of space travelers requires that radiation hazards be 

promptly and properly detected ; however, present detectors degrade rapidly in the harsh radiation environment of space. NBS research has made possible the 

prediction of the useful life of detectors and has yielded 

information on the proper use of detectors in these 

environments. 

Aeronautics Research-The Office of Vehicle Systems 

Research (OVSR) of NBS conducts research on 

tires, restraint systems, and brake systems for commercial and military aircraft. 

A USAF Flight Dynamics Laboratory funded program is being conducted by the OVSR to develop a 

mathematical model of the aircriift tire wear problem. 

Both the Air Force and NASA are being informed. 

Other progams sponsored by the NBS Tire Systems 

Section relating to aircraft tires include: preparation 

of the first English language textbook on pneumatic 

tire mechanics; a study of the internal stress in statically deformed pneumatic tires ; a dynamic analysis 

of skidding; fatigue failure and impact performance; 

wave geometry; and test instrument development. 

In addition, the OVSR has organized a forum for 

the exchange of fundamental knowledge and information on tire mechanics. The Tire and Brake Research 

Sections at NBS cooperate closely with NASA. Activities in NBS related to fog, landing strip lighting, etc. 

are also applicable to aeronautical research being performed by other agencies. 

Office of State Technical Services 

The Department of Commerce's Office of State Technical Services (OSTS) has continued its program of 

making available to the non-Government sector of 

the American economy the technologies and scientific 

knowledge developed in Government programs. In the 

area of aeronautics and space technology the OSTS 

cooperates with the Technology Utilization Division 

of NASA in monitoring these programs to identify 

information of possible use to private or other nonFederal activities. The major method for transferring 

this information is by means of person-to-person contact through the OSTS technical field service, which 

is supported by information, reference, and educational services. The OSTS field services personnel also 

work closely with appropriate State agencies. This 

office and the NASA Technology Utilization Division 

also participate jointly in national conferences on 

information dissemination and technology transfer. 

The NASA offers additional assistance through the 

regional dissemination centers of its Technology 

Utilization Division. 
Maritime Administration 

In 1961 the Maritime Administration concentrated 

on the preparation, with the Radio Technical Commission for Marine Service, of position papers for 

participation in the 1971 World Advisory Radio Conference in Geneva. Papers were prepared outlining 

international positions for mobile marine communications via satellites. Based on the Administration’s 

experience with satellite-to-shipboard communications 

tests during 1968, a specification (“Marine Mobile 

VHF Satellite Communications Terminal Specification,” available to the public from the Clearinghouse 

for Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Department of Commerce) was written for a marine 

mobile VHF satellite communications terminal. Since 

the potential viability of a system of mobile satellite 

communication for marine services depend on the 

costs of shipboard equipment, the Maritime Administration is preparing to participate in tests of a UHF 

satellite transponder system. Test results will be used 

to determine the relative reliability of UHF and VHF 

systems, and to arrive at the cost-benefit ratios between UHF and VHF shipboard antennas. 

XI1 Department of Transportation I 

Introduction 

During 1969, the Department of Transportation was 

engaged in a variety of research and development programs pursuing goals contemplated by the National 

Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, all such programs 

being carried out through the Federal Aviation Administration. The single most notable enterprise of 

this kind was the supersonic transport development 

program. Another major area concerns itself with 

efforts to modernize the air traffic control and navigation system on which aviation’s efficient use, without 

sacrifice of safety, of the increasingly crowded airspace depends. Improved safety in aviation, a perennial 

objective, continued to receive major attention. Other 

important programs were concerned with human factors as operational elements in aviation, and with 

preserving the quality of the environment upon which 

an ever-expanding aviation tends to encroach. 

The Supersonic Transport 

For the supersonic transport development program, 

the year was marked by a series of major evaluations 

and decisions. 

The process began in January, when the airframe 

contractor submitted to FAA a new configuration to 

replace the variable-sweep-wing configuration judged 

in 1968 to be uneconomical. The new configuration, 

incorporating a delta wing with a horizontal tail, 

passed the technical evaluation of a Government review team of 100 members drawn from FAA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the 

Department of Defense. Thereupon, the Secretary 

of Transportation recommended that the President 

approve the start of prototype construction. The President, however, late in February, appointed a 12-member interdepartmental committee to review and make 

recommendations on this subject in the light of overall 

U.S. priorities. On September 23, after considering 

all aspects of the significance of this project, including 

the committee’s report, the President announced his 

decision that the program should go forward; stating 

that if U.S. supremacy in air transport was to be maintained, the building of this airplane was essential. 

To finance the start of prototype construction, the 

President asked Congress to supplement the $99 million 

available in carryover funds with an appropriation of 

$96 million (fiscal year 1970). Congress reduced this 

amount to $85 million which was approved by the 

President on December 29. 

Air Traffic Control and Navigation System 

Notable efforts underway during 1969 to improve 

the air traffic control and navigation system continued 

from work in previous years with the advanced radar 

traffic control system (ARTS) concepts. (Testing and 

appraisal of ARTS I, completed in 1966 at Atlanta, 

Ga., showed the advantages of electronically displaying 

“data tags” on the ATC radar scope which provides 

the controller with aircraft identification and altitude 

69 
data adjacent to the aircraft targets.) The 1969 efforts 

included the following: 

ARTS ZZ-Direct Altitude and Identity Readout 

(DAZR) System-During 1969, FAA and DOD completed joint operational testing and evaluation of both 

civil and military DAIR prototype configurations at 

the FAA National Aviation Facilities Experimental 

Center (NAFEC), Atlantic City, N.J. In late 1969, 

DOD awarded a contract for quantity production of 

the military configuration. 

The DAIR system, jointly developed by‘FAA and 

the Department of Defense, is designed for use at terminal facilities with only moderate aircraft activity, 

whether these be civil airports with FAA control 

towers or military bases with radar approach control. 

The system is being developed in essentially similar but 

distinct civil and military configurations, and both 

types will supply numerals giving a coded identification 

of the aircraft to the controller’s radarscope, from instruments in the in-flight aircraft. These numeral codes 

also indicate the pressure altitude of the aircraft. Appearing adjacent to the radar image of the aircraft, 

these numerals will accompany the image across the 

scope or display. 

The chief operational benefits expected from the 

system are ( 1 ) reduction of controller-to-pilot radio 

voice communications by more than 30 percent, and 

(2) increased air traffic controller efficiency resulting 

from positive identification of radar targets (aircraft) 

on the radar display and from continuously reported 

altitude information for such targets with a minimum 

of radio communication. 

ARTS ZZZ-In the ARTS I11 program during 1969, 

FAA awarded a contract for fabrication, testing, 

delivery, and installation of 62 ARTS I11 systems for 

operating terminal facilities, plus one system for 

research and development and one system for training. 

This equipment is designed to semiautomatic air 

traffic control operations at airports where air-traffic 

density is medium or higher. Deliveries under the contract are to take place over the period between May 

1970 and October 1972. 

The ARTS I11 systems uses letters as well as numbers (alphanumerics) in the electronic tags beside the 

aircraft’s radar image to show such information as the 

aircraft’s identification and altitude. After initial 

acquisition, each alphanumeric tag in this system will 

under normal conditions follow the appropriate aircraft target across the radar display without intervention by the controller. Alphanumeric tags will be prepared and displayed only for aircraft under the 

jurisdiction of the terminal, and within the terminal 

they will be presented only to the display or displavs 

controlling the aircraft. 

Other major capabilities of the system include (1) 

70 

intrafacility handoff, or transfer of the alphanumeric 

tags from one operating position to another within 

the same terminal; (2) interfacility handoff, or transfer of the tags between positions in the terminal and 

positions in adjacent air route traffic control centers 

having the proper equipment; (3) quick-look capability, which will permit one position to look at alphanumerics displayed at another position; (4) automatic 

repositioning, which will automatically reposition the 

tags to avoid display clutter; and (5) automatic track 

drop, which will eliminate the tags from the radar 

display when the aircraft concerned have reached a 

predetermined range or altitude. 

The modular character of the ARTS 111 system 

will permit (1) tailoring to the particular and sometimes unique requirements of given terminal facilities. 

and (2) expansion to perform additional functions or 

provide higher levels of automation. 

National Airspace System en Route Stage A-Like 

ARTS I11 at terminal facilities, the National Airspace 

System en route stage A equipment will semiautomate 

operations at FAA’s air route traffic control centers. 

During 1969, shakedown testing of the system continued at NAFEC, and implementation of the system 

at the Jacksonville, Fla., air route traffic control center 

proceeded in preparation for operational testing there 

in calendar year 1970. 

Radar Weather-Clutter Techniques-Radars now in 

use for air traffic control employ techniques which 

prevent light rainfall from obscuring aircraft targets 

on the radarscope, but are ineffective against heavy 

rainfall which appears in the controller’s display as 

clutter. Because the controller needs to know the location of rainstorms in directing aircraft movements, 

the entire elimination of rainfall clutter is undesirable. 

A contract was awarded during the year for the development of a radar model capable of showing the location and extent of precipitation-by line contours, for 

example-without obscuring aircra€t targets. 

All-Weather Landing System-FAA continued work 

in 1969 on the long-range undertaking to develop an 

all-weather landing system (AWLS) . This involves 

integration of three major technical-area efforts : the 

ground-based guidance system, the airborne (Le., in 

the aircraft) system, and the lighting system. The purpose of the AWLS is to enable aircraft to land under 

visibility conditions so poor as to fall technically within 

category I11 weather minimums-that is, conditions 

under which the pilot cannot see the ground or runway 

before landing and under which the runway visual 

range is between 1,200 feet and zero. 

Outstanding in the year’s work was the flight testing 

of a category I11 airborne system design in a C-141 

aircraft, under the joint sponsorship of FAA and the 

U.S. Air Force. This system lands the aircraft auto- 
matically while the pilot, with the aid of a cockpit display, serves as a backup to the automatic system. The 

flight tests included operation to a full stop on the 

runway with the pilot under the hood. They indicated that, within certain limitations, the total airground system involved should be suitable for category 

III-A operations (runway visual range less than 1,200 

feet but not less than 700 feet). 

Mobile Facilities-During 1969 FAA continued an 

effort begun in 1967 to develop and fabricate mobile 

elements of the air traffic control and navigation system for use in emergencies. Such emergencies may arise 

from temporary outage of permanent facilities for 

any of a variety of reasons (e.g., relocation, or damage 

from fire, storm, or earthquake), or because no permanent facility is available where service is temporarily 

needed (as at a fly-in by a general aviation organization). 

By the end of 1969, mobile versions of the following 

elements of the system had been fabricated, and most 

had been used repeatedly: airport traffic control tower; 

one type of long-range radar ; compass-locator/marker 

(used to assist aircraft in transition from en route navigational aids to an instrument landing system, in flying 

a holding pattern, and in using the instrument landing 

system) ; engine-generators (usable as either prime or 

backup power sources for other facilities) ; VOR and 

Tacan (the basic en route short-range navigational aids 

for the air traffic control and navigation system) ; and 

a communication van. 

Also completed during the year were the engineering-requirement plans for the next decade. Besides improvements in the design and performance of the foregoing mobile elements, the plans call for fabrication of 

mobile versions of the principle remaining system elements, as follows : instrument landing system, distancemeasuring equipment, airport surveillance radar, 

Tracon (terminal radar approach control), air route 

surveillance radar (another type of long-range radar), 

and flight service station. 

Preparation for Future Air Vehicles and Equipment-The air traffic control and navigation system 

must be ready to accommodate the aircraft of the future and aircraft-equipment innovations significantly 

affecting the procedural and operational structure of 

the system. The most notable preparations of this 

kind in progress during 1969 were those in anticipation 

of the following: 

(a) Area navigation.--In September 1969, FAA 

established 16 new “off-airway” routes in widely scattered regions of the country for use of qualified pilots 

using FAA-approved area-navigation equipment. Area 

navigation permits pilots to use navigational aids without homing in on them, as must be done on the conventional airways, which pass over navigational aids. The 

area-navigation routes, capable of going directly from 

starting point to destination independently of navaid 

locations, are generally shorter and more convenient 

than the conventional airways, on which they also help 

relieve congestion. 

(b) Jumbo jets.-The principal adaptive changes 

will be at terminal facilities for these aircraft, the first 

of which will be operating in 1970. 

(c) V/STOL and STOL aircraft.-FAA both conducted and partkipated in operational testing of such 

aircraft in 1969 bearing on airport and systems design 

and standards for operation of such aircraft. 

Aviation Safety Research and Development 

During 1969, in previous years, FAA was engaged 

in numerous research and development efforts aimed 

at making aviation safer. These efforts are complementary to more fundamental studies in this area conducted by NASA resulting in a coordinated interagency 

program in aeronautical safety. Broadly described, 

FAA’s efforts sought ways to reduce or eliminate hazards incident to both en route aircraft operations and 

those connected with takeoff or landing, and also 

means to increase the likelihood of the occupants’ survival of such airplane accidents as do occur. 

En Route Operations-Fire, collision, weather turbulence, and sabotage are all in-flight aircraft hazards 

against which R&D efforts by FAA are of long standing. Similar efforts against hijacking, another hazard 

generally manifesting itself after the aircraft has taken 

off and is well underway, are of more recent origin. 

During 1969, developmental work to counter the 

in-flight fire hazard was highlighted by feasibility tests 

indicating liquid nitrogen to be an effective agent for 

extinguishing powerplant fires; additional tests are 

being conducted. 

On the subject of midair collision, FAA was, among 

other things, (1) assisting the Air Transport Association in flight-testing and evaluating one type of collision-avoidance system, delivered by the contractor 

earlier in the year, and (2) continuing computer 

simulation studies of the situation resulting from introducing a collision-avoidance system into the air 

traffic control system. 

Turbulence, in the common form of thunderstorms, 

can be detected by both ground-based and aircraftcarried radar; but no effective operational instruments 

have been devised for detecting the invisible and inaudible phenomenon called clear-air turbulence 

(CAT). In 1969, the search for a solution to the CAT 

problem took a new direction. Two principal circumstances contributed: ( 1 ) Regions of low and high probability of CAT can be identified by certain computerbased techniques of probability analysis resulting from 

371-175 0 - 70 - 6 71 
studies recently completed by a private institute under 

FAA contract, and (2) the National Meteorological 

Center (NMC) recently put into operation a new 

model for forecasting temperatures and winds up to 

40,000 feet. From these circumstances, FAA and NMC 

developed a plan for forecasting CAT by combining 

the probability-analysis techniques with NMC’s new 

model for forecasting winds and temperatures. The 

premise is that the future location of the regions of 

probable CAT identified by analysis techniques can be 

forecast with accuracy comparable to that attained currently in NMC’s wind forecasts by allowing for 

advection (horizontal movement) of the regions of 

probable CAT with the wind field. Revision of the 

prepared computer programs on probable CAT regions 

to make them compatible with the NMC computer programs for wind and temperature forecasts was being 

carried out in 1969. 

After nearly a decade of R&D effort by FAA, prevention of aircraft sabotage remained an unsolved 

problem in 1969 though some progress has been made 

and the effort continues. In February 1969, results of 

testing and evaluation of an engineering model of an 

antisabotage device delivered to FAA by the contractor in 1968 became known. The testing and evaluation had been carried out by a panel of scientists 

drawn from Government, industry, and academic institutions, and they agreed that the device, a “Chemosensor” designed to detect explosive vapors, had potential; but they also agreed that major improvements in 

sensitivity and selectivity were needed. At year’s end, 

the direction of further work on this principle was 

being established. A contractual effort on another principle was started during the year-to explore the 

feasibility of a passive explosive-detection system using 

analysis of neutron activation. 

An unprecedented epidemic of aircraft hijacking 

that started in 1968 and carried over into the first part 

of 1969 caused FAA to establish in 1968 a project 

to develop, as one countermeasure, a means of detecting weapons on potential hijackers before they could 

board an airliner. Such a device was field-tested in 1969 

as part of a system including also a hijacker “profile” 

based on personal characteristics of past hijackers. Several months of field-testing at 9 metropolitan airports 

in various parts of the eastern half of the United 

States and Puerto Rico produced encouraging results, 

and at year’s end the agency, in cooperation with one 

of the Nation’s trunk airlines, had placed the system 

in operation at unannounced locations for preboarding screening of the airline’s passengers. 

Besides projects like those discussed above, designed 

to reduce or eliminate hazards that might be encountered by any aircraft, FAA continued in 1969 a number of projects designed especially to make the flying 

of general aviation aircraft safer. During the year, the 

72 

agency (1) was working on technical and operational 

criteria for improved stall warning systems for general 

aviation aircraft, (2) was well into a project involving 

analysis of general aviation accident data by make and 

model of aircraft to determine in a statistically significant manner those design practices, both good and 

bad, that contribute to accidents involving pilot error, 

(3) completed tests of anti-icing wing-coating materials in the icing research tunnel at NASA’s Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio, and began flight tests 

of the most promising of these materials, (4) in cooperation with NASA and DOD, using variable-stability research airplanes supplemented by both groundbased and in-flight simulators for the wide range of civil 

aircraft configurations, continued programs concerned 

with improving the handling qualities of both current and emerging forms of aircraft through determining optimum stability and control characteristics 

for use in system design and through promoting the 

development of promising new aircraft control concepts, and (5) continued a study of the hazards to 

small aircraft posed by the vortex wake turbulence 

created by very large aircraft. 

Airfiort and Vicinity-Highlights of R&D programs 

to achieve greater aviation safety on and near airports 

included developments connected with runway-traction problems, with airport surface detection equipment 

(ASDE) , and with a project studying jet-transport 

landing characteristics. 

Taking advantage of NASA’s extensive research in 

the runway-traction area, FAA studies began in fiscal 

year 1965 to apply these results to actual airport 

operations. Runway grooving has been found to make 

aircraft easier to control and stop when they land on 

wet runways, and runway-friction-measuring equipment and procedures have been developed by FAA 

and others for providing pilots with stopping-distance 

information for slick runways. By the beginning of 

1969, runways at several airports, including Washington National, had been grooved. During the year, 

grooving was applied to certain runways on the airports at Dallas and Atlanta. Further study of the correlation between wet-runway friction and airphe 

stopping distance was being pursued during the year 

in two ways: one by using a computer to simulate the 

airplane, and the other by adapting a military methodology to civil operations. 

Improvements in the operational usefulness and 

economy of airport surface detection equipment (radar 

equipment used by the controller to monitor the surface of the airport when direct visibility conditions 

from the tower cab are poor) resulted in a selection order in 1969 (;.e., approval for incorporation in 

operationally authorized ASDE’s upon authorization 

of funds). High maintenance costs in comparison with 

restricted operational utility had caused all but four 
of 11 ASDE’s in operation to be shut down under an 

FAA order issued in February 1966. Since then, maintenance costs have been reduced by use of solid-state 

components and otherwise, and operational utility has 

been much improved by incorporation of a brightdisplay capability, which eliminates the need for a hood 

to make the display visible to the controller under the 

normal light conditions in the control-tower cab. 

The objective of the project concerned with jet 

transport landing characteristics-i.e., to accumulate 

data for a review of certification criteria applying to 

these characteristics-was achieved in 1969. The 

method used was to photograph and analyze the performance of jet transports in approaches and landings 

at six different airports. The project began late in 

1967. 

Among other projects active during the year to 

improve aviation safety on or near airports were those 

concerned with airport firefighting equipment and 

techniques, antiskid runway paint, runway emergency 

arresting systems, and the prevention of birds from 

being drawn into the engines of jet aircraft. 

Postcrash Safety-A num‘ber of FAA’s R&D programs during 1969 were addressed to various aspects 

of the problem of achieving greater aircraft crashworthiness-i.e., basic design, materials, and construction, such that aircraft occupants have a better chance 

to survive if the aircraft crashes: 

(a) Crash impact tests made on large-scale fuselage 

models during the year completed development of a 

program begun in previous years to use an analytical 

digital computer to calculate, for a survivable accident, 

the probable forces of distortion acting on a typical 

transport fuselage, and their effects. The test data 

show that the computer program provides a usable tool 

for evaluating, in the design stage, new concepts in 

fuselage crashworthiness. 

(b) A prototype of a system for providing emergency exits for occupants of a crashed plane by the 

use of high-energy liquid explosives underwent evaluation tests during the year. The basic development work 

on the system was accomplished in prior years in cooperation with the U.S. Army’s Picatinny and Frankford 

Arsenals. At year’s end, further refinement of the system was in progress. 

(c) Further studies were made of flammability and 

smoke characteristics of burning cabin interior materials, of the kind supporting new safety regulations in 

1967 and 1968, and additional laboratory and flammability smoke tests of newly developed materials proposed for the next generation of jet transports were 

conducted by FAA and the National Bureau of Standards. Resulting data are being used to support more 

stringent standards proposed by FAA in August 1969 

for flammability and smoke characteristics of materials 

installed in transport aircraft. 

(d) Interior features of aircraft cabins were investigated in several dozen accidents by FAA medical 

officers, and medical findings were made available 

to engineers as a contribution toward appropriate 

modification of features that inflict death or injury 

upon aircraft occupants in crashes. 

(e) Simulated crash tests of full-scale wing sections 

incorporating fuel-tank systems employing improved 

materials and crash-actuated shutoff valves were performed on FAA’s catapult facility; little or no leakage occurred, despite test conditions significantly nearer 

those of an actual crash impact than were applied in 

1968 tests. In another program, new crashworthiness 

concepts for integral tank structure and sealing material components subjected to laboratory tests during 

the year promise to minimize postcrash fuel spills. 

(f) Tests during the year on compatibility of jet 

transport fuel-system components with fuels thickened 

to reduce postcrash fire hazard indicated that gelled 

fuel presents fewer system problems than emulsified 

fuels. An analysis was begun to compare the cost of 

using gelled fuel in commercial air carrier service with 

the cost of other methods of reducing the same postcrash fire hazard. Preparations were also begun to run 

a jet engine on gelled fuel in a 50-hour endurance test 

as part of the qualification of gelled fuel for flight tests. 

Other Sufety (R&D)-Notable aviation safety R&D 

activities not mentioned above include- 

(a) Continuation of work begun in June 1968 

to improve survivability of magnetic tapes or 

other recording media used in airborne flight data 

recorders, which are of vital importance to both 

FAA and the National Transportation Safety 

Board in investigating aircraft accidents. NASA 

assisted in the theoretical calculations required to 

analyze properties of various ablative/charring 

materials. 

(b) Completion of a project begun in 1968 to 

provide a remote-control device giving a parachute jump instructor immediate control of his 

student jumper’s auxiliary parachute. 

(c) Conducting of tests to determine hazards 

of possible aircraft collision with instrumented 

balloons called for in substantial numbers at altitudes between 18,000 and 100,000 feet as part of a 

worldwide weather system developed in 1964. 

(d) Evaluation in cooperation with the Office 

of Naval Research, of an industry-developed technique for achieving from the normal shades of 

gray in conventional X-ray negatives a greater 

contrast of colors, which greatly enhances accuracy in interpreting the data. Successful demonstration of this technique to assist airworthiness 

inspection of airframes and aircraft engines has 

prompted others to support follow-on development of automatic X-ray processing equipment. 

73 
These include NASA, the Federal Highway Administration, the US. Coast Guard, the Office of 

Naval Research, and the U.S. Air Force. 

Human Factors in Aviation 

Studies concerning human factors in aviation being 

pursued or participated in by FAA during 1969 applied 

in particular to pilots, air traffic controllers and passengers. These included- 

(a) A study, completed in 1969, to determine 

the actual flying habits and flight profile of the 

private pilot population, and similar studies 

started during the yea+ concerning the commercial pilot and the instrument-rated pilot populations, the data to be used for developing obective 

standards of operational competence applicable 

in certification of such pilots. 

(b) A study begun in 1969 to examine effects 

of postcertification time lapses on instrument 

flight skills of private and commercial pilots with 

instrument ratings. 

(c) A project begun in 1969 to correlate pilot 

preflight practices with subsequent safe or unsafe 

flying. 

(d) A long-range study by the Navy Aerospace 

Medical Institute, Pensacola, Fla., of the relationship between physiological and chronological age 

in some 800 Navy and ex-Navy pilots first studied 

in 1940 and periodically reassessed since. 

(e) A study begun in 1968 to assess medically, 

in terms of specific quantification, stress experienced by air traffic controllers while on heavyshift work and on light-shift work. Findings were 

being put in final form at the end of 1969. 

(f ) Studies that developed through statistical 

analyses such aids in recruiting, training, and 

utilizing air traffic controllers as correlations between the controller’s age, experience, and personality on the one hand, and, on the other, objective criteria of proficiency determined during 

air traffic control exercises performed in an air 

traffic control simulator. 

(g) Studies that determined the optimum 

combination of lighting, screen type, screen size, 

viewing distance, and color filters for large screen 

radar displays to be used by air traffic controllers. 

These studies also determined that large displays 

should only supplement individual displays provided for primary control. 

(h) Studies concerned with standards and 

limits applying to maintenance of a livable atmosphere in the SST-including cabin pressures, degree of exposure to cosmic radiation, and oxygen 

requirements for portable oxygen equipment to 

be used by stewardesses to assist passengers during 

emergencies. 

(i) A study, begun in 1968 in cooperation with 

the U.S. Public Health Service, to assess the actual 

level of tobacco-combustion products in air transport aircraft cabins during routine flights. 

Aviation and the Environment 

Several of FAA’s R&D programs or activities during 

1969 were addressed to aspects of maintaining the 

quality of the environment, an area of increasing 

importance as technological civilization advances. 

Abatement of aircraft noise has long been an 

FAA concern. Continuing past efforts to develop acceptable jet transport noise abatement procedures, the 

agency was, during 1969, operationally evaluating a 

computer designed to be carried in aircraft for guiding 

the aircraft on a two-segment approach to landing. 

(The two-segment approach is designed to keep the 

airplane and its jet noise as high as possible, within 

safe operating limits, above the communities surrounding an airport as the airplane makes the earlier part 

of its appmach.) During 1969, the scope of the evaluation was expanded to include more aircraft and pilots. 

At year’s end, the evaluation was scheduled to be 

completed in mid-1970. 

The effects of sonic booms on the quality and 

quantity of sleep are to be assessed in a project being 

prepared for by FAA in 1969. To provide data, 20 

subjects will sleep for 28 nights in special sonic-boom 

chambers being installed at the agency’s Civil Aeromedical Institute, Oklahoma City. 

Engine smoke in the atmosphere was another FAA 

concern during the year. As a participant on a technical committee of the Society of Automotive Engineers 

(SAE) , the FAA conducted engine smoke measurement tests which were a factor in the preparation of 

an SAE Aeronautical Recommended Practice on the 

measurement of engine smoke. Relationships between 

smoke measured in a test cell by this method and aircraft smoke trails in flight are being determined by 

further tests. Resulting data will assist in the establishment of engine smoke limits if the National Air Pollution Control Administration of the Department of 

Health, Education, and Welfare should conclude that 

such limits should be adopted, 

74 
XI11 National 

Introduction 

In 1969 the National Science Foundation (NSF) 

supported a variety of programs in aeronautics and 

space. The largest part cd NSF activities consists of 

support given to research projects at colleges and 

universities. The Foundation administers a number 

of national programs and supports national research 

centers throughout the country. Facilities such as radio 

telescopes, scientific balloons, and experimental aerodynamic facilities are also provided by NSF for 

scientific and engineering research related to aeronautics and space. Participation and cooperation with 

NASA's airborne science aircraft has yielded significant 

data on the aurora, upper atmosphere, and planetary 

observations. 

Solar-Terrestrial Program-Effects of the radiation, 

particles, and plasma waves from the Sun which control the Earth's outer environment are studied in the 

solar-terrestrial program and associated parts of the 

aeronomy program. These selected studies of spacerelated problems in fiscal year 1969 included the following areas : 

1. Nature of solar flare outbursts and their terrestrial 

influences 

2. Interaction of the Earth's magnetic field with the 

solar wind, producing the enveloping magnetosphere 

and the trapping of particles in the radiation belts. 

3. Structure of interplanetary magnetic fields as 

revealed by effects on cosmic rays reaching the Earth. 

4. Analysis of the variable magnetic fields of the 

Earth, which significantly shields the terrestrial environment from solar particles. Insight is gained 

through satellites, rocket measurements of fields, and 

ground-based studies of electromagnetic wave propagation and optical emissions indicating partial conjugacy of field lines in the Northern and Southern 

Hemispheres. 

5. Study the theory and experiment of the transport 

of energy from solar plasma into the Earth's atmosphere and of its subsequent coupling into the atmosphere. Special effects probed in detail include the 

creation of electrical current systems in the ionosphere, 

abnormal absorption of radio waves, and production 

of auroral light. 

Science Foundation 

6. This program was given the responsibility of 

providing coordination for Federal activities related to 

the March 1970 solar eclipse by the Office of Science 

and Technology of the Executive Office of the President. Plans for coordination of researches were set 

into operation by the Director of the Solar-Terrestrial 

Program, and initial grants for research support were 

made. 

7. Operation of the outer atmospheric facility at 

the Arecibo Ionospheric Observatory, in which these 

programs participated, produced information on the 

density and temperature of charged particles in the 

ionosphere which augmented measurements by satellite 

probes. 

National Center for Atmospheric Research (Colorado)-Continuing studies of the Sun and interplanetary medium were pursued during fiscal year 1969 at 

the High-Altitude Observatory of the National Center 

for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) . One major new 

effort involves the development of a coronagraph to be 

carried in orbit aboard the Apollo telescope mount 

as part of NASA's Apollo applications program in 

early 1970. The thermal-mechanical model passed 

various environmental tests at the subcontractor laboratory. A prototype version was delivered and being 

readied for a balloon flight test from Palestine. 

The various studies produced the following results: 

1. New interest in the rotation of the Sun was revealed, allowing for a satisfactory explanation of 

phenomena such as the equatorial acceleration, and 

the role that differential rotation may have on driving 

the solar activity dynamo. Powerful computers have 

been used to calculate coupling effects with greater 

accuracy than was possible by analytic solutions. 

2. The role of magnetic fields in prominences have 

focused on the accumulation of a unique body of measurements of prominence fields and on analysis to determine how a field is oriented with respect to a prominence axis and how it is involved in support of the 

prominence. It has become clear that electric currents 

are significant in many prominences. 

Another NCAR program resulted in the collection 

of high altitude air in order to determine the concentration and properties of traces of gases in the 

upper stratosphere. Preliminary analyses of the air 

between an altitude of 27 and 39 miles revealed nearly 

75 
the same volume concentration of molecular hydrogen 

and carbon dioxide as found in surface air, but considerably less methane and no carbon monoxide or 

oxides or nitrogen were detected. Tritium was found 

to be about two orders of magnitude higher than estimates based upon the action of cosmic rays in the 

upper atmosphere. The difference is due to thermonuclear explosions. Additional rocket launches are 

being planned. 

U.S. Antarctic Research Program-Many Antarctic 

studies relate directly or indirectly to the space program. Informal consultations on mutual problems are 

frequent between NSF and NASA, and a NASA official presently serves in an advisory capacity to the 

US. antarctic research program. 

Space program officials have shown particular interest in the management' of the antarctic program, 

as it operation at the end of a long logistic line bears 

some resemblance to the lunar exploration program. 

There are parallels, as well, between the antarctic environment and those that may be encountered on other 

planets. For this reason, soil microbiological studies 

have been carried out in Antarctica for several years. 

The NSF-sponsored development of an automatic 

antartic research station has benefited from the interest 

and advice of NASA scientists. 

Satellites have many uses in the antarctic program, 

ranging from the photography of weather and ice patterns, through geodetic measurements, to applications 

in upper atmosphere research. Ionospheric and magnetospheric data in general from the high-latitude 

antarctic stations are of great consequence in space 

physics. 

Engineering-The Engineering Division supports a 

number of research programs related to aeronautics 

and space activities. There has been an increasing 

amount of interest in applying aeronautical knowledge 

and techniques to Earth-based problems such as wind 

effects on structures, dispersion of contaminants in the 

atmosphere, and flight of birds and insects, as well 

as general basic research in aerodynamics and structures. 

A number of research projects supported during 

fiscal year 1969 involve the study of low density gas 

flows and supersonic-hypersonic aerodynamics. Typical 

examples are the studies at the University of California, Berkeley, and at Princeton using rarified gas 

flow tunnels constructed with NSF assistance. Studies 

are being made of free jet density fields for monatomic 

gases by electron beam fluorescence, on the formulation and analysis of neutral gas flows in the transition 

regime to provide theoretical inputs for an experimental program, the formulation and analysis of 

ionized gas flow problems in which local electrostatic 

effects play a dominant role, and an experimental 

detailed probing of flow fields (from continuum to 

free-molecular flow regimes) on simple, curved, and 

nonaxisymmetric bodies with various surface conditions and inclinations using a variety of special instruments. Studies on hypersonic rarified gas flow and 

hypersonic the instability are under way at the State 

University of New York, Buffalo, and at Brown University. The stability of blunt body flow fields in hypersonic flow is being investigated at the University of 

Mississippi. 

In the low-speed regime a study is underway at the 

University of Michigan on axisymmetric turbulent 

wakes. A study at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn is considering the vortex superstructure of turbulent 

jets. At the Oklahoma State University an investigation is being made of wind tunnel wall effects on a 

wing with large wake deflections and a study at the 

University of South Dakota is investigating separation 

prevention by injection for flow over an axisymmetric 

body. 

Both deterministic and probabilistic studies are 

underway on the development of numerical methods 

of analysis for structures under static or dynamic loads. 

One program at the University of Dayton is investigating the dynamic response of fuselage structures. A 

study at MIT is developing computer-aided design 

techniques for structures. A research program at New 

York University is looking into the mechanism of 

flight of microscopic insects. The flight of small insects 

is unusual because of the low Reynolds numbers of the 

motion; it can be shown that conventional lift forces 

resulting from fluid inertia considerations are relatively 

ineffective for these insects. It is generally surmised 

that microscopic insects sustain themselves through a 

differential drag procedure where an excess of drag 

on the downstroke as compared to the upstroke is 

presumed sufficient to oppose insect weight. 

A bustle excitation concept is being investigated 

theoretically and experimentally along with several 

other fluid mechanics based differential drag schemes 

in order to increase our knowledge of insect aerodynamics and low Reynolds number fluid mechanics. 

A better understanding of insect flight will be of value 

in the study of micro-aerodynamics, to life scientists 

and possibly in understanding how to control insect 

populations. 

National Radio Astronomy Observatory (West Virginia)-The facilities of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank, W. Va., include a 

300-foot-diameter transit telescope, a 140-foot-diameter fully steerable radio telescope, a three-element 

array of 85-foot-diameter radio telescopes used as an 

interferometer, and a 36-foot-diameter millimeterwave telescope at Kitt Peak, Ariz. In addition, the 

Headquarters Building in Charlottesville, Va., main76 
tains computing facilities for data reduction, offices, 

library, etc. The observatory continues to have extensive use of radio astronomers and students from institutions throughout the country. Very long baseline 

interferometry experiments are being conducted in collaboration with other observatories both in this country 

and abroad. Notably, this year, such experiments have 

been jointly undertaken in cooperation with the Soviet 

Union. 

The Kitt Peak National Observatory (Arizona)- 

The following reflecting telescopes continued in full 

operation for research in astronomy by visitors ‘and 

staff members : two 16-inch photometric telescopes, two 

36-inch photometric and spectroscopic instruments, a 

50-inch remotely controlled telescope which is programmed for photometric work, and an 84-inch 

general-purpose reflector ; also, a long-focus solar telescope of 63-inch aperture, the world’s largest. In 

addition, a program of rocket astronomy is conducted 

for staff and visitors. Work continued during the year 

on a new 150-inch reflecting telescope as a major addition to the observatory equipment. The telescope is 

scheduled for completion in 1972. 

The Arecibo Observatory (Puerto Rico)-This observatory, with the world’s largest radio telescope of 

1,000-foot diameter, was this year transferred to the 

NSF from the DOD. This huge telescope has made 

significant contributions in investigations both of 

characteristics of the Earth‘s atmosphere and in radio 

astronomy. The facility, as a national center, will now 

be made available to scientists and students from institutions throughout the country for wide range studies 

of radio sources and of atmospheric properties. 

Cerro Tololo Znter-American Observatory (Chile)- 

Five telescopes were in operation during the year for 

visitor and staff observing programs; two 16-inch 

telescopes used mainly for photometric work. 36-inch 

and 60-inch telescopes which had both photometric 

and spectroscopic capability, also a 24-inch Schmidttype wide-angle camera on long-term loan from the 

University of Michigan. Contracts were let for the 

optics and mounting and also the dome structure for 

the 150-inch reflecting telescope which is being built 

under joint support of the NSF and the Ford Foundation. Completion of this Southern Hemisphere telescope is expected in 1973. Significant savings in cost 

have resulted because of the simultaneous construction 

of the two 150-inch telescopes for Kitt Peak and Cerro 

Tololo. 

Educational Activities-In fiscal year 1969 approximately $4.8 million was obligated by the Foundation’s 

three education divisions for activities which were, 

either in whole or in part, related to aeronautic and 

space sciences. Since many of these awards were multidiscipline in nature--e.g., a project providing training in several disciplines-it is therefore estimated that 

approximately $2.95 million was awarded in fiscal year 

1969 for education in the aeronautic and space sciences 

per se. 

These funds provided for fellowships and traineeships, upgrading the subject matter background of 

teachers, training for students, and contributed 

through a varety of mechanisms to the improvement 

of education in aeronautic and space sciences in junior 

and senior high schools as well as institutions of higher 

education. 

During fiscal year 1969 approximately one-half of 

the funds obligated by the three education divisions 

for aeronautic and space science-related activities had 

its principal impact on graduate education. The proportion was graduate education in the aeronautic and 

space sciences, 52 percent; undergraduate education 

in the aeronautic and space sciences, 13 percent; precollege education in the aeronautic and space sciences, 

35 percent. 

Over 3,500 individuals received training in the aeronautic and space sciences in projects supported by the 

three education divisions in fiscal year 1969. The 

majority of these individuals were teachers at the 

junior and senior high school level. 

77 
National Academv of Sciences 

XIV National 

National 

Academy of Engineering 

Research Council 

Introduction 

The National Academy of Sciences and tk;e National 

Academy of Engineering are private organizations of 

scientists and engineers that serve as official advisers to 

the Federal Government under a congressional act of 

incorporation. These advisory services are carried out 

largely by the National Research Council, which was 

established by the Academy to act as an operating 

agency. 

In terms of the objectives of the National Aeronautics and Space Act, the work of the AcademiesResearch Council is primarily concerned with the 

establishment of long-range studies of the potential 

benefits to be gained from, the opportunities for, and 

the problems involved in the utilization of aeronautical 

and space activities for peaceful and scientific purposes; cooperation with other nations in these fields; 

and the most effective utilization of the scientific and 

engineering resources of the United States, with close 

cooperation among all interested agencies in order to 

avoid unnecessary duplication of effort, facilities, and 

equipment. Accomplishments of 1969 include publication of “Lunar Exploration : Strategy for Research, 

1969-1975,” “The Outer Solar System: A Program 

for Exploration,” “Scientific Uses of the Large Space 

Telescope,” “A Study of Technology Assessment, Civil 

Aviation Research and Development,” “Useful Applications of Earth-Oriented Satellites,” “Atmospheric 

Exploration by Remote Probes,” and “Plan for US. 

Participation in the Global Atmospheric Research 

Program.” 

Space Science Board 

The Space Science Board is a consultative group concerned with shaping the most effective national program in space research. On behalf of the National 

Academy of Sciences, it advises the Government on 

scientific aspects of the space program and represents 

the U.S. scientific community internationally on the 

Committee on Space Research (CoSPAR) of the 

International Council of Scientific Unions. 

The Board met four times during 1969 to discuss 

outstanding matters in space research with NASA 

management and senior staff of the National Science 

Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space 

78 

Council, the President’s Science Advisory Committee, 

and other interested agencies. As is customary, sessions were scheduled to take into account critical 

times in budget planning and formulation; thus the 

Board’s views have been available to program planners 

for consideration. 

Future Goals-The Board convened in executive 

session on June 2 1 and 22, 1969, to consider its response 

to the invitation of the Special Assistant to the President for Science and Technology for the Board’s views 

on the future national space program. Discussion centered on the issues of the desirability of a future space 

goal, future manned spaceflight, the role of Earthoriented applications, and the role of science. The 

Board’s conclusions were embodied in a letter from 

the Board’s Chairman to the Special Assistant to the 

President for Science and Technology dated June 23. 

Copies of the letter were also made available to the 

PSAC Panel on Space Science and Technology. 

In the near future, a Space Science Board group will 

meet with the Division of Physical Sciences’ Panel on 

Solid State Sciences to seek to devise means to improve 

the efficiency of solar cells, an energy source widely 

used in spacecraft instrumentation. 

Lunar and Planetary Studies-A study on the exploration of the outer solar system was convened by the 

Board during June 1969 to recommend scientific 

priorities for investigations of the outer planets. 

Twenty-three scientists representing a wide range of 

disciplines participated and, as is customary, findings 

and recommendations were presented to NASA management at a final session. The report of the study, 

“The Outer Solar System: A Program for Exploration,” recommends that NASA formulate a long-term 

plan for the exploration of the outer parts of the solar 

system and endorses earlier studies that call for substantially increasing the fraction of the total NASA 

budget devoted to planetary exploration. It itemizes 

seven prime scientific objectives of the exploration of 

the outer solar system and recommends, in order of 

scientific significance, a series of unmanned missions 

with conventional propulsion for the period 1970-79. 

The study calls for the development of a new spacecraft 

and for design studies of atmospheric probes, mass 

spectrometers, and imaging systems. Additional recom- 
mendations relate to ground-based studies, Earthorbital observations, and the development of advanced 

methods of propulsion. 

A study on the scientific objectives of lunar exploration was convened in August 1969 at Woods Hole, 

Mass. The report of the study, “Lunar Exploration: 

Strategy for Research, 1969-75,” is based on the 

assumption that broad national policy will entail a continuing commitment to manned spaceflight. The participants recommended,that the best use of the manned 

lunar-landing capability to realize the scientific objectives of lunar exploration should entail a shift of emphasis from the development of new technology to 

the exploitation of existing Apollo technology. The report supports modest extensions of this technology, 

including a surface mobility aid, and development of 

an automated traversing vehicle for later missions. 

It called for increasing the role of scientists in influencing basic policy and mission hardware, and increased attention to the problem of management, 

handling, distribution, and analysis of lunar samples 

returned to Earth. 

Lunar Science Znstitute-As noted in last year’s report, the Academy accepted responsibility for activation and initial operation of the Lunar Science Institute 

(LSI) adjacent to the Manned Spacecraft Center, 

Houston, until arrangements could be made for its 

permanent administration. The LSI provides an institutional base for visiting scientists in lunar research, 

with access to the unique facilities of the Lunar Receiving Laboratory. A consortium of some 48 universities, the Universities Space Research Association 

(USRA), is expected to take over the operation of 

LSI in the near future. 

Large Space Telescope-“Scientific Uses of the Large 

Space Telescope,” published in 1969, is the result of 

a 3-year study by a Space Science Board committee 

into the scientific function and practical feasibility of 

a telescope placed in Earth orbit or, conceivably, on 

the Moon. The report, which represents the ideas and 

suggestions of many astronomers, discusses the scientific 

advantages of a diffraction-limited telescope in space 

with an aperture of at least 120 inches, delineates 

scientific problems that are accessible only to such an 

instrument, and outlines the specifications thought to 

be essential to satisfactory performance. 

Rocket Research-The Committee’s Report, “Sounding Rockets: Their Role in Space Research,” was issued in January 1969. Based in part on results of a 

questionnaire sent to some 200 rocket experimenters 

in the United States and Canada, the report appraises 

the relative advantages of sounding rockets as a research and educational tool, reviews the major scientific findings obtained by rockets during the past 3 

years, and examines the current level of rocket support. The Committee recommends a 35-percent increase in support by 1971 and a 12-percent increase 

annually thereafter until about 1975. 

Space Medicine and Biology-Early in 1969, a Committee on Space Medicine was constituted in response 

to a longstanding need for a permanent group of physiologists and medical and behavioral scientists to respond to questions and problems arising within the 

manned space programs of NASA The new committee 

is presently reviewing the Office of Manned Space 

Flight plans for space medicine in the Apollo and 

Apollo applications programs. 

Comparable evaluations of NASA research programs 

are being made by the Cardiovascular Review Panel 

and the Radiobiological Advisory Panel. As a result 

of recommendations made in a Life Sciences Committee report, “Physiology in the Space Environment : 

Volume I, Circulation” (NAS Publ. 1485A, 1968), 

NASA has made certain commitments to research that 

have resulted in a rather broad program of investigation into the effects of the space environment-particularly long periods of weightlessness-on the heart 

and circulation. At the request of the agency, a small 

panel of cardiologists was organized to review the 

ongoing NASA research in this area on an approximately annual basis. The Cardiovascular Review Panel 

began its task at the Ames Research Center in February; a second review was held in Washington in 

December. 

The use of nuclear propulsion for space missions, as 

recommended by the President’s Space Task Group, 

will cause some increase in the radiation to which 

astronauts are exposed in the space environment. The 

Radiobiological Advisory Panel, whose members participated in the 1967 evaluation of “Radiobiological 

Factors in Manned Space Flight,” has been asked by 

NASA to examine this added factor in terms of amount 

and type of radiation, dose rate, total allowable dose 

per mission, and allowable career dose. The study got 

underway at a 2-day meeting in October attended by 

AEC, FAA, industry representatives, and other interested parties. 

A study on infectious disease in maned spaceflight 

was undertaken during July 1969 at Woods Hole on 

the request of NASA’s Office of Advanced Research 

and Technology. The study explored the kinds of microbiological problems that may arise in flight, such as 

the spread of infections among the crew and changes 

in the immune response to disease, and estimated the 

potential hazards of an accumulation of microbes 

within the space cabin. It has long been recognized 

that certain factors in the space environment, such as 

artificial atmosphere, confinement, lack of exercise 

79 
and of antigenic stimuli, radiation, and altered biorhythms, may influence the spread of microorganisms. 

The report of the study, “Infectious Disease in Manned 

Spaceflight : Probabilities and Countermeasures” 

( 1969, in press), cites illnesses that have already arisen 

in flights to date and stresses the importance of a preflight isolation period for astronauts. Other recommendations include screening and microbiological surveillance of asronauts and subjects for microbiological 

research. 

The problem of desynchronosis-the disruption of 

biological rhythms caused by flying across multiple time 

zones-has been assessed by an ad hoc panel of the 

Space Medicine Committee. This disturbance is commonly experienced by long-distance air travelers and 

pilots and is particularly serious because it affects decision-making abilities and performance. The panel has 

proposed specific experiments to determine the precise 

mechanisms and effects of desynchronosis ; from the 

findings it should be possible to develop counter-measures to the problem. 

Two reports on aspects of spacecraft bioengineering 

were issued during 1969. The “Report of the Panel on 

Atmosphere Regeneration,” published in April, evaluates different methods for regenating breathable spacecraft atmospheres, such as algal, bacterial, and physical-chemical systems and makes recommendations 

concerning those that appear most promising for longterm manned missions. The “Report of the Panel on 

Management of Spacecraft Solid and Liquid Wastes,” 

issued in November, concludes that systems and methods in this area are still primitive, and that substantial 

research and development will be necessary to qualify 

them for long-duration missions. 

In the field of environmental biology, the Space 

Science Board conducted a summer study at the University of California, Santa Cruz, during the latter half 

of July. Approximately 30 members and 35 consultants 

representing both science and engineering participated. 

The objective of the study was to reassess the Nation’s 

fundamental space biology program in the light of its 

8-year-history, current and long-range plans, and the 

more important scientific questions confronting biology 

for which the space environment may provide a unique 

setting. The results of the study were communicated to 

NASA management at the conclusion of the study and 

will released in report form. 

Znternational Relations-While the Board maintains 

a continuing interest in worldwide space science, its 

formal international activities are centered in the Committee on Space Research (Cospar) . Cospar, as an 

interunion organization of ICSU, fosters fundamental 

research in space science through the use of rockets, 

satellites, and deep-space probes. Data and significant 

results are exchanged on a cooperative basis through 

the World Data Center system. (In accordance with 

plans described in last year’s report, WDC-A for 

rockets and satellites was transferred from the Academy on January 1, 1969, to the National Space Science 

Data Center at Goddard.) 

The 12th annual meeting of Cospar took place in 

Prague, Czechoslovakia, May 11-24, 1969. Three 

major symposia were held: Dynamics of Satellites; Life 

Sciences in Space Research (Biological Rhythms and 

Nutrition in Man in Space) ; and Thermospheric 

Properties; and nine critical review papers on recent 

progress in various fields of space research were given 

in special sessions. The Cospar working group structure 

was reorganized in order to reduce the degree of overlapping interests that had evolved over recent years. 

As in past years, the SSB Committee on International 

Relations organized the U.S. participation in the Cospar meeting, reviewed US. contributed papers, and 

prepared the annual report to Cospar on U.S. space 

research during 1969. 

The possibility of contaminating the Moon or planets 

with terrestrial organisms adhering to space probes has 

for some years been a matter of concern to the United 

States and other nations involved in space research, 

and thus to Cospar. The Cospar sterilization objectives, 

passed by resolution in 1964, include the request that 

member nations annually review these formulas for 

planetary quarantine in the light of new information 

and techniques. In 1969, the Space Science Board’s 

annual review committee, meeting in Stanford on 

April 18, reaffirmed the validity of the Cospar sterilization objective and noted the progress being made in 

the refinement of some of the unknowns on which contamination probabilities are calculated. 

Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board 

The National Academy of Engineering’s Aeronautics 

and Space Engineering Board is concerned with bringing the expertise of the national engineering community through study of major Federal policies and 

programs in aeronautics and space engineering. The 

Board recommends to the Government the priorities 

that it believes should be assigned to engineering objectives, proposes ways of applying engineering talents 

more effectively to aerospace problems of national 

importance, and suggests methods to improve education in aerospace engineering. 

Early in 1969, the Board published six reports covering in greater detail the areas of civil aviation summarized in its report on “Civil Aviation Research and 

Development” (1968). These reports are “Flight Vehicles and Airbreathing Propulsion,” “Aircraft Operations,” “Air Traffic Control,” “Airport and Support 

Facilities,” “Economics of Civil Aviation,” and “Aircraft Noise.” Following its major study on civil 
aviation, the Board was asked by NASA and the Department of Transportation to organize an ad hoc 

advisory committee to assist those agencies in their 

joint study of civil aeronautical R&D policy. This 

committee was formed in late 1969 and is expected 

to function for approximately 15 months. 

During 1969, the Board held several meetings with 

officials of NASA and the Department of Defense to 

discuss areas in which the Board might make a useful 

contribution to the national space program. Primary 

interest of the Board centered on space transportation 

system concepts. In this regard, the Board Chairman 

transmitted a letter to NASA and the Department of 

Defense in August 1969 presenting views of the Board 

on critical questions relating to the space shuttle system as an element of the national space program 

studied by the President’s Space Task Group. The 

Board is continuing its plan to study engineering 

approaches to a space transportation system. 

The House Science and Astronautics Committee has 

aimed to find better ways to understand and even 

predict the impact of technology on society. The Board 

was one of three groups within the National Academy 

of Engineering that contributed to the NAE report, 

“A Study of Technology Assessment” ( 1969), prepared at the request of the House committee. The 

Board convened a special panel which conducted a preliminary experimental assessment of the effect of subsonic aircraft noise on the growth of civil aviation. The 

assessment considered the various parties in our society 

who are affected by that noise and examined some 

alternative ways of maintaining the benefits of civil 

aviation while reducing the negative effects attributed 

to the concomitant noise. 

Division of Behavioral Sciences 

Committee on Hearing, Bioacoustics, and Biomechanics (Chaba)-A symposium on head injury was 

convened by the Committee on November 19, 1969, in 

Washington. Its objective was to investigate the problem of impact injury to the head, primarily in aviation; 

papers and discussion centered on the incidence and 

the physiological and behavioral effects of head injury, 

clinical management and rehabilitation, protection and 

prevention, and research underway or required. Concurrent symposia, also conducted by Chaba, were held 

on environmental noise hazards, and military problems in otology and audiology. The annual meeting of 

Chaba on November 20 included deliberations on the 

acoustic performance of high bypass engines and nacelle treatment, on effects of tones and tone combinations on perceived noisiness, and on the derivation of 

a predictive equation for estimating the level of annoyance of airport communities. 

Planning is underway for ,the fifth annual meeting on 

vestibular function as related to space travel and a 

symposium on the effect of vibration and related forces 

on human performance. Both meetings, to be held in 

1970, are jointly sponsored by NASA and Chaba. Final 

arrangements have been made for the selection and 

confirmation of authors and reviewers for the third 

revision of the “Bioastronautics Data Book.” 

The Committee has continued to advise NASA and 

the FAA on long-range research planning in aircraft 

noise and sonic boom as well as to evaluate the quality 

of current research and proposals for future work. 

Close working relations are maintained with the NASNRC Committee on SST-Sonic Boom, Office of Noise 

Abatement of the Department of Transportation, 

Task Force on Noise of the Committee on Environmental Quality of .the Office of Science and Technology, and the Aeronautics and Space Engineering 

Board’s Ad Hoc Commhtee on Noise. 

Committee on Vision-At the request of NASA, a 

panel has been formed to review the NASA research 

program in vision with the purpose of identifying problem areas that should be investigated during the next 

10 years. The Committee has also furnished advice to 

NASA on eye safety in the use of lasers and will continue to furnish information on this topic as new data 

are gathered. 

At the request of FAA, a working group was formed 

to advise the agency on its research in collision avoidance devices. The group has reviewed research proposals for evaluating anticollision lights on the SST 

and will serve as a continuing advisory group for collision avoidance devices on general aviation aicraft. A 

major portion of the annual meeting of the Committee 

was concerned with visual problems in flying and air 

traffic control. 

Division of Earth Sciences 

Committee on Space Programs for Earth Observations Advisory to the Department of the ZnteriorThe central concern of the advisory committee this 

year has been to help the Department prepare for use 

of data that will be acquired beginning in early 1972 

by NASA’s Earth resources technology satellite 

(ERTS) program. This focus lies within the broader 

responsibility of the Committee to advise regarding the 

Department’s Earth resources observation satellite 

(EROS) program which is concerned with utilization of any available satellite data together with 

relevant aerial and surface surveys. 

The Committee has reviewed in detail the Department’s inhouse and contract projects which, at the 

present phase, are aimed at developing full capability 

of utilizing satellite data. The Committee also has 

81 
helped in the evaluation of proposals for new projects 

in terms of their scientific merit and importance to the 

EROS objectives. In addition to the parent Committee, there are five subcommittees on geography, cartography, hydrology and water resources, geology and 

mineral resources, and oceanography and marine resources. These groups provide advice through roundtable discussions with Department personnel and letters addressed to the Director of the EROS program. 

NAS-NAE Committee Advisory to ESSA-The 

NAS-NAE Committee Advisory to the Environmental 

Science Services Administration reviews and advises on 

ESSA programs. Such programs include applied research and development for Earth-satellite applications: The improvement of meteorological data input from satellites and satellite applications to geophysics, including hydrology, geodesy, oceanography, 

geomagnetism, seismology, cartography, photogrammetry, aeronomy, and ionospheric physics, as well as 

weather modification and data handling for weather 

and oceanographic needs as they are directly related 

to ESSA satellite programs. 

Division of Engineering 

Summer Study in Space Applications-The final report of the space applications study, held during the 

summers of 1967 and 1968, was published in 1969 as 

“Useful Applications of Earth-Oriented SatellitesReport of the Central Review Committee; Summaries 

of Panel Reports” ; and 12 individual reports of panels. 

The Committee concluded that the potential benefits 

to mankind from unmanned Earth satellites is substantial enough to merit a doubling or tripling of Federal 

support, to an expenditure of $200 to $300 million a 

year. An extensive, coherent, and selective program of 

this magnitude would obtain these benefits within the 

coming decade. The evolution of booster and launcher 

technology, the improvement of guidance and controls, 

and the increasing lifetime of electronic equipment in 

space means that systems deemed uneconomic or even 

impracticable a few years ago now may be firmly within 

the payoff range. In meteorology and communications, 

satellites have already entered solidly into the area of 

economic usefulness. . Applications in two other broad fields are imminent. 

The first includes communications, navigation, and 

traffic control, in which the satellite’s unique advantage of direct line-of-sight coverage of large geographical areas makes possible the design of communications 

systems of extraordinary scope and versatility. In this 

category, high priority was recommended for the development of three programs: (1) A multichannel 

distribution system for public and private network television broadcasts. (2) A multichannel system for edu82 

cational broadcast use in developing countries and for 

programing to special interest groups such as physicians, lawyers, engineers, and educators. Immediate 

development of these broadcast systems was urged because they are so easy technically, so reasonable economically, and so potentially desirable. (3) a North 

Atlantic satellite navigation system for en route traffic 

control of transoceanic aircraft and ships. Its international use for shipping alone would be likely to pay for 

the cost of the system. 

The second broad category of imminent use is Earth 

sensing, in which instruments aboard satellites report 

on thermal radiation from land, sea, clouds, and atmosphere, recording the information in photographs 

or on tape, or relaying it directly back to Earth by 

radio. The ultimate uses of such information will be 

diverse, ranging through agriculture, water-resources 

management, metropolitan planning, and geography. 

Practical use of these imaging sensor satellites lies in 

the near future, but is dependent upon research and 

development in sensor signatures--in the form of information provided by the instruments. The report 

recommended an immediate pilot program for providing information in familiar and immediately usable 

pictorial form, exploration into the use of side-looking 

radar, and the start of a 10- to 12-year development 

plan for more sophisticated sensors. 

The study considered, and rejected, manned missions, believing the practical benefits will generally be 

achieved more effectively and economically with automated devices. Manned programs must be justified in 

their own right; they cannot be justified in terms of 

space applications. 

One major conclusion was that organizational problems, both national and international, must be solved 

before the full potential can be realized of the many 

projects that the Committee found otherwise to be 

feasible. 

National Materials Advisory Board-The National 

Materials Advisory Board, established in January 1969 

has as its general purpose the advancement of materials 

science and engineering in the national interest. More 

specifically, it undertakes to define technical problems, 

potential solution approaches, and opportunities of national concern and relevance to government, industry, 

or academia, attempting thereby to stimulate appropriate action. 

The problems of aerospace materials command a 

large part of the Board’s attention and effort. Most 

of these problems stem from (1) the requirements for 

structural materials that will withstand the high heat 

of reentry and (2) the great premium placed on 

weight-saving requires space structures to be designed 

to utilize materials to their maximum property limits, 

with margins for imperfections appraaching zero. This 

in turn creates need for nondestructive evaluation 
methods that are capable of providing quantitative 

measures of material integrity. 

The following NMAB studies, completed or underway in 1969, relate directly to the materials problems 

of aerospace. “Coatings for High Temperature Oxidation Protection of Superalloys, Refractory Metals and 

Graphite” will be published by the Academy early in 

1970. A report is now in preparation on the atmospheric deterioration of superalloys, particularly in aircraft turbine engines, and a report is being prepared for 

the Air Force on new techniques for systematic selection of optimal materials for specific applications and 

for definition of the materials test data necessary for 

screening, selection, and design. Report NMAB-252, 

“Nondestructive Evaluation,” recommends application 

of advanced nondestructive testing techniques to assure 

integrity of structures. Studies have been initiated to 

assess the needs for beryllium and to define the appropriate government and industry roles in the advancement of beryllium technology; to achieve more rapid 

utilization of advanced materials ; to explore new and 

more effective methods for the accelerated testing of 

materials to assure long-term reliability ; and to develop improved methods for technological forecasting 

in the area of engineering materials. 

Division of Physical Sciences 

Committee on Atmospheric Sciences-The Committee on Atmospheric Sciences undertakes reviews and 

studies in research and technological areas for which 

particular needs or potential have emerged. Scientific 

fields that have received recent attention are weather 

and climate modification and remote atmospheric 

probing utilizing both ground- and space-based techniques. This latter study is fully reported in the twovolume document “Atmospheric Exploration by Remote Probes” (NAS, 1969). The study on intentional 

and unintentional weather and climate modification 

will be completed early in 1970. In addition, a report 

on “Educational Implications of the Global Atmospheric Research Program,” dealing with key educational problems in the atmospheric sciences, was 

completed and widely distributed to academic centers 

and Federal agencies. 

The Committee will coordinate with the USCGlobal Atmospheric Research Program (see below) an 

examination of the status of monitoring of the gaseous 

and particulate composition of the atmosphere in light 

of the pasible local, regional, or global effects that 

composition or concentration trends may have on both 

the short- and long-term aspects of weather and climate. It would be anticipated that any monitoring 

pragrams designed to obtain spatial and temporal 

quantitative information will require observations utilizing both remote and in-situ measurement techniques. 

Plans will soon be made for a major review of the entire field of atmospheric sciences to ascertain the progress, prablems, and prospects that have occurred during 

the past decade; the present balance in research and 

educational programs ; and the scientific, technological, 

and manpower requirements for addressing critical 

atmosphere problems and processes that impinge on 

the present and future environmental issues before 

the nation. 

US. Committee for the Global Atmospheric Research 

Program-The objective of the GARP is to increase 

our knowledge of the dynamics of the general circulation of the terrestrial atmosphere, with the ultimate 

aim to develop a sound physical and mathematical 

basis for extended predictions of the larger scale motions of the atmosphere. The U.S. Committee for 

GARP, established in March 1968, is serving as the 

principal mechanism for developing scientific objectives, observational requirements, and initial technological feasibility evaluations; for coordination and 

communication between the scientific community and 

the Government; for review and advice on detail project design and planning; and to serve as the U.S. link 

to developing international scientific activities. 

The Committee has submitted its first planning report to the Government which is now reviewing the 

planning, research and development, logistic, scheduling, and costing aspects of the plan. The report, “Plan 

for U.S. Participation in the Global Atmospheric Research Program” (NAS, 1969), recommends several 

theoretical and field research programs over a period 

of 5 years that will permit advances in the science and 

observational techniques to guide the details and plans 

for a global examination of the entire system of atmospheric large-scale dynamics. Observational platforms 

will include a judicious mixture of land and Ocean 

surface platforms, aircraft, balloons, and polar-orbiting 

and geosynchronous meteorological satellites, in an 

observational system to which international participation will contribute. 

Committee on Radio Frequency Requirements for 

Scientific Research-The Committee serves as a 

channel for coordinating the knowledge and views of 

the U.S. scientific community regarding the radio frequencies needed for scientific research, particularly in 

space research, radio and radar astronomy, . and 

oceanography. A Subcommittee for Space Science was 

established in 1969 to deal with frequency matters pertaining to space research. There are two other subcommittees, one on radio astronomy and the other on 

Earth and life sciences. The subcommittees and committee have been active during the past year in reviewing and commenting on the proposed U.S. views for 

the World Administrative Radio Conference of the 

83 311-775 0 - 70 - 7 
International Telecommunications Union, to be held 

in Geneva in June 1971, on matters pertaining to the 

radio astronomy and space services. 

countries. At the end of August 1969, there were 174 

associates on tenure at the participating NASA centers. 

Committee on SST-Sonic Boom 

Office of Scientific Personnel 

The NAS-NRC Office of Scientific Personnel administers for NASA the NASA international university fellowships in space science and the NASA postdoctoral 

and senior postdoctoral resident research associateships. 

The NASA international university fellowship program has as its objective assistance to foreign nations 

in the peaceful exploration of space. To this end, the 

fellowships provide an opportunity for promising young 

scientists and engineers to study and participate in research in the space sciences at leading universities in 

the United States.. The fellowships are cooperatively 

financed by NASA and by the foreign sponsoring 

agency which selects and supports foreign graduate students and postdoctoral scientists. Appointments are 

usually for 1 year, and may be renewed for an additional 12 months, for study and research at one of the 

33 participating U.S. universities. From the start of the 

program in 1961 to December 1969, there have been 

244 fellows from 20 countries, at 29 U.S. universities. 

During 1969 there were 87 fellows (72 graduate and 

15 postdoctoral) from 14 countries, at 21 US. 

universities. 

Through the resident research associateships, postdoctoral scientists and engineers of unusual ability and 

promise hold temporary appointments in NASA research centers. The purposes of the program are (1) 

to provide these appointees with an opportunity for 

research on problems largely of their choice in association with selected members of the permanent 

professional laboratory staff, and thus (2) to contribute to the general research effort of the laboratory. 

Through the associates the program provides a method 

for dissemination of space knowledge from NASA laboratories to university graduate training centers and 

enhances exchange of scientific knowledge with other 

countries. In addition, through associates, the program 

makes available to the scientific and engineering community some of the unusual or unique research facilities that exist in NASA centers. 

Since the beginning of the program in 1959, appointments have been held by more than 550 postdoctoral scientists and engineers representing about 37 

During 1969, the Committee noted progress made on 

the national sonic boom research program. The Interagency Noise Abatement Program Organization 

(IANAP) , in endorsing the recommendations made in 

earlier Committee reports, provided a basis not only 

for orientation of Federal sonic boom research but also 

for those portions of the national program placed on 

contract and grant to universities and other research 

organizations, principally by NASA, FAA, and USAF. 

In response to a request from FAA, the Committee 

established a Subcommittee on. Aircraft Noise Research to determine the research required to reduce 

noise from large engines such as those used in the SST. 

Although the Committee agreed that research underway was excellent, the members concurred in the need 

that it be greatly augmented. In this connection, the 

Subcommittee concluded that a better understanding 

of the basic mechanism of jet noise production was 

required for the class of engine to be used in the SST 

if more effective noise suppressors are to be evolved. 

Engine research, for example, should aim toward increasing engine airflow per unit weight while reducing 

fuel consumption, with efforts focused on high mass 

flow, lightweight compressors and turbines, and improved turbine cooling techniques. 

With respect to jet noise and its suppression, the Subcommittee stated that the fundamental gas dynamics 

and acoustics of both subsonic and supersonic jets require more attention, leading toward improved quantitative understanding and noise prediction. Moreover, 

since the way in which present noise suppression 

devices work is not well understood, their mode of 

operation is controversial and their scaling laws are 

uncertain, additional research was recommended to 

achieve a quantitative understanding and predictive 

capability for more effective, practical and soundsuppression devices. Specific recommendations included studies, both theoretical and experimental, of 

the overall structure and turbulence levels of supersonic jets and the fluid mechanics and acoustics of 

multiple jets, including measurement of turbulence 

levels between jets and any acoustical interference 

effects that may occur. 

84 
xv The Smithsonian Institution 

$ s-lbJ~-fo** 

Introduction 

The Smithsonian Institution is actively engaged in a 

variety of projects which are contributory to the national aeronautics and space program. 

The space-related activities are being conducted by 

the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) , the Center for Short Lived Phenomena (CFSLP) , the 

National Air and Space Museum, and the National 

Museum of Natural History. 

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory 

Since the mid-1950’s SA0 has been deeply engaged in 

space activities. During 1969 it continued to make significant contributions to space research and to develop 

plans and programs aimed at maintaining world 

leadership in its areas of competence. 

SA0 developed, built, and now operates the ultraviolet television instruments carried by the first successful Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (OAO-2). 

Gamma-ray telescopes are in advanced stages of development, and work has started toward follow-on 

ultraviolet astronomy and toward hydrogen-master 

experiments in space to test the theory of relativity. The 

Observatory operates ground-based facilities to define 

the meteoroid environment in space, to make lunar and 

planetary observations supplementing spacecraft missions, and to analyze samples of extraterrestrial materials. SA0 is a recognized leader in geoastronomy, the 

study of the Earth by space and astronomical techniques. It is responsible for internationally adopted 

atmospheric and geodetic models. A major effort is 

under way to apply new laser, radio, and maser instruments and observing techniques. Accurate observations and sophisticated computer usage allow investigations of the dynamical behavior of the earth: tides, 

earthquakes, continental drift, polar motion, irregular 

earth rotation, and the interrelation of these. 

Observations Supporting Space Projects-SA0 operates extensive instruqent networks in support of space 

projects. Its Baker-Nunn cameras acquired satellitetracking data for atmospheric, geodetic, and earth 

physics objectives. Together with other data, these 

have led to the production of a new reference atmosphere model and a new set of geodetic parameters for 

a standard earth. Both are being prepared for publication in 1970. 

During Apollo flights, certain space operations generate clouds of icy particles that follow their own orbits. 

The Baker-Nunn cameras photographed several of 

these clouds; the films were analyzed to investigate the 

behavior of the clouds. 

Implementation of a satellite-tracking network of 

laser systems progressed through field tests of the first 

of three new systems built for the Observatory. Results 

from another SA0 laser were compared with those 

from a NASA/GSFC laser system collocated at Mount 

Hopkins to check the accuracy of the systems. As the 

operational emphasis has changed from camera to 

laser tracking, five of the 12 Baker-Nunn instruments 

have been taken out of routine operation. 

Very long baseline radio interferometry is a recently 

developed, extremely accurate technique that can be 

adapted to measure angles between radio stars and 

spacecraft. The Observatory assembled and put into 

operation two data-recording systems for such measurements. One is installed, with a hydrogen-maser clock, 

at the joint Smithsonian-Harvard radio telescope at 

Agassiz, Mass. The second can be transported to another radio telescope thousands of kilometers distant 

from Agassiz. 

An optical telescope of 60-inch aperture was installed 

at SAO’s Mount Hopkins site in Arizona. The program 

of planetary observations begun in Massachusetts will 

henceforth be continued with this new instrument 

under the superior observing conditions in Arizona. 

Meteor observations in Illinois by radar and television techniques produced data that give new insight 

into the meteoroid environment around the Earth. In 

particular, previous estimates of the meteoroid population versus particle mass must now be revised for 

small particles. 

The network of meteor cameras in the Great Plains 

of the United States collected photographs showing, 

ever more conclusively, the surprising fact that very 

large meteoroids (tons) are predominantly fragile 

bodies that fragment completely into tiny particles 

when the body hits the atmosphere. The observed 

number of these large masses exceeded expectations 

by an order of magnitude. 

85 
Project Celescope-After nearly a decade of painstaking design and development, OAO-2 was launched 

on December 7, 1968. It carries SAOs “Celescope.” 

A cluster of four Schwarzchild f /2 telescopes, Celescope 

takes television pictures of stars in four regions of the 

far-ultraviolet spectrum between 3200 and 1050 angstroms. Transmitted to ground by telemetry, the pictures are analyzed to yield the brightnesses of individual 

stars in the four wave-lengths bands. During 1969 Celescope was in operation roughly half the time, the other 

half being used by the Wisconsin experiment, which 

shares space aboard OAO-2. 

During 1969 the instrument’s television photometers 

measured the ultraviolet brightnesses of more than 

17,000 stars. Preparation of the first volumes of an 

extensive ultraviolet-star catalog is nearing completion. 

One of the first findings from the Celescope experiment was that about half the observed stars are significantly fainter in the utlraviolet than was predicted. 

A study of the types and positions of these stars indicates that this is probably an inherent property of the 

stars rather than a result of absorption in the interstellar medium. 

The shortest wavelength band, which includes the 

Lyman-alpha line of atomic hydrogen, had provided 

information on the Earth’s outer atmosphere. The 

intensity of the Lyman-alpha radiation from the geocorona is at maximum when the Sun is near the 

horizon as seen by the spacecraft, and at minimum 

when the Sun is in the nadir. 

. 

Collection and Analysis of Extraterrestrial Materials-Through the good offices of (CFSLP) whose 

activities are reported in detail below, the Observatory 

was able to begin analyses of the Allende, Belfast, Police, Alandroal, and Murchison meteorites within a few 

days of their falls. This promptness is particularly 

important if a meteorite’s radioactive constituents having short half-lives are to be accurately measured. 

Of particular interest was the Pueblito de Allende 

meteorite since it is the largest of the 27 carbonaceous 

chondrites known to have fallen. Its most unusual feature is the isotopic composition of the xenon in its 

chondrules, tiny spherical globules of material that 

looks like rock once melted but now embedded in a 

fine-grained dust-like matrix. Measurements at SA0 

indicated that the xenon in the Allende chondrules was 

almost pure xenon-129. Since this probably came from 

now long-extinct radioactive iodine-1 129 (which was 

created when the elements were formed), Allende 

must have been created very soon after the formation 

of the elements. 

From the relative amounts of stable argon-38, and 

radioactive argon-39, SA0 scientists found that Alandroal, an iron meteorite, had been exposed to cosmic 

rays for 33 million years, whereas most iron meteorites 

86 

c 

have been exposed between 200 million and 2 billion 

years. 

Even more interesting are the implications of the 

ratio of argon-37 and argon-39, which in an iron 

meteorite is controlled by the changes of cosmic-ray 

intensity. Being only 0.50, this ratio suggests that cosmic-ray flux is greater with increasing distances from 

the Sun and confirms measurements made by the 

Mariner 4 space probe that showed a 10 percent in- 

.crease per astronomical unit. These results, when compared with those on the Bogou iron meteorite that fell 

in 1962, show that the increase was greater in 1968 

(near sunspot maximum) than it was in 1962 (near 

minimum). 

Two laboratories at SA0 that have studied meteorites are now also analyzing lunar samples returned by 

Apollo 11. In one, measurements of radioactive isotopes in three 10-gram samples indicate definite similarities between lunar material and chondritic meteorites. 

Also, the cosmic-ray exposure age of lunar rocks has 

been determined to be between 200 and 375 million 

years, 10 times older than that of most chondrites. 

These results have been substantiated by analyses of 

laboratories elsewhere. Also, there seems to be a difference between the tritium content of the soil and that 

of interiors of rocks. 

In the other SA0 laboratory, probe data on selected 

fragments of 16 grams of lunar samples permit distinction between highland and mare materials. In addition 

to broken basalt from the Tranquility base, pieces of 

lighter colored highland material tossed into the area 

by meteorite impact were found. The highland material more closely resembles terrestrial rock in density 

and composition than does the mare material, the latter 

being more dense than any normal terrestrial rock. 

Small droplets of iron meteorites were also found in 

the samples; these are apparently debris of impact by 

iron meteorites. 

Center for Short Lived Phenomena 

During 1969, the CSLP participated in a number of 

activities relating to the space sciences. 

Meteorite Recoveries-In the 10-month period, 

January 2 through October 20, 1969, the CFSLP was 

responsible for the recovery of five freshly fallen meteorites from Portugal, Mexico, Ireland, Czechoslovakia, 

and Australia. Recovery time (from date of fall to 

arrival at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory 

Laboratories) ranged from 4 to 31 days with the average recovery time being 17 days. 

In addition, the Center coordinated a series of field 

expeditions to the Allende, Mexico, meteorite shower 

which resulted in the largest collection of stony meteorite material in history. This material is now under 
study at no less than 34 laboratories throughout the 

world. 

The Transient Lunar Phenomena Observing Program-Under contract to NASA the CFSLP coordinnates communications for an international network of 

2 16 professional and amateur astronomers located in 

34 countries and 14 states for the purpose of making 

systematic observations of the lunar surface for transient lunar phenomena (TLP) during manned lunar 

landing missions. 

Contacts are made with individual astronomers 6 

weeks prior to the missions. Operations plans and observing schedules are sent to all observers outlining 

communications procedures, communications codes 

and cable formats to insure rapid response, data continuity, and positive identification of teletype routing 

codes and telephone numbers. Arrangements are made 

for telephone contact with 46 North American observers and the Manned Spacecraft Center on a 24- 

hour-a-day basis during missions. Foreign observer contacts are by commercial cable, teletype, Navy and 

Nascom circuits, and international telephone. 

In order to make systematic observations of the lunar 

surface during selected time periods to insure redundant observing coverage and to obtain independent 

corroboration of possible TLP observations by both 

ground-based observers and the astronauts, a selected 

lunar feature observing program is scheduled. The purposes of a prescheduled observing program is to insure 

observation of ( 1 ) lunar areas with a known history of 

TLP observations; (2) lunar areas observable from the 

spacecraft during approach and departure from the 

Moon; (3) the lunar landing site area during the period that the astronauts approached the site, landed on 

the Moon, and departed from the Moon; and (4) 

selected lunar areas that the astronauts could observe 

during the lunar orbit phase of the mission. 

The observing programs cover 10 discrete periods 

from liftoff to splashdown but with special emphasis 

placed on the 110-hour period when the astronauts 

approach the Moon, orbit the Moon, land on the 

Moon and begin their return to Earth. 

It is particularly worthwhile to organize intensive 

global lunar observing programs during manned lunar 

missions for serveral reasons: they provide short time 

periods (8 to 10 days) when there is greater than 

usual interest in the Moon and during the lunar approach, lunar orbit, and lunar departure phases of the 

missions when there are opportunities for astronaut 

observation and photography of lunar areas where 

transient events may be reported to be taking place. 

Conversely, if the astronauts observe anything unusual 

on the lunar surface, they could communicate this information to Earth which would enable ground-based 

astronomers to attempt to make observations of these 

phenomena. Through preplanned, concentrated observing efforts, the network has the capability of keeping the lunar surface under 24-hour-a-day surveillance 

for short periods of time. The main objectives of these 

observing programs are to record the nature, magnitude, frequency, and distribution of transient lunar 

phenomena and possibly obtain independent corroboration of events from widely separated ground-based 

observatories. 

The CFSLP produced 10 reports on the transient 

lunar phenomena observing program, seven of these 

contain detailed documentation of all transient lunar 

events reported to the Center during these missions. 

Major Fireball Events-The CFSLP participated in 

the investigation of 17 major fireball events that occurred in 10 countries and seven states during 1969. 

These investigations included contact with event areas 

by telephone and cable, collecting eyewitness reports 

of magnitude, direction, duration, color, sound phenomena, and impact locations where they occurred. 

The reports were telephoned and cabled to interested 

scientists throughout the world who made on the spot 

investigations of nine of the 17 events. 

National Air and Space Museum 

The National Air and Space Museum has been the recipient, under the terms of the 1967 agreement with 

NASA, of significant aerospace “artifacts.” Placed on 

public view during 1969 were: Apollo 4 Command 

Module, X-15 aircraft, Surveyor and Lunar Orbiter 

spacecraft, Saturn V-F and 5-2 rocket engines, and 

an Apollo 8 astronaut’s spacesuit. A 1-pound lunar 

rock from Apollo 11 flight was placed on display in 

September. 

Such exhibits of space materiel have attracted enormous public interest, evidenced by increased annual 

attendance to more than 2 million visitors in 1969. 

Appropriate display of aerospace artifacts, however, 

has become increasingly difficult in the temporary exhibit areas available in the Arts afid Industries Building and adjacent metal service shed. 

Other spacecraft and memorabilia have been loaned 

to appropriate museums and organizations in the 

United States and abroad. Overseas loans are coordinated with US. Information Agency and Department of Commerce. At the request of USIA a major 

collection of space artifacts has been loaned for display 

at the U.S. Pavilion at Expo 70, Osaka, Japan. 

National Museum of Natural History 

Some of the activities of the National Museum of 

Natural History’s Department of Mineral Sciences are 

also space related. These include investigations of 

87 
meteorites; mapping and geologic studies of large terrestrial craters as analogs of lunar and martian 

craters ; and mineralogic, petrographic, and chemical 

analyses of lunar material (by contract with NASA). 

Specifically, in 1969, we can report the following 

activities. On February 8, a large meteorite fell near 

Parral in Mexico ; Smithsonian scientists were on the 

scene on February 12, and spent a week investigating the circumstances of the fall, and collecting a large 

amount of material. It is now apparent that this is 

one of the largest stone meteorites ever to fall; being 

also of a rare type, it is in great demand for research, 

and we have distributed material to over forty scientists, 

both U.S. and foreign. Since late September most of 

the staff of the Department of Mineral Sciences has 

been actively engaged in the investigation of lunar 

material brought back by Apollo 11 ; this work will be 

continued on the collections of Apollo 12 and later 

missions. 

Experiments to determine the feasibility of utilizing 

satellites to track the movements of large animals and 

to obtain related data were begun in June 1969, by 

the Smithsonian Institution, with the University of 

Montana, New York State University, and the Goddard Space Flight Center. Lightweight apparatus attached to a free-moving elk will measure the skin 

temperature of the animal as well as ambient environmental factors and transmit them to the Nimbus satellite upon interrogation. The orbital characteristics of 

the Nimbus I11 should enable at least two interrogation 

sequences per day, approximately 12 hours apart. The 

satellite will keep daily records of the movements of 

the elk and of weather and travel conditions all of 

which will be checked against fixes obtained from a 

ground tracking system. These experiments will provide a basis for perfecting the satellite tracking technique and at the same time producing useful 

information toward a better understanding of the behavior of elk in relationship to weather, seasonal 

changes, migration stimuli, herd composition, habitat 

requirements and range conditions. 

XVI 

Introduction 

Federal Communications 

Commission 

The global commercial satellite communications system continued to expand. The International Telecommunications Satellite Consortium (Intelsat) membership increased by seven additional countries to a total 

membership, as of December 31, 1969, of 70 countries. 

Two additional Intelsat I11 satellites were put into 

service over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and Intelsat I11 launched in 1968 was moved to the Indian 

Ocean. Twenty-one additional Earth terminal stations 

became operational during the year, making a total of 

43 stations in 27 different countries. 

Regulatory Activities 

The Communications Satellite Corporation (Comsat) 

was authorized to participate with the International 

Telecommunications Satellite Consortium in the construction of two Intelsat I11 satellites in addition to the 

six previously authorized. The first of the Intelsat I11 

satellites was destroyed in a launch failure in September 1968. The fifth satellite, launched in 1969, suffered 

a launch failure. 

The communication satellite system was expanded to 

provide coverage of the Indian Ocean region, so that 

now communications via satellite is available over the 

Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, providing service 

88 

to some 48 countries by the end of the year. The total 

circuits of the system has increased by some 815 circuits to about 1,416 circuits. 

The expansion of the system was made possible 

through the use of the larger capacity satellites of the 

Intelsat I11 series and additional Earth stations becoming operational around the world. In the first 

quarter of the year, Atlantic region coverage was provided through the Intelsat I11 F-2 and Intelsat I1 

F-3 satellites; Pacific region coverage was provided 

through the Intelsat I11 F-3 and Intelsat I1 F-2 and 

F-4 satellites. About midyear, the I11 F-3 satellite was 

moved to provide service in the Indian Ocean region. 

The system was operating in this configuration at the 

year’s end. 

Of the 19 new Earth stations put into service during 

the year, three were in the United States-in West 

Virginia, California, and Puerto Rico. A second antenna was completed and made operative at the 

Hawaiian Earth station complex and construction of 

Earth stations was authorized in Alaska and Guam. 

At year end there were 36 Earth stations located in 24 

countries. 

Additional comments were filed by various companies in the Commission’s 1968 domestic satellite notice of inquiry. These are presently under consideration 

by the Commission. 
International Radio Consultative Committee 

An international interim meeting of Study Group IV 

(Space Systems and Radio Astronomy) of the CCIR 

was convened in September 1969 at Geneva. The 

CCIR, encompassing 14 such study groups, serves as 

an adviser to the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) on technical matters involving the use 

of radio. For the study Group IV meeting, an FCC 

member served as International Chairman of Working 

Group IV-B, dealing with problems concerning the 

sharing of frequencies by the space services and terrestrial services. Developments of major interest included (a) the continuation of an international working party (IWP) with a U.S. representative provided 

by the FCC, which completed its initial tasks of issuing 

a report on the efficient use of the geostationary orbit 

for satellites; (b) the adoption of a further refined 

report on satellite broadcasting; (c) the development 

of documents on the use of frequencies above 10 GHz, 

including sharing; (d) the introduction, through a report, of a discussion of the advantages of escalation 

of the permissible power flux density from satellites as 

a function of angle of arrival at the earth and (e) the 

adoption of a number of reports on the use of satellites 

for providing radiocommunication with aircraft and 

ships. 

The Commission will provide participation in a 

special interim meeting of CCIR Study Group IV to 

be convened around 4 months prior to the forthcoming 

World Administrative Radio Conference ( WARC) on 

Space, scheduled for June 1971. Plans for intensive 

preparation for this meeting have been scheduled so 

that the resulting documentation will be responsive to 

the needs of the space conference. 

Maritime Mobile Service 

The Commission, working with the Intergovernmental 

Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) Subcommittee on Radiocommunications, the International 

Radio Consultative Committee f CCIR) , the Radio 

Technical Commission for Marine Services (RTCM) , 

industry, and other government agencies, is studying 

the potential value of adapting satellite relay techniques to the communications requirements of the 

maritime mobile service. 

The RTCM, an organization in which Government 

and industry cooperate in studies of existing and proposed systems of maritime communications, established 

a Special Committee SC-57, Maritime Mobile Satellite 

Communications, to investigate the possibilities of 

utilizing satellites for marine communications and 

navigation. A test program was developed which was 

subsequently adopted by the Maritime Administration 

as a basis for tests conducted during early 1968 in 

which VHF communications were relayed via NASA’s 

ATS-1 and ATS-3 satellites between US. ground 

terminals and the merchant ship SS Santa Lucia en 

route from Port Newark, N.J. through the Panama 

Canal to Valparaiso, Chile, and return. These tests 

together with those performed during 1967 through 

1968 by the U.S. Coast Guard from the cutters 

USCGC Klamath, Staten Island, Glacier, and Casco 

have demonstrated the feasibility of communicating 

with ships at sea via satellite. 

The Commission is analyzing the results of these and 

other test programs, and study reports to determine 

their validity and potential for satisfaction of maritime 

communications requirements and to establish the 

parameters for the additional test and study programs 

that may be required. Additionally, working with the 

RTCM, the staff is developing a program plan for the 

evolutionary development and implementation of marine communication systems using space techniques. 

The ITU World Administration [Maritime] Radio 

Conference, Geneva, September-November 1967, 

adopted recommendation No. MAR 3 relating to the 

utilization of space communication techniques in the 

maritime mobile service. The recommendation invited 

administrations, I’MCO, and the CCIR, respectively, 

to undertake a study of maritime operational requirements for a safety and navigation radiocommunications 

system via satellite and the technical aspects of such 

systems. 

A government-industry program has resulted in the 

establishment and documentation of a comprehensive 

statement of operational requirements which is being 

used as ,guidance in the development of the evolutionary program plan. 

Commission staff representatives participated in the 

preparation of guidance material for and served on 

the U.S. delegation to, inter alia, the CCIR interim 

meeting, Geneva; IMCO Subcqmmittee on Radiocommunications, fifth session, London ; CIRM Technical Committee meeting, Majorca; and the RTCM 

annual assembly meeting, Cleveland, at all of which 

system planning criteria and /or technical considerations were discussed. 

The Commission has issued a notice of inquiry* 

docket No. 18294 in preparation for a World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC) on Radio Astronomy and Space Services to be held by the ITU in 

1971. The Conference agenda will also include consideration of maritime communication needs using 

satellite techniques. The ITU radio regulations (para. 

273A and 352B, EARC for Space, Geneva, 1963) 

presently contain authority for the aeronautical mobile 

service to use space communication techniques whereas 

no provisions exist for the maritime mobile service. 

89 
Present efforts are directed, in particular, to the 

problem of feasibility of the sharing of systems and/or 

subsystems between aviation and marine services ; 

feasibility of sharing of frequency bands for commonality (particularly for search and rescue) ; problems 

of terrestrial and space systems sharing frequencies; 

and preparation of documentation in advance of the 

forthcoming ITU Space WARC. Preconference coordination with other administrations is in progress. 

The Commission authorized various scheduled airlines to participate in tests using NASA’s applications technology satellites (ATS) . Tests using the ATS 

satellites are continuing. Satisfactory communications 

were exchanged, relayed via satellites, over both the 

Atlantic and the Pacific between ground terminals and 

aircraft. Continued testing and analysis of the results 

is in progress. 

Further test programs, particularly in regard to UHF 

usage and technology are being prepared. 

Aeronautical Development 

Amateur Radio Service 

The Commission, in discharging its statutory responsibilities with respect to nongovernment uses of radio 

for aviation, prescribes the manner and conditions 

under which frequencies may be assigned for aeronautical telecommunications. This includes flight-test 

telecommunications and telemetry functions used in 

the development and production of missiles, rockets, 

and satellites as well as aircraft. In addition the Commission assigns frequencies to aircraft radio stations, 

aeronautical en route, radionavigation, aeronautical 

advisory, and other stations comprising the aviation 

radio services. 

Commission staff representatives have continued 

working nationally with other government agencies 

and the aviation industry, and internationally with the 

International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO) 

and the International Radio Consultative Committee 

(CCIR) , toward development of system parameters 

and the application of space radiocommunication techniques to help satisfy the communication and navigation requirements of domestic and international civil 

aviation. 

The air transport industry, under the authorization 

of the Commission, continued tests which were begun 

in 1966 to assess the relative merits of AM versus FM 

emission techniques and normal power versus substantially higher power aboard aircraft as elements between a communication aeronautical station and aircraft via satellites. The Commission staff continued 

study of the results of those tests as well as the results 

of studies such as the Comsat contracted industry report of the program in order to determine the most 

suitable techniques to be used in aeronautical satellite 

systems. 

The Commission staff representatives have participated in the preparation of guidance material for 

the use of U.S. representatives to international conferences including the CCIR and the ICAO. Members 

of the staff served on the U.S. delegation to the CCIR 

interim meeting, Geneva, September-October, which 

treated, inter alia, aeronautical satellites. The staff is 

preparing documentation for the forthcoming International Telecommunication Union conference. 

A group of radio amateurs, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corp. (Amsat), plans to launch the fifth OSCAR 

(orbiting satellite carrying amateur radio) built by 

Australian amateurs and dubbed Australis OSCARV on a NASA Thor Delta vehicle. The satellite will be 

placed in a circular polar orbit at an altitude of about 

800 miles. Launch is currently scheduled for early 

in 1970. 

The satellite contains a lM-MHz, 50-milliwatt 

beacon and a 29.4-MHz, 250-milliwatt beacon. The 

29-MHz beacon may be turned on and off by a 147.8- 

MHz ground command signal. The operation has been 

authorized by the Commission. 

Radio Astronomy and Space Services 

The Commission has been in continuing consultation 

with the Office of Telecommunications Management 

and the Department of State in the preparatory work 

for the forthcoming ITU (International Telecommunication Union) World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC) on matters pertaining to radio 

astronomy and the space services. The ITU Administrative Council, in 1968, adopted a resolution calling 

for such a conference and set forth a tentative agenda 

for comments. The date on which it will convene has 

now been set for June 7, 1971, to run for 6 weeks. In 

response to the resolution, the FCC issued a notice of 

inquiry (docket 18294) in August 1968, which dealt 

with (u) the Conference agenda; (b) the possible reallocation of spectrum space above 10 GHz to provide 

additional frequency bands for the communicationsatellite service, based on joint studies with the Office 

of Telecommunications Management (OTM) . A second notice of inquiry in this docket, which was released in October 1968 concentrated on matters 

relating to the conference agenda, and set forth new 

concepts with respect to the future role of the ITU in 

regulatory matters pertaining to the space services. 

Three additional notices of inquiry were issued as 

the preparatory work progressed. The last of these to 

90 
date, the fifth notice of inquiry released August 27, 

1969, was accompanied by a comprehensive document 

entitled “Preliminary Views of the United States of 

America for the World Administrative Radio Conference for Space Telecommunications (Geneva, 197 1 ) .” 

The latter document has also been transmitted abroad 

by the Department of State to elicit the comments and 

reactions of other member countries of the ITU. 

Broadcasting Policy Coordination 

The FCC provided an adviser on the U.S. delegation 

to the United Nations Working Group on Direct 

Broadcast Satellites, second session, which was convened in Geneva in July 1969. A report of this session, 

among other things, urged continuing international 

cooperation in the area of direct satellite broadcasting 

in recognition of its important potential role in providing improved education and health benefits, greater 

flow of news and information, including cultural programs, and the development of closer ties between 

people, nationally and internationally. It was recommended that the U.N. Outer Space Committee should 

consider, in particular, technical aspects, international 

legal questions, contents of broadcasts and organizational matters. 

FCC participation is also being provided on Panel 1, 

Ad Hoc Intragovernmental Communication Satellite 

Policy Coordinating Committee, under the aegis of 

the Office of Telecommunications Management 

(OTM) . The Panel considers matters such as satellite 

broadcasting from the standpoint of national policy. 

In addition, the Commission coordinates closely with 

the OTM and other agencies on aeronautics and space 

matters of mutual concern, on a continuing basis. 

91 
APPENDIX A-1 

Number of Payloads U.S. SPACECRAFT RECORD 

1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 NASC STAFF 

1958 thru 1960 1961 

* lNCLVOLD IN EARTH SUCCESSES 

APPENDIX A-2 

U.S. Spacecraft Record 

Earth orbit Earth escape 

Success Failure Success Failure 

Year 

1957 ........... 0 1 0 0 

1958 ........... 5 8 0 4 

.959 ........... 9 

960 ........... 16 

96 1 ........... 35 

1962. .......... 54 

1963. .......... 60 

1964 ........... 69 

9 1 2 

12 1 2 

12 0 '2 

12 4 1 

11 0 0 

8 4 0 

Earth orbit Earth escape 

Success Failure Success Failure 

Year 

1965 ........... 94 8 3 0 

1966 ........... 95 12 5 '1 

1967 ........... 77 4 10 0 

1968. .......... 61 3 3 0 

1969 ........... 50 1 8 0 

Total.. ... 625 101 39 12 

Notes: The criterion of success or failure used is the attainment of Earth orbit or Earth escape rather than a judgment of 

mission success. 

This tabulation includes spacecraft from cooperating 

1 These Earth escape failures did attain Earth orbit and 

countries which were launched by US. launch vehicles. 

therefore are included in the Earth-orbit success totals. 

U.S.S.R. Spacecraft Successfully Launched 

Year.. .................... '57 '58 '59 '60 '61 '62 '63 '64 '65 '66 '67 '68 '69 Total 

Spacecraft.. ............... 2 1 3 3 7 21 18 38 73 51 67 74 70 428 

Notes: U.S.S.R. tabulation combines successfully missions but attaining only Earth orbit, and 23 spacelaunched Earth-orbit and Earth-escape spacecraft. In craft used as launching platforms in low parking orbits 

the total of 428 are included 25 spacecraft launched on Earth-escape missions, 12 spacecraft intended for escape 

92 

for higher orbit missions or Earth escape. 
APPENDIX A-3 

Successful U.S. Launches-1969 

Launch date (Gmt) 

Spacecraft name Cospar designation 

Launch vehicle 

Spacecraft data 

Apogee and 

Perigee (in 

statute miles)- 

Period 

(minutes)- 

Inclination to 

Equator 

(degrees) 

Remarks 

Jan. 22 

oso-v 

Thor-Delta 

Jan. 22 

Defense 

7A 

Titan IIIB/Agena 

Jan. 30 

ISIS-I 

9A 

Thrust-augmented 

Thor-Del ta 

Feb. 5 

Defense 

1 OA 

Thor/Agena 

Feb. 5 

Defense 

1 OB 

Thor/Agena 

Feb. 6 

Intelsat I11 (F-3) 

.. 

11A 

Thrust-augmented 

Thor-Delta 

Feb. 9 

Tacsat I 

13A 

Titan IIIC 

Feb. 25 

Mariner-Mars VI 

14A 

Atlas Centaur 

Objective: To obtain high-spectral resolution data 

from pointed experiments from approximately 1 

to 1,250 Angstrom during at least 1 solar rotation 

period including roster scans of the solar disk in 

selected wave lengths; to obtain extended observation data from the nonpointed experiments 

of single lines and solar flares. 

Spacecraft : Revolving %sided polyhedron 44-in. 

diameter and 15-in. high with sun-pointin 22411. 

radius semicircular sail ; spin stabilized; !&watt 

solar cell power supply; weight: 636 Ibs. 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

and technologies. 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

Objective : To obtain information about the ionosphere in the region above the F-layer maximum; 

the distribution of free electrons and the various 

species of ions as a function of time and position; 

the composition and fluxes of the energetic 

particles which interact with the ionosphere; and 

fhe velocity distribution of thermal electrons and 

ions. 

Spacecraft: 8-sided oblate spheriod with diameter 

of 50-in and height of 42-in.; spin stabilized; 90 

watt solar cell power supply; weight: 520 Ibs. 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

and technology. 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

and technology. 

Objective: To provide equivalent of 1,200 twoway voice circuits or 4 color TV channels to 

carry commercial communications traffic between 

the United States, Hawaii, and the Western 

Pacific. 

Spacecraft: Cylindrical 56-in. diameter and 78-in. 

high ; spin-stabilized; 300-watt solar cell power 

supply; weight: 303 lbs. 

Objectives: To explore and demonstrate the feasibility of using a spaceborne repeater to satisfy 

selected communications needs of the DOD 

mobile tactical forces. 

spacecraft: Weight 1,600 lbs. 

Objective: To conduct a 1,800-mile Mars fly-by 

mission to make exploratory investigations of 

Mars which will set the basis for future experiments, particularly those relevant to search for 

extraterrestrial life. 

Spacecraft: Octagonal boxshape structure 54-in. 

wide and 18-in. high, 4 extended solar cell 

panels; overall width 19 feet; cold gas jet stabilization; solar cell power supply-800 watts near 

Earth and 449 watts near Mars; weight: 908 Ibs. 

353 Continues OS0 I, 11,111 

338 and IV investigations of the Sun. 

95.8 Spacecraft carried 8 experiments. 

33.0 All functioned normally. 

672.5 Decayed Feb. 3, 1969. 

92. 0 

96.9 

106.1 

2,186 This is the third in a series of 5 

356 spacecraft in a joint United 

128.3 States-Canadian ionospheric 

88.4 research program. Nine of ten 

experiments functioned 

normally; 10th experiment 

functioned partially. Mission 

judged successful. 

894. 9 Still in orbit. 

866.4 

114. 1 

80.4 

22,200 

22, 190 

1,436. 4 

1. 3 

Launched by NASA for Comsat 

Corp., the manager of Intelsat. 

F-3 spacecraft initially positioned over Pacific. Component 

failure reduced capacity. After 

F-4 was launched. F-3 was moved to Indian Ocean to carry 

lighter traffic load. Currently 

operating satisfactorily. 

22, 387 Still in orbit. 

22,332 

1,446. 6 

00.6 

In heliocentric 

orbit 

Successfully passed by Mars at 

2,130 miles on July 3 1. Transmitted 74 television pictures and 

investigated Martian 

atmosphere. 

93 
APPENDIX A-34ntinued 

Successful US. Launches-1969-Continued 

Launch date (Gmt) 

Spacecraft name 

Cospar designation 

Launch vehicle 

Spacecraft data 

Apogee and 

statute des)- 

(minutes)- 

Inclination to 

Equator 

Perigee (in 

Period 

(degrees) 

Remarks 

Feb. 26 

ESSA IX 

16A 

Thor-Del ta 

Mar. 3 

Apollo 9 

18A command module 

18C lunar module 

Saturn V 

Mar. 4 

Defense 

19A 

Titan IIIB 

Mar. 18 

OV 1-17 

25A 

Atlas 

Mar. 18 

OV 1-18 

25B 

Atlas 

Mar. 18 

ov 1-19 

25C 

Atlas 

Mar. 18 

OV 1-17A 

25D 

Atlas 

Mar. 19 

Defense 

26A 

Thor-Agena 

94 

Objective: To operate two advanced vidicon camera systems in a sun-synchronous orbit 

having a local equator crossing time between 

2:15 and 2:35 p.m. local time so that daily AVCS cloud cover pictures of the entire globe can be obtained regularly and dependably; and 

to make measurements of net radiation of the 

earth from which the heat balance of the atmospere can be derived. 

Spacecraft: Cylindrical 42-in. diameter and 22.5 

in. high; spin stabilized, solar cell power supply; 

weight: 347 Ibs. 

Objective: To demonstrate crew/space vehicle/ 

mission support facilities performance during a manned Saturn V mission with service module 

(CSM) and lunar module (LM); to demonstrate 

LM/crew performance; to assess consumables; 

to demonstrate performance of nominal and 

selected backup lunar orbit rendezvous mission 

activities, including: 

Transposition, docking, LM withdrawal, 

Intervehicular crew transfer, 

Extravehicular capability, 

Service propulsion and descent propulsion 

system burns, and 

LM active rendezvous and docking. 

Spacecraft: Carried full lunar landing configuration, including command module (CM), senrice 

module, and lunar module. Three 31celI, 

Bacon-type, hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells plus 

batteries in command module and 6 batteries in 

the LM. Total weight at initial earth orbit 

insertion: 289,970 Ibs. 

Objective: Development of space fight techniques 

and technology. 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

Objective: To perform 12 solar radiation experiSpacecraft: Weight 312 Ibs. 

ments. 

Objective: To gather information on the ionosphere, radio interference, electrical fields and 

radiation. 

Spacecraft: Weight 275 Ibs. 

Objective: To perform 7 experiments studying 

trapped radiation and 5 studying radiation 

hazards. 

Spacecraft: Weight 273 lbs. 

Objective: Twperate 2 radio beacons mounted on 

Spacecraft: Weight 487 Ibs. 

the OV 1-17 propulsion module. 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

and technology. 

997 AU systems functioning normally. 

935 

115.2 

101.71 

Varied. Crew consisted of J. A. McDivitt, 

commander; D. R. Scott, command module pilot; and R. L. 

Schweickart, lunar module pilot. 

All objectives of the flight successfully accompliihed. Length 

of flight: 241 hours, 01 minute. 

Also 46 minutes EVA by 

Schweickart. 

279.6 Decayed Mar. 18, 1969. 

96.3 

90.3 

92.0 

287. 7 Still in orbit. 

246.7 

93. 1 

99.1 

362.3 Still in orbit. 

288. 3 

98. a 

288. o 

95.0 

3, 592. 9 Still in orbit. 

153.5 

104.7 

233.0 Decayed Mar. 24, 1969. 

106.9 

99.0 

89.8 

156.6 Decayed Mar. 24, 1969. 

102 5 

86.6 

82.9 

JJ 
A~PENDIX A-3-Chntinued 

Successful U.S. Launches-19694ontinued 

Launch date (Gmt) 

Spacecraft name Cospar designation 

Launch vehicle 

Spacecraft data 

Apogee and 

Perigee (in 

statute miles* 

(minutes)- 

Inclination to 

Equator 

(degrees) 

Period Remarks 

Mar. 19 

Defense 

26B 

Thor-Agena 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 318. 8 Still in orbit. 

and technology. 312.8 

83. 0 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 94.7 

Mar. 27 Objective: To conduct a 1,800-mile Mars fly-by 

Mariner-Mars VI1 mission to make exploratory investigations of 

30A Mars which will set the basis for future experiAtlas Centaur ments, particularly those relevant to search for 

extraterrestrial life. 

Spacecraft: Octagonal boxshape structure 54 in. 

wide and 18 in. high, 4 extended solar cell 

panels; overall width 19 ft.; cold gas jet stabilization; solar cell power supply-800 watts near earth and 449 watts near Mars; weight: 908 lbs. 

Apr. 13 

Defense 

36A 

Atlas-Agena 

Am. 14 

Nimbus 111 

37A 

Thorad-Agena 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

and technology. 

Objective: to make IR measurements from which a vertical temperature profile of the atmosphere can be determined; to conduct global mapping of 

radiative energy balance of earth atmosphere; to 

demonstrate feasibility of surface pressure and 

tropospheric wind measurements, to conduct 

global mapping of the earth and its cloud cover day and night; and to demonstrate SNAP 19 

Spacecraft: Torus ring structure 56411. diameter 

with pyramidal frame structure 120-in. high. 

Active 3 axis stabilization; 415 watt solar cell 

plus two 25-watt SNAP-19 power supply; weight: 

1,360 lbs. 

power supply. 

Apr. 14 Objective: To continue, geodetic measurements secor XI11 program. 

37B Spacecraft: Rectangular box-shaped structure 9 in. 

Thorad-Agena by 11 in. by 13 in.; solar cell powersupply; weight: 

46 Ibs. 

Apr. 15 Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

Defense and technology. 

39A Spacecraft : Not announced. 

Titan IIIB/Agena 

May 2 

Defense and technology. 

41A Spacecraft: Not announced. 

Thor-Agena 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

In heliocentric 

orbit 

Successfully passed by Mars at 

2,190 miles on Aug 5. Transmitted 91 TV pictures to Earth 

and investigated Mars atmosphere. Mariner VI and VI1 

made following preliminary 

observations: Nothing new to 

encourage existence of earthlike 

life, but does not preclude unknown forms which may have 

evolved in the Martian environment; night temperature: - 150 

to -190O F; day temperature: 

-60 to +SO0 F; atmospheric 

pressure 4 to 7 millibars, silica or silicates (sand) in equatorial 

regions ; terrain varied from 

crater, featureless, to chaotic. 

24, 391 Still in orbit. 

20,302 

1, 436.0 

10. 2 

704 

667 

107.3 

The following experiments were carried out: high resolution IR 

radiometer; image dissector 

camera; monitor of UV solar 

energy; IR interferometer 

spectrometer ; interrogation 

recording, and location subsystem; and two SNAP 19 

radioisotope thermoelectric 

generators. 

704 Launched by NASA for the 

667 Department of Defense (Army) 

107.3 as a secondary payload. Space99. 9 craft functioning normally. 

292.7 Decayed Apr. 20, 1969. 

78. 9 

89. 9 

108.7 

371-775 0 - 70 - 8 95 
AP PE NDM A-3-Continued 

Successful U.S. Launches-1969-Continued 

Launch date (Gmt) 

Spacecraft name Cospar designation 

Launch vehicle 

Spacecraft data 

Apogee and 

Perigee (in 

statute miles)- 

(minutes)- 

Inclination to 

Equator 

Period Remarks 

(degrees) 

May 2 

Defense 

41B 

Thor-Agena 

May 18 

Apollo 10 

43A command module 

43C lunar module 

Saturn V 

May 22 

Intelsat I11 (F4) 

45A 

Thrust-augmented 

Thor-Delta 

May 23 

ov 5-5 

46A 

Titan IIIC 

May 23 

OV 5-6 

46B 

Titan IIIC 

May 23 

ov 5-9 

46C 

Titan IIIC 

May 23 

Vela 9 

46D 

Titan IIIC 

May 23 

Vela 10 

46E 

Titan IIIC 

June 3 

Defense 

50A 

Titan IIIB/Agena 

Objective: Development of. space flight techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

and technology. 

Objective : To demonstrate crew/space vehicle/ 

mission support facilities performance during a manned lunar mission with the command service 

module and the lunar module; to evaluate the 

lunar module performance in the cis-lunar and 

lunar environment. 

Spacecraft: Carried full lunar landing configuration, including command module, service 

module, and lunar module. Three 31-cell, 

Bacon-type, hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells plus 

batteries in command module and 6 batteries 

in the LM. Total weight at initial Earth orbit 

insertion: 289,970 Ibs. 

Objective: To provide equivalent of 1,200 2-way 

voice circuits or 4 color TV channels to carry 

commercial communications traffic between the 

United States, Hawaii, and the Western Pacific. 

Spacecraft: Cylindrical 56-in. diameter and 78-in. 

high ; spin-stabilized ; 300-watt solar cell power 

supply; weight: 303 lbs. 

Objective: To measure the power spectrum of 

magnetic and electrical field fluctuations at the 

magnetospheric boundary. 

Spacecraft: 1 I-in. side octahedral research satellite 

weighing 25 Ibs. 

Objective: To provide research data about the 

solar processes which influence the near Earth 

environment. 

Spacecraft: 1 I-in. side octahedral research satellite 

weighing 25 Ibs. 

Objective: To measure the energetic particles 

emitted by the Sun and study the trapped electrons and protons at near-synchronous altitude. 

Spacecraft: 1 I-in. side octahedral research satellite 

weighing 25 Ibs. 

Objective: To orbit nuclear detection sensors capable of monitoring X-ray, gamma ray, neutron, 

optical, electromagnetic pulse, and air fluores- cence emissions. 

Spacecraft: Weight: 571 lbs. 

Objective: Same as Vela 9 located in similar orbit, 

Spacecraft: Weight: 571 Ibs. 

satellites separated by 180O. 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

and technology. 

283.2 Still in orbit. 

255.9 

93.2 

65. 7 

Crew consisted of E. A. Cernan, 

commander; J. W. Young, 

command module pilot; and 

T. P. Stafford, lunar module 

pilot. The lunar module successfully made two 47,000-foot, 

low-altitude passes over the 

prospective Apollo 11 landing area. Length of flight: 192 

hours and 3 minutes. 

22,205 

22, 190 

1 , 436. 0 

Launched by NASA for Comsat 

Corp., the manager of Intelsat. 

Stationed at 1 70° east longitude. . 54 Spacecraft operating normally. 

69, 427 Still in orbit. 

10,480 

3. 119. 6 

32. 9 

69, 427 Still in orbit. 

10,480 

3, 119.6 

32. 9 

69, 427 Still in orbit. 

10,480 

3, 119.6 

32. 9 

69,387 Still in orbit. 

68.653 

6, 718. 5 

32. 7 

69,614 Still in orbit. 

68.774 

6, 707. 6 

32. 8 

265.3 Decayed June 14, 1969. 

86.4 

89. 8 

110.0 

96 
APPENDIX A-3-Continued 

Successful U.S. Launches-19694ontinued 

Launch date (Gmt) 

Spacecraft name 

Cospar designation 

Launch vehicle 

Spacecraft data 

Apogee and 

Perigee (in 

statute miles)- 

(m+utes)- 

Inclination to 

Equator 

Period 

(degrees) 

Remarks 

June 5 

OGO VI 

51A 

Thorad-Agena D 

June 21 

Explorer XLI 

(IMP-G) 

53A 

Thrust-augmented 

Thor-Delta 

June 29 

Bios-I11 

56A 

Thor-Delta 

July 16 

Apollo 11 

59A Command 

Module 

59C Lunar Module 

Saturn V 

July 23 

Defense 

62A 

Thorpurner I1 

Objective: To make detailed measurements near solar maximum of the near-Earth environment, 246 functioning normally. 

including the global composition and density of 99. 8 

the neutral atmosphere; the composition and 82. 0 

structure of the ionosphere: the solar radiation 

producing ionization; the auroral and polar cap 

phenomena of the polar regions; the structure 

and variability of terrestrial fields, the propagation and form of VLF emissions; the trapping 

and precipitation of particles; and air glow 

emissions related to photochemical dissociative or recombination interactions. 

Spacecraft: Rectangular boxlike structure 67 in. by 

32 in. by 31 in. with 2 shaft-mounted rotatable 

solar cell arrays, 2 22-ft.-long booms, and 4 4-ft. 

booms; active 3 axis and spin stabilization; 

560-watt solar cell power supply; weight 1,394 

lbs. 

Objective: To obtain measurements of plasma and 

energetic particle during period of solar maximum 210 Interplanetary Monitoring 

at distances of 100,000 miles and at an angle in excess of 80° to the equator. 87 experiments. All functioned 

Spacecraft: Octagonal box structure 27 in. wide 

and 10 in. high with 4 solar cell paddles and 2 

6-ft. booms for magnetometer and balance; spin 

stabilized; 70-watt solar cell power supply; 

weight: 174 lbs. 

682 Spacecraft and experiments are 

130,640 This is the seventh of a series of 10 

4,906 Platform spacecraft. Carries 12 

normally. 

Objective: To make detailed measurements on a 14-lb pigtailed monkey during a 30-day orbiting 

flight, to include measurements of wave patterns 

from 10 areas in the brain; record heart action 

and respiration; take measurements at 4 circulatory system sites; make 3 urinary measurements; 

and provide observation of performance on 2 

selected behavioral tasks. 

Spacecraft: Combined a blunt nose cone reentry 

capsule mounted on cylindrical section. Total 

length 84 in.; maximum diameter 57 in. 135- 

watt hydrogen/oxygen fuel cell plus batteries 

power. Active stabilization. Weight: 1,536 lbs. 

Objective: To perform a manned lunar landing in 

the southwest corner of the Sea of Tranquility, to 

conduct limited geological exploration in the 

vicinity of the touchdown point, deploy passive 

seismic experiment, laser ranging retroreflector, 

and solar wind experiment, and return to earth. 

Spacecraft: Carried full lunar landing configuration including command module, service module, 

and lunar module. Three 31-cell Bacon-type 

hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells plus batteries in 

command module and 6 batteries in the LM. 

Total weight at initial Earth orbit insertion: 

292,865 lbs. 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

and technology. 

245 Flight was terminated after 8 days. 

224 Monkey successfully recovered 

92. 1 but died about a day later from 

33.6 apparent heart failure. Results are still being analyzed. 

N.A. Crew consisted of Neil A. Armstrong, commander; Michael 

Collins, command module pilot; 

Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., lunar 

module pilot. The mission was successfully accomplished. 

Touchdown occurred at 20 : 17 :43 

Gmt, July 20 and Armstrong 

stepped on to the lunar surface 

at 02:56:15 and Aldrin at 

04:ll:OO Gmt on July 21. The 

Lunar Module lifted off from 

the lunar surface 17 :50 :OO 

Gmt, July 21, for a total stay 

time of 21 hours, 36 minutes, 17 

seconds. Total flight time: 195 

hours, 19 minutes. 

531. 5 Still in orbit. 

488.4 

101.3 

98.8 

97 
APPENDIX A-34ontinued 

Successful U.S. Launches-1969-Continued 

Launch date (Gmt) 

Spacecraft name 

&spar designation 

Launch vehicle 

Spacecraft data 

Apogee and 

Perigee (in 

statute miles)- 

Inclination to 

Equator 

Period Remarks 

(~nutes)- 

(degrees 1 

July 24 

Defense and technology. 

63A Spacecraft: Not announced. 

Thor-Agena 

July 26 Objective: To provide equivalent of 1,200 2-way 

Intelsat I11 (F-5) voice circuits or 4 color TV channels to carry 

64A commercial communications traffic between 

Thor-Delta North America, Europe, South America, and 

Africa. 

Spacecraft: Cylindrical 56-in. diameter and 78 in. 

high; spin stabilized; 300-watt solar cell power 

supply; weight: 303 Ibs. 

Objective : Development of space flight techniques 

July 31 

Defense 

65A 

Thor-Agena 

Aug 9 

oso-VI 

68A 

Thrust-augmented 

Thor-Delta 

Aug 9 

PAC 

68B 

Thrust-augmented 

Thor-Delta 

Aug. 12 

69A 

ATS-5 

Aug. 23 

DEFENSE 

74A 

Titan IIIB/Agena 

Sep. 22 

Defense 

79A 

Thor-Agena 

Sep. 22 

Defense 

79B 

Thor-Agena 

136. 1 

110.6 

88.4 

74. 9 

3,325 

168 

146.2 

30. 2 

Decayed Aug. 23, 1969. 

Intended as replacement for F-2 

launched in December 1968 

which was having antenna 

difficulties. Due to third-stage 

failure, the spacecraft did not 

achieve a usable orbit. F-2 

appears to have overcome its 

difficulties. 

Objective : Development of space flight techniques 

and technology. 288.9 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 94.6 

75. 0 

333. 1 Still in orbit. 

Objective: To obtain high spectral resolution data 

within the range of 10 to 20 Kev and 1-1,300 

Angstrom; to detect the zodiacal light, hard solar 

X-rays, and the Earth’s x-ray albedo, high energy 

neutron fluxes, and solar helium emissions. 

Spacecraft : Revolving %sided polyhedron 44-in. 

diameter, and 22-in. radius semicircular sail; 

spin stabilized; 26-watt solar cell power supply; 

weight: 610 lbs. 

348 To continue OS0 I, 11, 111, IV, 

308 and V investigations of the Sun. 

95.2 All experiments are functioning 

33. 0 normally. 

Objective: To test an experimental spacecraft control system which can be used to convert the 3d 

stage of the Thor-Delta to a 3-axis Earth stabilized platform for various future piggyback payloads. 

Spacecraft: Not applicable. 

Objectives: To conduct a carefully instrumented 

gravity gradient orientation experiment directed 

toward providing the basic design information 

for stabilization and control of long-lived spacecraft in synchronous orbit, to conduct millimeter wave and L-band aeronautical communications 

experiments, and to make environmental measure- ments. 

Spacecraft: Cylindrical 56-in. diameter and 72- 

in. long; gravity gradient stabilization; 148- 

watt solar all power supply; weight: 951 Ibs. 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

and technology. 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

and technology. 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

and technology. 

340 Experiment functioned as planned. 

300 

94.2 

32. 9 

23, 500 The spacecraft arrived at a syn23, 500 chronous geostationary orbit 

1,435.9 but with an abnormally high 

2. 5 spin rate about the yaw axis. 

This prevented the principal 

spacecraft experiments to function and therefore the mission 

is assessed as a failure. 

234.3 Decayed Sep. 7, 1969. 

85. 8 

89. 6 

108. 1 

157. 2 

110.0 

88. 7 

85. 0 

Decayed Oct. 12, 1969. 

308. 2 Still in orbit. 

305. 1 

94. 4 

85. 1 
APPENDIX A-34ontinued 

Successful U.S. Launches-19694ontinued 

Launch date (Gmt) 

Spacecraft name 

Cospar designation 

Launch vehicle 

Spacecraft data 

Apogee and 

Perigee (in 

statute miles)- 

(minutes)- 

Inclination to 

Equator 

Period 

(degrees) 

Remarks 

Sep. 30 

Defense 

82A 

Thor-Agena 

Sep. 30 

Defense 

82B 

Thor-Agena 

Oct. 1 

ESRO-1B (Borealis) 

83A 

scout 

Oct. 24 

Defense 

95A 

Titan IIIB/Agena 

Nov. 8 

Azur (GRS-A) 

97A 

scout 

Nov. 14 

Apollo 12 

99A command 

module 

99C lunar module 

Saturn V 

Nov. 22 

Skynet A 

1OlA 

Thrust-augmented 

Thor-Delta 

Dec. 4 

Defense 

105A 

Thor-Agena 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

Spacecraft: Not applicable. 

and technology. 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

and technology. 

Objective: To perform an integrated study of high 

latitude ionosphere and particles and associated 

effects. 

Spacecraft: Cylindrical 30-in. diameter and 40-in. 

high; spin stabilized; 23-watt solar cell power 

supply; weight 189 lbs. 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

and technology. 

Objective: To make measurements of the inner 

Van Allen belt, the auroral zones of the Northern 

Hemisphere, and the spectral variations of solar 

particles versus time during solar flares. 

Spacecraft: Cylindrical section with conical top, 

30-in. diameter and 44-in. high. Spin stabilized, 

29-watt solar cell power supply; weight: 159 lbs. 

Ob'ective: To perform a manned lunar landing in 

tke Ocean of Storms, to develop techniques for a point landing capability, to perform selenological inspection, survey, and sampling in a 

mare area, to deploy and activate an Apollo 

lunar surface experiments package, to develop 

man's capability to work in lunar environment, 

and obtain photographs of candidate exploration 

sites. 

Spacecraft: Carried full lunar landing configuration, including command module, service module, 

and lunar module. Three 31-cell, Bacon-type, 

hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells plus batteries in com- mand module and 6 batteries in the LM. Total 

weight at initial Earth orbit insertion: 289,970 

Ibs. 

Objective: To place into synchronous orbit over the Indian Ocean a United Kingdom.communications spacecraft as part of the initial defense 

communications satellite program (augmented) 

in response to a United States/United Kingdom 

agreement . Spacecraft: Cylinder 54-in. diameter and 32-in. 

high; spin stabilized; solar cell power supply; 

weight: 535 Ibs. 

Objective : Development of space flight techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

and technology. 

586. 0 Still in orbit. 

574.8 

103.7 

70. 7 

237 All experiments functioned 

181 normally. 

91. 2 

85. 1 

395.8 Decayed Nov. 8, 1969. 

78. 3 

92. 1 

108.1 

1, 952 

121. 6 

103.0 

This is the first of a series of coopGerman Ministry for Scientific 

Research and NASA under a 

memorandum of understanding 

dated 17 July 1965. Seven scientific experiments are carried. All 

experiments functioning 

normally. 

239 erative missions between the 

N.A. Crew consisted of Charles Conrad, 

Jr., commander; Richard F. 

Gordon, command module 

pilot, and Alan L. Bean, lunar 

module pilot. All mission objectives were successfully accomplished. Lunar module landed at 

06:54:35 (Gmt) on Nov. 19 

and lifted off again at 14:26:00 

(Gmt) on Nov. 20. Total lunar 

stay time: 31 hours, 31 minutes. 

Total flight time: 244 hours, 36 

minutes, 25 seconds. 

22, 777 

20.546 

Spacecraft is functioning normally. 

1,431. 0 

2. 4 

155. 3 Still in orbit. 

105.6 

88.4 

81.4 

99 
APPENDlX A-4 

Aeronautical Events of 1969 

U.S.S.R.’s supersonic transport, the Tu 144, successfully made its second test flight. 

Japan approved a licensing agreement with a U.S. company to produce 104 F-4E jet fighters in Japan 

by fiscal year 1977. 

A new SST configuration was submitted to the FAA for approval. The new design incorporated a delta wing 

platform with a horizontal tail. 

The U.S. Navy announced the award of a $40,000,000 contract for the engineering development phase of 

the F-14A supersonic fighter. 

The XB-70 research airplane was flown from the NASA’s Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif., to 

Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, to be placed in the Air Force Museum. 

The 747 Jumbo Jet made its successful 1 hour and 15 minute maiden flight from Paine Field, Everett, Wash. 

NASA announced that it would flight test the Whitcomb-designed supercritical wing on a U.S. Navy F-8 

fighter at NASA’s Flight Research Center. 

President Nixon appointed a 12-member interdepartmentaf ad hoc committee to review the supersonic 

transport program. 

The Anglo-French supersonic transport aircraft, the Concorde, made its successful maiden flight from 

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, France. 

NASA‘s X-24A lifting body research vehicle successfully completed its first glide flight, launched from a E52 carrier aircraft at 45,000 feet over Rogers Dry Lake, Calif. 

NASA announced the retirement of the 2 remaining active X-15 research aircraft to the Smithsonian 

Institution and the Air Force Museum. 

The NASA HGlO lifting body vehicle made its first supersonic flight, reaching 54,000 feet and mach 1.1, 

after a 45,000-foot air launch from a E52. 

U.S.S.R. publicly demonstrated its TU-144 supersonic airliner in a 90-minute test flight from Sheremetyevo 

Airport. 

FAA announced allocations of nearly $35,000,000 to construct and improve 177 U.S. airports under the 

fiscal year 1970 Federal aid to airports plan. 

The 28th Salon Internationale de PAeronautique et de 1’Espace (Paris Air Show) opened, featuring nearly 

550 exhibitors from 14 nations. In the United States, the C-5A ‘‘Galaxy’’ took off at a gross weight of 

728,000 pounds, the heaviest airplane ever flown. 

U.S.S.R.’s TU-144 supersonic airliner exceeded mach 1 for the first time during flight tests. 

President Nixon recommended proceeding with the construction of 2 U.S. supersonic transport prototypes, 

asking Congress for $96,000,000 to finance the program in fiscal year 1970. 

The Air Force received its first new bomber in almost a decade with the delivery of the first FB-111 to the 

Jan. 8 _______ Jan. 10-----. 

Jan. 15 ______ Feb. 4 

Feb. 7 

Feb. 9 

Feb. 9 

Feb. 10 

Mar. 2 

Apr. 17 _...--... 

Apr. 27 

May 9 

May 21___--. 

May 23_____. 

May 29___-_. 

June 5 

Sept. 23L.___ 

Oct. 8 __-____ 

Nov. 3 

Nov. 12 

Nov. 28___-- 

Strategic Air Command. 

The Air Force issued requests for proposals to airframe and engine manufacturers asking for their plans 

for the development of the B-1 strategic bomber. 

new subsonic transport turbojet airplanes. 

- - 

A regulation was announced by FAA which established noise standards and maximum noise levels for all 

Japan successfully flew its first VTOL research test bed vehicle. 

APPENDIX B 

U.S. Applications Satellites 1958-1969 

GEODESY 

Date Name Launch vehicle Remarks 

Oct. 31, 1962 

Jan. 11, 1964 

Oct. 10, 1964 

Mar. 9, 1965 

Mar. 11, 1965 

Apr. 3, 1965 

Apr. 29, 1965 

Aug. 10, 1965 

Nov. 6, 1965 

June 9, 1966 

June 23, 1966 

Aug. 19, 1966 

Oct. 5. 1956 

June 29,1967 

Jan. 11, 1968 

Apr. 14, 1969 

Anna 1B 

Secor 1 

Beacon-Explorer 

XXII 

Secor 111 

Secor II‘ 

Secor IV 

Beacon-Explorer 

XXVII 

Secor V 

GEOS-I Explorer 

XXIX 

Secor VI 

Pageos I 

Secor VI1 

Secor VI11 

SdGr IX-- 

GEOS I1 

Secor XI11 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Agena D 

scout Conducted reflecting-light geodetic measurements. 

Thor-Agena D 

Thor-Able Star 

Atlas-Agena D 

scout 

scout 

Thor-Delta 

Atlas-Agena D 

Thor-Agena D 

Atlas-Agena D 

Atlas-Agena D 

Thor-Burner I1 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Agena D 

Used 3 independent measuring techniques: Doppler frequency 

Uses radio triangulation and trilateration. 

shift, flashing lights, and radio triangulation. 

Spacecraft is a 100-foot-diameter balloon used as a photographic 

target to make geodetic measurements. 

100 
APPENDJX B-Continued 

U.S. Applications Satellites 1958-1969 

DEFENSE SUPPORT 

Date Number Launch vehicle used Remarks 

Apr. 13, 1959 to 10 

Dec. 31, 1969. 31 

118 

4 

5 

7 

4 

12 

68 

23 

9 

4 

Thor-Agena A 

Thor-Agena B 

Thor-Agena D 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Altair 

Thor-Burner I1 

Atlas-Agena A 

Atlas-Agena B 

Atlas-Agena D 

Titan IIIBAgena D 

Titan IIIC 

Atla 

This list does not include communications, navigation, or geodetic satellites 

specifically identified above in the application categories. 

COMMUNICATIONS 

Date Name Launch vehicle Remarks 

Dec. 18, 1958 

Aug. 12, 1960 

Oct. 4, 1960 

Dec. 12. 1961 

jGe 2, ’1 962 

July 10, 1962 

Dec. 13. 1962 

Feb. 14; 1963 

May 7, 1963 

July 26, 1963 

Jan. 21, 1964 

Jan. 25, 1964 

Aug. 19, 1964 

Mar. 9, 1965 

Apr. 6, 1965 

Dec. 21, 1965 

June 16, 1966 

Oct. 26, 1966 

Jan. 11, 1967 

Jan. 18, 1967 

Mar. 22, 1967 

July 1, 1967 

July 1, 1967 

Sept. 27, 1967 

June 13, 1968 

Sept. 26, 1968 

Dec. 18, 1968 

Feb. 6, 1969 

Feb. 9, 1969 

May 22, 1969 

July 26, 1969 

Nov. 22, 1969 

Score 

Echo I 

Courier 1B 

Oscar I 

Oscar I1 

Telstar I 

Relay I 

Syncom I 

Telstar I1 

Syncom I1 

Relay I1 

Echo I1 

Syncom I11 

Oscar I11 

Intelsat I (Early 

Bird) 

Oscar IV 

IDCSP 1-7 

Intelsat 11-Fl 

Intelsat 11-F2 

IDCSP 8-15 

Intelsat 11-F3 

IDCSP 16-18 

LES 5 

Intelsat 11-F4 

IDSCs 19-26 

LES 6 

Intelsat I11 (F-2) 

Intelsat III(F-3) 

Tacsat I 

Intelsat III(F-4) 

Intelsat III(F-5) 

Skynet A 

(IDCSP-A) 

Atlas B 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Agena B 

Thor-Agena B 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Agena B 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Agena D 

Thor-Delta 

Titan IIIC 

Titan IIIC 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Titan IIIC 

TAD 

Titan IIIC 

Titan IIIC 

Thor-Del ta 

Titan IIIC 

Titan IIIC 

Thor-Del ta 

Thor-Delta (TAT) 

Titan IIIC 

Thor-Delta(TAT) 

T hor-Del ta (TAT) 

Thor-Delta 

First comsat, carried taped messages. 

100-foot balloon served as first passive comsat, relayed voice and 

First active-repeater comsat. 

First amateur radio “ham” satellite. 

Industry-furnished spacecraft in near-Earth orbit. 

Ac tive-repeater comsat . Successfully injected into near-synchronous orbit but comTV signals. 

munication system failed at orbital injection. 

After experimental phase, used operationally by DOD. 

First successful synchronous orbit active-repeater comsat. 

135-foot balloon. uassive comsat. first ioint use by US. and I. 

U.S.S.R. 

operationally by DOD. 

Synchronous-orbit comsat ; after experimental phase, used 

First Intelsat (Comsat Corp.) spacecraft, 240 2-way voice 

circuits; commercial transatlantic communication service 

initiated June 28, 1965. 

Initial defense communication satellites program (IDCSP). 

Active-repeater spacecraft in near-synchronous orbit, randomspaced. 

First in Intelsat I1 series spacecraft; 240 2-way voice circuits or 1 color TV channel. Orbit achieved not adequate for com- mercial operation. 

Transoacific commercial communication service initiated Jan. 

1 1, -1967. 

traffic. 

mobile land stations from near-synchronous orbit. 

traffic. 

Positioned to carry transatlantic commercial communication 

Tactical military communication tests with aircraft, ships, and 

Positioned to carry commercial transpacific communication 

Continued military tactical communications experiments. 

First in Intelsat I11 series of spacecraft. 1,200 2-way voice 

circuits or 4 color TV channels. Positioned over Atlantic 

to carry traffic between North America, South America, 

Africa, and Europe. Entered commercial service on Dec. 24, 

1968. 

Stationed over Pacific to carry commercial traffic between the 

United States, Far East, and Australia. 

Demonstrated feasibility of using a spaceborne repeater to 

satisfy selected communications needs of DOD mobile forces. 

Stationed over Pacific to replace F-3 which was moved wesward 

to the Indian Ocean. Completes global coverage. 

Suacecraft failed to achieve the proper orbit. Not usable. 

Launched for the United Kingdom in response to an agreement 

to augment the IDCSP program. - 

101 
APPENDIX B-Continued 

U.S. Applications Satellites 1958-1969-Continued 

NAVIGATION 

Date Name Launch vehicle Remarks 

Apr. 13, 1960 

June 22, 1960 

Feb. 21, 1961 

June 29, 1961 

Nov. 15, 1961 

Dec. 18, 1962 

June 15, 1963 

Sept. 28, 1963 

Dec. 5, 1963 

June 4, 1964 

Oct. 6, 1964 

Dec. 13, 1964 

June 24, 1965 

Aug. 13, 1965 

Dec. 22, 1965 

Jan. 28, 1966 

Mar. 25, 1966 

May 19, 1966 

Aue. 18. 1966 

A ;. 13,’ 1967 

&y 18, 1967 

Sept. 25, 1967 

Mar. 1, 1968 

Transit 1B 

Transit 2A 

Transit 3B 

Transit 4A 

Transit 4B 

Transit 5A 

NavSat 

NavSat 

NavSat 

NavSat 

NavSat 

NavSat 

NavSat 

NavSat 

NavSat 

NavSat 

NavSat 

NavSat 

NavSat 

NavSat 

NavSat 

NavSat 

NavSat 

Thor-Able Star First navigation satellite. Used Doppler frequency shift for 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Able Star 

Scout 

scout Used gravity-gradient stabilization system. 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Able Star 

Scout 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Able Star 

scout 

scout 

scout 

scout 

scout 

scout 

Scout 

scout 

scout 

position determination. 

Used the first spacecraft nuclear SNAP-3 as a secondary power 

Operational prototype, power failed during first day. 

Used first nuclear SNAP-SA as primary paver supply. 

supply. 

WEATHER OBSERVATION 

Am. 1. 1960 

Nbv; 23, 1960 

July 12, 1961 

Feb. 8, 1962 

June 19, 1962 

Sent. 18. 1962 

JGe 19,’ 1963 

Dec. 21, 1963 

Aug. 28, 1964 

Jan. 22, 1965 

July 2, 1965 

Feb. 3, 1966 

Feb. 28, 1966 

May 15, 1966 

Oct. 2, 1966 

Dec. 6, 1966 

Tan. 26. 1967 

Apr. 20, 1967 

Nov. 5, 1967 

Nov. 10, 1967 

Aug. 16, 1968 

Dec. 15, 1968 

Feb. 26, 1969 

Apr. 14, 1969 

Tiros I 

Tiros I1 

Tiros I11 

Tiros IV 

Tiros V 

Tiros VI 

Tiros VI1 

Tiros VI11 

Nimbus I 

Tiros IX 

Tiros X 

ESSA I 

ESSA I1 

Nimbus I1 

ESSA I11 

ATS- 1 

ESSA IV 

ESSA V 

ATS-3 

ESSA VI 

ESSA VI1 

ESSA VI1 

ESSA 1x1 

Nimbus I11 

Thor Able 

Thor-Del ta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Del ta 

Thor-Del ta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Agena B 

Thor-Del ta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Agena B 

Thor-Delta 

Atlas-Agena D 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Atlas-Agena 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Del ta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Del ta 

Thor-Agena 

First weather satellite providing cloud-cover photography. 

First weather satellite designed to transmit continuously local 

cloud conditions to ground stations equipped with APT - . .. 

receivers. 

Carried advanced videcon camera system, APT, and a high 

resolution infrared radiometer for night pictures. - 

First weather satellite in a Sun-synchronous orbit. 

First operational weather satellite; carried 2 wide-angle TV camera systems. 

Complemented ESSA I with 2 wide-angle APT cameras. 

Odd-numbered ESSA spacecraft carry 2 advanced videcon camera systems. Even-numbered spacecraft carry 2 automatic picture transmission camera systems. 

Provided continuous black-and-white cloud-cover pictures from a synchronous orbit, using a Suomi camera system. 

Provided continuous color cloud-cover pictures from a synchronous orbit, using 3 Suomi camera systems. 

Provided first vertical temperature profile on a global basis of 

the atmosphere from the spacecraft to the Earth’s surface. 

102 
APPENDIX C 

History of U.S. and Soviet Manned Space Flights 

Spacecraft Launch date Crew Flight time Highlights 

Vostok 1 

MercuryMercuryVostok 2 

MercuryAtlas 6 

MercuryAtlas 7 

Vostok 3 

Vostok 4 

MercuryAtlas 8 

MercuryAtlas 9 

Vmtok 5 

Vostok 6 

Voskhod 1 

Redstone 3 

Redstone 4 

Voskhod 2 

Gemini 3 

Gemini 4 

Gemini 5 

Gemini 7 

Gemini 6-A 

Gemini 8 

Gemini 9-A 

Gemini 10 

Gemini 11 

Gemini 12 

soyuz 1 

Apollo 7 

soyuz 3 

Appollo 8 

soyuz 4 

soyuz 5 

Apollo 9 

Apollo 10 

Apollo 11 

Apr. 12, 1961 

May 5, 1961. 

July 21, 1961 

Aug. 6, 1961 

Feb. 20, 1962 

May 24, 1962 

Aug. 1 1, 1962 

Aug. 12, 1962 

Oct. 3, 1962 

May 15, 1963 

June 14, 1963 

June 16, 1963 

Oct. 12, 1964 

Mar. 18, 1965 

Mar. 23, 1965 

June 3, 1965 

Aug. 21, 1965 

Dec. 4, 1965 

Dec. 15, 1965 

Mar. 16, 1966 

June 3, 1966 

July 18, 1966 

Sept. 12, 1966 

Nov. 1 1, 1966 

Apr. 23, 1967 

Oct. 11, 1968 

Oct. 26, 1968 

Dec. 21, 1968 

Jan. 14, 1969 

Jan. 15, 1969 

Mar. 3, 1969 

May 18, 1969 

July 16, 1969 

Yuri A. Gagarin 

Alan N. Shepard, Jr. 

Virgil I. Grissom 

Gherman S. Titov 

John H. Glenn, Jr. 

M. Scott Carpenter 

Andrian G. Nikolayev 

Pavel R. Popovich 

Walter M. Schirra, Jr. 

L. Gordon Cooper, Jr. 

Valery F. Bykovsky 

Valentina V. Tereshkova 

Vladimir M. Komarov 

Konstantin P. Feoktistov 

Dr. Boris G. Yegorov 

Aleksei A. Leonov 

Pavel I. Belyayev 

Virgil I. Grissom 

John W. Young 

James A. McDivitt 

Edward H. White, 2d 

L. Gordon Cooper, Jr. 

Charles Conrad, Jr. 

Frank Borman 

James A. Lovell, Jr. 

Walter M. Schirra, Jr. 

Thomas P. Stafford 

Neil A. Armstrong 

David R. Scott 

Thomas P. Stafford 

Eugene A. Cernan 

John W. Young 

Michael Collins 

Charles Conrad, Jr. 

Richard F. Gordon, Jr. 

James A. Lovell, Jr. 

Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. 

Vladimir M. Komarov 

Walter M. Schirra, Jr. 

Donn F. Eisele 

R. Walter Cunningham 

Georgi Beregovoy 

F.rank Borman 

James A. Lovell, Jr. 

William A. Anders 

Vladimir Shatalov 

Boris Volynov 

Alecksey Yeliseyev 

Yevgeniv Khrunov 

James A. McDivitt 

David R. Scott 

Russell L. Schweickart 

Thomas P. Stafford 

John W. Young 

Eugene A. Cernan 

Neil A. Armstrong 

Michael Collins 

Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. 

1 hr. 48 mins. 

15 mins. 

16 mins. 

25 hrs. 18 mins. 

4 hrs. 55 mins. 

4 hrs. 56 mins. 

94 hrs. 22 mins. 

70 hrs. 57 mins. 

9 hrs. 13 mins. 

34 hrs. 20 mins. 

119 hrs. 6 mins. 

70 hrs. 50 mins. 

24 hrs. 17 mins. 

26 hrs. 2 mins. 

4 hrs. 53 mins. 

97 hrs. 56 mins. 

190 hrs. 55 mins. 

330 hrs. 36 mins. 

25 hrs. 51 mins. 

10 hrs. 41 mins. 

72 hrs. 21 mins. 

70 hrs. 47 mins. 

71 hrs. 17 mins. 

94 hrs. 35 mins. 

26 hrs. 40 mins. 

260 hrs. 8 mins. 

94 hrs. 51 mins. 

147 hrs. 

71 hrs. 22 mins. 

72 hrs. 40 mins. 

241 hrs. 1 min. 

192 hrs. 3 mins. 

195 hrs. 19 mins. 

First manned flight. 

First US. flight; suborbital. 

Suborbital; capsule sank after landing. 

First flight exceeding 24 hrs. 

First American to orbit. 

Landed 250 mi. from target. 

First dual mission (with Vostok 4) 

Came within 3.1 mi. of Vostok 3. 

Landed 5 mi. from target. 

First long U.S. flight. 

Second dual mission (with Vostok 6). 

First woman in space; within 5 mi. of Vostok 

First 3-man crew. 5. 

First extravehicular activity (Leonov, 10 

First U.S. 2-man flight; first manual maneu2 1 -minute extravehicular activity (White ) . 

Longest-duration manned flight to date. 

Longest-duration manned flight. 

Rendezvous within 1 foot of Gemini 7. 

First docking of 2 orbiting spacecraft (Gemini 

Extravehicular activity; rendezvous. 

First dual rendezvous (Gemini 10 with 

Agena, 10, then Agena 8). 

First initial-orbit rendezvous ; first tethered 

flight; highest Earth-orbit altitude (853 

miles). 

Longest extravehicular activity (Aldrin, 5 

hours 37 minutes). 

Cosmonaut killed in re-entry accident. 

First U.S. 3-man mission. 

minutes). 

vers in orbit. 

8 with Agena target rocket). 

Maneuvered near unmanned Soyuz 2. 

First manned orbit(s) of Moon; first manned 

departure from Earth’s sphere of influence; 

highest speed ever attained in manned 

flight. 

Soyuz 4 and 5 docked and transferred 2 

Cosmonauts fron Soyuz 5 to Soyuz 4. 

Successfully simulated in Earth orbit operation of lunar module to landing and 

takeoff from lunar surface and rejoining 

with command module. 

Successfully demonstrated complete system, 

including lunar module descent to 47,000 

ft. from the lunar surface. 

First manned landing on lunar surface and 

safe return to Earth. First return of rock 

and soil samples to Earth, and manned 

deployment of experiments on lunar 

surface. 

103 
APPENDIX C-Continued 

History of U.S. and Soviet Manned Space Flightdntinued 

Spacecraft Launch date Crew Flight time Highlights 

Soyuz 6 Oct. 11, 1969 Georgiv Shonin 

Soyuz 7 Oct. 12, 1969 Anatoliy Filipchencko 

Soyuz 8 Oct. 13, 1969 Vladimir Shatalov 

Apollo 12 Nov. 14, 1969 Charles Conrad, Jr. 

Valeriy Kubasov 

Vladislav Volkov 

Viktor Gorbatko 

Aleksey Yeliseyev 

Richard F. Gordon, Jr. 

Alan L. Bean 

118 hrs. 21 mins. 

118 hrs. 43 mins. 

Soyuz 6, 7 and 8 operated as a group flight 

without actually docking. Each conducted 

certain experiments, including welding and 

Earth and celestial observations. 

118 hn. 51 mins. 

244 hn. 36 mins. Second manned lunar landing. Continued 

manned exploration and retrieved parts of 

Surveyor I11 spacecraft which landed in 

Ocean of Storms on Apr. 19, 1967. 

APPENDIX D

U.S. Space Launch Vehicles 

Thrust Height Payload (pounds) 

(in thou- Max. less 

pounds) (feet) craft orbit Escape launch 

Vehicle Stages Propellant sandsof dia. space- 300 NM First 

(feet) 

Scout.. ........... 1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

Thrust-augmented 1. 

2. 

3. 

Thrust-augmented 1. 

2. 

Atlas-Burner 11.. ... 1. 

Thorad-Delta. 

Thorad-Agena. 

2. 

Atlas-Agena ........ 1. 

2. 

Titan IIIB-Agena ... 1. 

2. 

3. 

Titan IIIC.. ...... 1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

Atlas-Centaur.. .... 1. 

2. 

Uprated Saturn IB. . 1. 

2. 

Saturn V.. ........ 1. 

2. 

3. 

Algol (IIB) ....... Castor 11.. ...... Antares 11. ...... Altair I11 or FW4. 

Thor (SLV-2J) 

three TX 354-5. .. Delta (DSV-3). .. FW-4DpE 364.. . Thor (SLV-2H) 

three TX 354-5. .. Agena ........... Atlas booster and 

sustainer (SLV3A). 

Burner 11. ....... Atlas booster and 

sustainer (SLV3A). 

Agena ........... TWO LR-87.. .... LR-91 ........... Agena. .......... Two 5-segment 

120" diameter. 

TWO LR-87.. .... LR-91. .......... Transtage ........ Atlas booster and 

sustainer. 

Centaur (Two 

S-IB (Eight H-1). 

S-IVB (One 5-2). 

S-IC (Five F-1). . S-I1 (Five 5-2). .. S-IVB (One 5-2). 

Plus 

Plus 

RL-IO). 

Solid ............. 100.9 3.3 

Solid ............. 60.7 

Solid ............. 20.9 

Solid. 5. 9 

LOX/RP.. ....... 3 170 11 ............ 

Solid. ............ 2 52 

IRFNA/UDMH. .. 7.8 

LOX/RP. ........ 170 11 

Solid ............. 5.9/10.0 

Solid. ............ IRFNAWDMH ... LOX/RP. ........ 

Solid. ............ LOX/RP. ........ 

IRFNA/UDMH ... N,O,/Aerozine. ... 

IRFNA/UDMH.. . Solid. ............ 

N,04/Aerozine. ... 

N204/Aerozine. ... N,O,/Aerozine. ... N204/Aerozine. ... LOX/RP. ........ 

LOX/LH . 

LOXlRP.. .... LOX'LH ......... LOX/RP. ........ LOX/LH ......... LOX/LH ......... 

2 52 

16 

400 10 

10 

400 10 

16 

440 10 

100 

16 

2,400 10x30 

440 

100 

16 

400 10 

30 

200 

1,600 21. 6 

7,570 33 

1, 150 

230 

64.4 

109 

80 

84 

100 

112 

110 

100 

142 

320 50 1 1965 (60) 

2,000 525 

2,900 ......... 

4,950 700 

7,500 1,430 

8,000 17550 

23, OOO 5, 200 

9100 2,700 

40,000@ ......... 105 NM 3 281 285,000@ 100,000 

105 NM 

1968 (60) 

1966 (60) 

1968 

1968 (60) 

1966 

1965 

1967 (62) 

1966 

1967 

~ 

The date of first launch applies to this latest modification 

363 feet, including Apollo modules and Launch Escape 

Propellant abbreviations used are as follows : Liquid Oxygen 

and a modified Kerosene-LOX/RP; Solid propellant corn- bining in a single mixture both fuel and oxidizer-Solid; 

Inhibited Red Fuming Nitric Acid and Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine-IRFNA/UDMH ; Nitrogen Tetroxide and 

Aerozine-N204/Aerozine; Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Hydrogen-LOX/LH. 

with a date in parentheses for the initial version. 2 Each motor. 

System. 

104 
APPENDIX E 

Nuclear Power Systems for Space Application ~- ~~ ~ 

Designation Application Status 

SNAP-3 

SNAP-SA 

SNAP-I 9 

SNAP-27 

SNAP-IOA 

Transit 1 

Pioneer 1 

Viking 1 

Navigation satellites (DOD) 

Navigation satellites (DOD) 

Nimbus B weather satellite (NASA) 

Apollo lunar surface experiment 

package (NASA) 

Unmanned missions 

Navigation satellites (DOD) 

Jupiter flyby mission (NASA) 

Mars lander mission (NASA) ~~~ 

1 Planned missions. 

Units launched in June and November 1961. Unit still operating at 

reduced power levels. 

Units launched in September and December 1963. Units still operating 

at reduced power level. Third satellite failed to orbit in April 1964. 

First Nimbus B launch aborted; Pu-238 fuel recovered from offshore 

waters. Replacement unit launched in April 1969 and has operated 

continuously at gradually reducing power levels since that time. 

First SNAP-27 placed on lunar surface by Apollo 12 astronaut in 

November 1969. System is supplying total power for ALSEP. 

Tested in orbit in 1965. 

Development program underway. 

Modified SNAP-I 9 generator system will be used. 

Modified SNAP-1 9 generator system will be used. 

APPENDIX F-1 

Space Activities of the U.S. Government 

TEN-YEAR SUMMARY AND 197 1 BUDGET RECOM~NDATIONS JANUARY 197O-NEW OBLIGATIONAL AUTHORITY 

[In millions of dollars (may not add due to rounding)] 

NASA Department 

of Defense 

Total Space 1 

1959.. .............. 305.4 235.4 489.5 

1960. ............... 523.6 461.5 560. 9 

1961. ............... 964.0 926.0 813.9 

1962 ................ 1,824.9 1, 796.8 1,298.2 

1963. ............... 3,673.0 3,626.0 1,549.9 

1964.. .............. 5,099. 7 5,046.3 1,599.3 

1965.. .............. 51249. 7 5; 167.6 11573.9 

1966. ............... 5, 174.9 5,094.5 1,688.8 

1967.. .............. 4,967.6 4,862.2 1,663.6 

1968. ............... 4,588.8 4,452.5 1,921.8 

1969. ............... 3, 990. 9 3, 822.0 2, 013.0 

1971 budget : 

1970. ........... 3,134.9 3,548.6 1,756.0 

1971.. .......... 3,330.0 3, 144.5 1,674.0 

AEC Commerce Interior Agriculture 

34.3 . 43.3 . 67.7 . 147.8 

~ ~. . 

213.9 

210.0 

228.6 

186.8 

183.6 

145. 1 

118. 0 

102. 0 

98. 7 

....... 

............................... 50.7 ...................... 43.2 ...................... 2.8 ...................... 12.2 ...................... 26. 5 4.1 ........ 29. 3 3.0 ............ 28. 1 2.0 0. 5 

20. 0 2. 0 0. 7 

7. 0 3. 0 0. 9 

26. 0 4. 0 1. 5 

NSF 

..... .1 

.6 

1. 3 

1.5 

3.0 

3. 2 

3. 2 

2. 8 

3. 2 

1. 9 

2. 4 

2. 2 

Total 

space 

759.2 

1.065.8 

1; 808. 2 

3, 294.8 

5,434. 5 

6; 861.4 

6, 985. 5 

7,003. 9 

6, 744. 5 

6, 553. 2 

5, 977. 6 

5, 419. 9 

4, 950. 9 

1 Excludes amounts for aviation technology. Source: Bureau of the Budget. 

U.S. SPACE BUDGET - NEW OBL16A110HAL AUTHORITY BILLIONS OF DOLLARS 

NASC STAFF REQUEST JAN. 1870 

105 
APPENDIX F-2 

Space Activities Budget, January 1970 

[In millions of dollars] 

New obligational authority Expenditures 

1969 1970 1971 1969 1970 1971 

actual estimate estimate actual estimate estimate 

- 

Federal space programs: 

NASA1 .............................. 3,822.0 3,548. 6 3, 144.5 4,078.0 3,706.6 3, 215. 9 

Defense .............................. 2,013.0 1, 756.0 1,674.0 2,095. 0 1,820. 0 1, 690. 0 

AEC ................................ 118.0 102.0 98. 7 117.5 102. 5 103. 7 

Commerce. .......................... 20. 0 7. 0 26. 0 31. 0 27. 0 24. 0 

Interior. ............................. 2. 0 3. 0 4. 0 2. 0 3. 0 4. 0 

NSF ................................ 1. 9 2. 4 2. 2 1. 9 2. 3 2. 1 

Agriculture. ......................... 0. 7 0. 9 1. 5 0. 7 0. 9 1. 5 

Total. ............................. 

NASA: 

Manned space flight ................... 

Space science and applications. ......... 

Space technology. .................... Aviation technology. .................. Supporting activities. .................. Less receipts.. ........................ - 

Total NASA. ...................... 

5, 977. 6 

2, 625. 8 

543.4 

308.5 

168.9 

350.5 

-6. 2 

3, 990. 9 

5, 419. 9 4, 950. 9 

2, 257. 5 

632.3 

300.8 

186. 3 

364.0 

-6. 0 

3, 734. 9 

1, 810. 3 

682.6 

292. 1 

185. 5 

374. 1 

-14. 6 

3, 330. 0 

6, 326. 1 

2, 781. 4 

569. 1 

344.3 

168.5 

389.4 

-6. 2 

4, 246. 5 

5, 662. 3 

2, 354. 7 

633.8 

337.3 

179.8 

386.8 

-6. 0 

3, 886. 4 

5, 041. 2 

1, 936. 8 

612. 3 

305.8 

184.1 

375. 6 

-14.6 

3,400.0 

1 Excludes amounts for aviation technology. Source: Bureau of the Budget. 

Aeronautics Budget 

[In millions of dollars] 

~ 

New obligational authority 

1969 1970 1971 

estimate estimate 

Federal aeronautics programs: 

NASA' .................................................................. 168. 9 186.3 185.5 

Department of Defense 2. .................................................. 1, 160.9 1,597.9 1, 624.4 

Department of Transportation 3. ............................................ -30.0 96. 0 290.0 

Total .................................................................. 1,299.8 1,880.2 2,099. 9 

1 R. & D., R. & P.M., C. of F. * R.D.T. & E. aircraft and related equipment. 

3 R. & D., SST. Unobligated balances rescinded in 1969. 

Source: Bureau of the Budget. 

106 US. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1970 0-371-775