Aeronautics and Space Report 

1971 Activities of the President 
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Aeronautics and Space Report 

197 I Activities of the President 

i 

W 

Executive Office of the President 

National Aeronautics and Space Council 

Washington, D.C. 20502 
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE OF TRANSMITTAL 

To the Congress of the United States: 

I am pleased to transmit herewith a report of our national progress in aeronautics and space activities during 1971. 

This report shows that we have made forward strides toward each of the six 

objectives which I set forth for a balanced space program in my statement of 

March 7, 1970. 

Aided by the improvements we have made in mobility, our explorers on the 

moon last summer produced new, exciting and useful evidence on the structure and 

origin of the moon. Several phenomena which they uncovered are now under study. 

Our unmanned nearby observation of Mars is similarly valuable and significant for 

the advancement of science. 

During 1971, we gave added emphasis to aeronautics activities which contribute 

substantially to improved travel conditions, safety and security, and we gained increasing recognition that space and aeronautical research serves in many ways to 

keep us in the forefront of man’s technological achievements. 

There can be little doubt that the investments we are now making in explorations of the unknown are but a prelude to the accomplishments of mankind in future 

generations. 

THE WHITE HOUSE, 

March 1972 

iii 
Table 

I . Progress Toward U.S. Aeronautics and Space 

Goals in 1971 ............................ Introduction ............................... Continued Exploration of the Moon ........... Exploration of the Planets and the Universe .... Substantial Reduction in the Cost of Space 

Operations ............................... Extension of Man's Capability To Live and 

Work in Space ........................... Practical Ap lications of Space Technology ..... International'cooperation .................... Aeronautics ................................ Conclusion ................................ I1 . National Aeronautics and Space Council ....... Studies and Reports ......................... 111 . National Aeronautics and Space Administration . 

Space Science and Applications ............... Advanced Research and Technology ........... Tracking and Data Acquisition ............... International Affairs ........................ Affairs ............................ ?:ExT Utilization ...................... Relations ips With Other Government Agencies . IV . Department of Defense ...................... Space Ac tivities ............................. Space Ground Support ...................... Aeronautics Activities ....................... Supporting Research and Technology .......... Relationship With Other Government Agencies . V . Atomic Energy Commission .................. Space Electric Power ........................ Nuclear Rocket Program ..................... Satellite-Based Detection of Nuclear Explosions 

in Space and the Atmosphere ............... VI . Department of State ......................... Supporting Activities ........................ VI1 . Department of Transportation ................ Aviation Safety ............................. Air Traffic Control .......................... Navigation and Communication .............. Apphcations of Space Technology ............. VI11 . Arms Control and Disarmament Agency ....... IX . Department of the Interior ................... Aeronautics ................................ 

International Cooperation ................... X . Department of Agriculture ................... Remote Sensing Program .................... International Cooperation ................... 

Manned Space Flight ....................... 

Space ..................................... 

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XI . Department of Commerce ................... National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- tion ........................ office of Telecommunications .... Maritime Administration ................ National Bureau of Standards ............ XI1 . United States Information Agency ........ Radio .................................... Press and Publications ...................... Information Centers and Exhibits ............ XI11 . National Science Foundation ................ XIV . National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, National Research 

council ................................. Space Science Board ........................ Aeronautics and Space Engineering Boar 

Division of Behavioral Sciences ......... Division of Earth Sciences ............. Division of Engineering ..................... Division of Physical Sciences ................. XV . The Smithsonian Institution ................. Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory .... National Museum of Natural History ......... Center for Short-Lived Phenomena ........... 

XVI . Office of Telecommunications Policy ... XVII . Federal Communications Commission ......... Communication Satellites ............. 

Aeronautical Services ................. Maritime Mobile Service .................... Amateur Radio Service ..................... 

National Air and Space Museum ....... 

Radio Astronomy and Space Services ... 

Appendixes 

A-1 . U.S. Spacecraft Record ..................... 

B . 

C . U.S. Applications Satellites, 1958-71 .......... History of United States and Soviet Manned 

Space FliKhts ............................ D-1 . U.S. Space aunch Vehicles ................. D-2 . U.S. Successful Launches to Earth Orbit or Beyond by Launch Vehicle. 1958-71 .......... Nuclear Power Systems for S ace Application . . Space Activities of the U.S. 8overnment ...... U.S. Space Budget-New Obligational Authority (chart) ............................... Space Activities Budget ..................... Aeronautics Budget ......................... 

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V 
Progress Toward U.S. Aeronautics 

and Space Goals in 1971 I 

Introduction 

The United States has traditionally been, and continues 

to be, a leader in the world’s aeronautics and space 

activities. In large part, this leadership derives from the 

fact that those activities manifest some very basic 

American characteristics. Americans are pioneers and 

explorers, and space offers the most exciting and most 

challenging frontier yet left to explore. Americans are 

competitive people, but people who prefer to compete 

by being successful in activities which benefit mankind, 

not threaten it. Space competition in the sixties resulted 

in achievements and capabilities which reflected U.S. 

preeminence, but which also have provided benefits, 

both tangible and intangible, to many throughout the 

world. Continued US efforts to develop the most advanced air transports and aeronautical vehicles represents a similar pattern of beneficial competition 

which contributes to the quality of life we need and 

enjoy. Americans are practical people, and increasingly they are coming to realize that their national 

investment in space and aeronautics has already produced payoffs, in terms of national security, economic 

growth, and an increased quality of life, which justify 

the costs of obtaining them. 

The past year saw many successes for the United 

States in its aeronautics and space activitieeperhaps 

most dramatically, the continuation of manned exploration of the moon after a 14-month interim and the 

unmanned reconnaissance of the planet Mars. International involvement in the U.S. space program increased substantially. The year also saw a national 

decision to discontinue support for the development of 

an American supersonic transport. 

The United States is proceeding into this decade 

with clearly-defined goals and objectives for its civilian 

space program, a program characterized by its balance 

and by its attempt to utilize existing capabilities while 

at the same time developing the new ones required to 

continue the exploration and exploitation of outer 

space. These goals and objectives were first enunciated 

in March, 1970, and they remain the guidelines for 

determining national space policy. There are three 

general reasons why the United States continues to 

invest substantial resources in space activity: the national thrust to explore the unknown, the desire to 

acquire new knowledge, and the realization that space 

activity has practical and widely-beneficial applications. Space is increasingly coming to be seen as an 

arena of human activity, rather than national activity, 

and therefore a particularly congenial focus for cooperative undertakings that bring the peoples of the 

world together. 

Six specific Objectives for the U.S. space program, 

derived from these purposes, have been established. 

These are : 

1. continued exploration of the moon; 

2. exploration of the planets and the universe; 

3. substantial reductions in the cost of space 

4. extension of man’s capability to live and work 

5. expansion of the practical applications of space 

6. greater international cooperation. 

operations ; 

in space ; 

technology; 

This chapter reviews activity in the United States space 

program in 1971 in terms of progress towards achieving 

these six objectives. 

In aeronautics, the most important event of the year 

was probably the decision to discontinue support for 

the supersonic transport. Other elements of aeronautical activity during the year included the completion of a broad study delineating the needs of future 

civil air transport systems and increasing emphasis on 

the development of an efficient and environmentally 

sound air transport system for short distance flights. 

Military aeronautics programs aimed at providing 

modern strategic and tactical capabilities continued. 

Involvement of many nations in U.S. space activities 

and the application of those activities to many problems 

and opportunities throughout this planet are symbolic 

of the realization, first dramatized by photographs from 

space, of the finite boundaries of man’s common home. 

It is particularly appropriate that space activity, which 

has been so influential in creating the perception of 

Spaceship Earth, is now being used to help manage that 

spaceship for the benefit of all mankind. 

1 
Continued Exploration of the Moon 

With the success of the Apollo 14 and Apollo 15 missions during 1971, seven crews of American astronauts 

have now travelled to the moon and four teams have 

explored, in full view of millions around the world, the 

lunar surface. 

Almost four hundred pounds of lunar rocks and soil 

have now been returned for analysis by over 200 scientists. Sixty-four of the Principal Investigators operate 

in foreign laboratories. Geophysical research stations 

of increasing complexity have been established on the 

moon; the stations set up by the Apollo 12, 14, and 15 

lunar explorers and powered by long-lived nuclear 

units continue to return valuable data. 

In addition, the lunar missions have brought back 

thousands of photographs for study and analysis not 

only of the moon, but of earth. 

The combination of direct and remotely-controlled 

instruments is providing the data for a coordinated 

and comprehensive analysis aimed at answering major 

questions, not only about the origin and nature of the 

earth and moon, but also related to the origin of our 

solar system. This data may provide some of the missing links required for understanding not only our solar 

system but the universe. For example, within the returned lunar samples there are traces of matter interpreted to be 4.6 billion years old. If, as most scientists 

now agree, the moon and the earth are approximately 

the same age, then these lunar samples fill a gap in 

our knowledge of the earth’s first billion years of existence. Later natural processes on this planet have 

obliterated or obscured any record of what happened 

on earth prior to approximately 3.5 billion years ago. 

The Apollo 15 mission returned two other lunar samples of intense scientific value. One was the so-called 

“genesis rock,” which is believed to be 4.15 billion or 

more years old and to represent a chunk of the original 

lunar crust. The other is an eight-foot deep core sample 

which contains solar particles captured by the lunar 

soil and thus provides a record of the last billion years 

or so of the sun’s activity. 

The capabilities of Apollo missions have increased 

dramatically since the Apollo 11 landing in July 1969. 

Mission duration has increased from eight to twelve 

days. The Apollo 11 astronauts were on the surface 

21.6 hours and made one extravehicular excursion 

lasting 2.5 hours, staying within 200 feet of the lunar 

module. The Apollo 14 astronauts, during their 33 

hours on the moon, spent 9 hours outside the lunar 

module going out a little over half a mile. The Apollo 

15 mission represented a quantum jump in exploratory 

capabilities. The astronauts spent 67 hours on the moon 

and made three trips, totalling over 18 hours, and 

covering 17 miles, within a three mile radius, along 

the Apennine Front and the Hadley Rille. The Apollo 

15 mission was the first to employ the Lunar Roving 

Vehicle, which allowed astronauts to journey away 

from their landing site and to preserve their energies 

for the demanding tasks of manned lunar exploration. 

Because the Lunar Rover was equipped with a remotely-controlled television camera, those watching on 

earth had a deep sense of sharing the fascination of 

pioneering exploration, as the Apollo 15 team roamed 

the spectacular lunar surface in the Hadley-Apennine 

region. 

No lunar samples returned by the Apollo missions 

or the Soviet Luna 16 spacecraft to date have contained evidence of viable organisms. As a result the 

strict quarantine requirements of earlier lunar landing missions were cancelled for Apollo 15 and subsequent flights. 

Apollo 15 was a concrete demonstration of the many 

ways in which the presence of men during lunar exploration is a decided asset. The Apollo crews are 

called upon to act as scientific observers or field geologists, to collect samples, to carry out specific experiments in real-time communication and cooperation 

with scientists on earth, and to deploy and activate 

scientific stations. Apollo has exploited man’s unique 

capabilities for collecting data, for adapting to the 

unexpected, and for contributing critical elements of 

judgment and discrimination. The scientific success 

of the Apollo missions to date can be attributed directly 

to the resourcefulness and skill of the astronauts in 

carrying out their tasks of lunar exploration. The combination of the extended capability of the later Apollo 

hardware and the continued excellence of Apollo 

crews promise to make the last Apollo missions, 16 and 

17, two more chapters in the chronicle of man’s most 

challenging and potentially most rewarding exploratory undertaking, Project Apollo. 

Exploration of the Planets and the Universe 

As the year ended, the Manner 9 spacecraft was 

orbiting Mars and was half-way through its mission 

of sending photographs and other scientific data about 

that planet back to earth. The results of this mission, 

the first in which a spacecraft orbited another planet 

in the solar system, are expected to provide scientists 

with significantly more data on the characteristics of 

the Martian surface and atmosphere than were previously available. The Mariner 9 mission is a follow-up 

to earlier US. exploration of Mars in 1964 and 1969, 

and is part of a concentrated plan for the study of 

the one body in the solar system which most scientists 

agree should have highest priority for exhaustive investigation. The initial stages of this plan will culminate with the 1975 Viking mission to land scientific 

2 
instruments with emphasis on the search for life on the 

Martian surface. 

Mariner 9 was one of two Mars exploration missions 

launched during May 1971. The other mission, Mariner 8, failed to reach earth escape velocity due to a 

malfunction of the launch vehicle second stage guidance system. Manner 9 was placed in orbit about Mars 

on November 13. The Mariner 9 spacecraft carried 

television cameras and other instruments to provide 

data for mapping at least 70 percent of the Martian 

surface, for establishing the atmospheric and surface 

characteristics of the planet, and for the study of the 

dynamic elements of those characteristics. Early results 

of the mission include the first photographs of the 

two Martian moons. Due to an extensive dust storm 

on Mars, not as much of the planet had been mapped 

by the end of the year as had been planned. Complete visual coverage of the polar cap and coverage of 

ather areas of interest was obtained. 

Although Mars is a major focus of the US. program 

for planetary exploration, missions to each of the 

other planets in this solar system will be launched during the 1970’s. The Pioneer F spacecraft scheduled 

for launch on a mission to Jupiter during the first quarter of 1972 was undergoing final integration and testing at the end of the year. The Pioneer mission will 

examine the interplanetary medium beyond Mars, determine the size, density, and velocity of asteroids, and 

measure, during a close fly-by, the environmental and 

atmospheric conditions of Jupiter. SNAP-1 9 generators which will power this and several later planetary 

missions were delivered to NASA by the Atomic Energy Commission in December. 

Significant progress was made during 1971 on the 

design of and the selection of a contractor to develop 

a Mariner spacecraft scheduled for a 1973 launch to 

Mercury, with a fly-by of Venus enroute. This mission 

will be the first closeup examination of the nearest 

planet to the sun. 

During the late 1970’s, Mariner or Pioneer class 

spacecraft will be sent to explore Jupiter and Saturn. 

During the year a seventh Orbiting Solar Observatory (OSO-7) was launched. The primary mission of 

the OS0 program is to obtain scientific information on 

the sun and its influence on the rest of the solar system. 

The OSO-7 mission is studying explosive solar flares 

and the solar corona. Data from OSO-7 has already 

revealed extended “polar caps” on the sun-regions in 

which the temperature of the solar corona is about 

one million degrees less than that of the equatorial 

corona. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is using information from 

OSO-7 to predict solar flares likely to cause electromagnetic disturbances. 

As part of a cooperative U.S.-Federal Republic of 

Germany program called Helios two spacecraft will 

be launched to the vicinity of the sun in the mid1970’s. Germany is responsible for spacecraft and experiment development and for mission operations. The 

United States is providing additional experiments, will 

launch the spacecraft, and will assist Germany in other 

elements of the project. During 1971, spacecraft design was completed and construction and testing of an 

engineering model begun. 

Seven Explorer-class missions, including four involving cooperation with another country, were launched 

during 1971. These missions increase our knowledge 

of space physics and astronomy. A number of spacecraft launched prior to 1971 continue to operate and 

to provide valuable information about the solar system and the universe. 

Substantial Reduction in the Cost of Space 

Transportation 

Further design studies and economic analysis during 1971 reinforced the conclusion that the key to 

reducing the costs of space operation for the forseeable future is the development of some form of reusable transportation to space. The basic element will 

be a reusable space shuttle capable of placing payloads 

in orbit. With its use man can repair and service 

existing satellites or return them to earth for refurbishment, and it can be used to support scientific investigators during “sortie” missions in orbit. Major 

emphasis in the year was given to investigating in 

detail alternate configurations for a two-stage, fully 

reusable shuttle and for several versions of a partially 

reusable system to determine the trade-offs between 

capabilities and costs. Through close interagency COordination, NASA and the Air Force agreed on performance characteristics for the shuttle in order that 

it could meet both civilian and military needs for future 

space operations. The prime characteristics concern : 

payload size (up to 15 ft. dia. x 60 ft. long) ; payload weight (up to 65,000 lbs. for a due east launch) ; 

and range of the re-entering orbiter, lateral to the 

orbit plane ( 1100 n. mi.). Benefit-cost studies suggested that system development was a desirable investment for the United States if a moderate level of 

space activity was to be maintained in the 1980’s. 

Extension of Man’s Capability to Live and Work in 

Space 

In 1973 three Americans will embark on the first of 

a series of earth orbiting missions using Skylab, the 

first United States vehicle created specifically to en3 
able man to live and work in space for extended 

periods. This program is dedicated to the use of space 

and its unique environment and vantage point to increase our knowledge and understanding of the earth’s 

importance to man’s well-being and man’s influence 

on earth‘s ecology. Skylab will also be a major step 

in manned space flight. Habitation by the first crew 

will double our previous man-in-space duration for a 

single mission; the second crew’s visit will double that 

duration. Skylab, in effect, creates a bridge between 

the development flights of the 60’s and the long duration operational space flights of the future. 

To accomplish its mission, Skylab will be placed in 

earth orbit and will be visited by three different crews 

during an eight-month period. While successfully inhabiting and operating the vehicle for one- and twomonth continuous periods, these crews will obtain 

data in areas pertinent to the man/Earth relationship and to the biomedical aspects of space flight. 

Investigations conducted aboard the orbiting laboratory and data acquired from Skylab experiments 

and returned to earth will permit us to : ( 1 ) increase 

man’s knowledge of the Sun and its importance to 

earth’s and man’s existence; (2) increase man’s knowledge of the biomedical functions of living organisms, 

human and other, by making observations under conditions different from those on Earth to determine 

the influence of Earth conditions to those functions; 

(3) develop techniques for observing from space Earth 

phenomena in the areas of agriculture, forestry, geology, geography, air and water pollution, land use 

and meterology, and the influence man has on these 

ecological elements ; (4) develop improved techniques 

for space operations in the areas of crew habitability, 

crew/vehicle interrelationships, and space vehicle 

structure and materials, and evaluate various equipments necessary for successful habitation of the unique 

environment of space. 

During the past year, considerable progress has been 

made in the development phase of the Skylab program. Flight hardware has been delivered, new features such as rescue capability and an extensive earth 

resources survey project have been added, qualification 

testing is well advanced, and astronaut training has 

been initiated. Activities in the coming year will concentrate on final validation of all systems, pointing to 

the Skylab launch in 1973. 

In addition to preparations specifically related to the 

Skylab program, NASA life sciences specialists are 

carefully investigating recent U.S. and Soviet manned 

missions to determine whether any heretofore unanticipated biomedical obstacles related to long-duration 

flights in a zero-gravity environment exist. 

4 

Practical Applications of Space Technology 

There has been increasing attention given to deriving 

the maximum tangible returns from our national investment in space capabilities. The most direct form of 

return is the use of space techniques to provide needed 

services such as communications, resource management, weather forecasting, and the like. These practical 

applications of space technology have already provided significant benefits to the nation and to the world, 

and future applications programs promise substantial 

additional benefits. 

Earth Resources Suruey (ERS) .-This program rep 

resents an attempt to combine aerospace technolqy 

and interdisciplinary science in developing a new 

capability for rational management of the limited resources of the earth. The major emphases of the p~ 

gram are two: to leam how to gather data about earth 

accurately and efficiently from a variety of surface, 

airborne, and space platforms, and to learn how to 

extract from these data new information to support 

environmental decisionmaking. The goal of the current experimental ERS program is to move to a point 

at which a national decision on the advisability of 

developing an integrated operational earth survey system can be made. 

During 1971, the ERS program continued to use 

airborne platforms to develop remote sensing techniques and prototype systems, in anticipation of the 

launch of the initial Earth Resources Technology 

Satellite (ERTS) in the first half of 1972. Until that 

launch, the aircraft program also serves as the principal 

data source for research and the application of remotesensing techniques. Three major events marked the 

progress of the ERS aircraft program during the year. 

Several new remote sensing systems which will provide 

new capabilities for exploring environmental problems 

became operational. The practical application of remote sensing were demonstrated in relation to several 

actual environmental problems. There was a major 

effort to extend the 1970 study of corn blight; in addition, remotely-sensing data were used to investigate 

public health and agricultural problems. NASA acquired two surplus U-2 aircraft for high-altitude simulation of the ERTS-A mission. These aircraft are 

flown over test sites in California, Arizona, and the 

Chesapeake Bay area every 18 days to collect ERTSlike data in advance of the first space ERTS mission. 

Work continued on the deveIopmen,t of two ERTS 

spacecraft, one for launch in 1972 and the other in 

1973. NASA selected experiment proposals for the use 

of data from the ERTS-A mission and Earth Resources 

Experiment Package aboard Skylab. That experiment 

package was further defined during 197 1. 

The ERS program involves the cooperation of a 

number of government agencies. An interagency Earth 
Resources Survey Program Review Committee is responsible for coordinating ERS-related activities in the 

agencies. During the year, the National Aeronautics 

and Space Council completed a study of the management aspects of the ERS program. 

Communications.-The Applications Technology Satellites (ATS)-1, 3, and 5, all of which continue in 

operation far beyond their design lifetimes, were utilized to provide communications services to government agencies, (bath state and federal, university and 

commercial organizations, and foreign governments. 

In one instance, in which emergency medical care was 

provided for remote villages in Alaska by transmitting 

treatment instructions via the ATS-1 satellite. 

During the year experiments in communications, 

meteorology, traffic management, spacecraft technology and science were selected to be carried aboard the 

ATS-F spacecraft. NASA also agreed to support, with 

this spacecraft, an experiment proposed jointly by the 

Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and 

the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to transmit 

educational and health programs to the Rocky Mountain region and to Alaska. Under a similar cooperative 

agreement, about one year after launch, ATS-F will be 

made available for use by the Government of India. 

Cooperation in the international field continued 

with the launch of the CAS1 (EOLE) satellite for 

the French. This satellite will collect wind velocity and 

air temperature and pressure in the southern hemisphere from about 500 balloons fabricated by the 

French and launched from stations in Argentina. 

In April a Memorandum of Understanding was 

reached with the Department of Communications of 

Canada *to develop cooperatively the CAS-3, a communications technology satellite. The U.S. will provide the launch vehicle and the transmitter output 

stage while Canada will provide the balance of the 

spacecraft. 

The Defense Satellite Communications System 

(DSCS) is designed to provide secure long distance 

military communications via satellite. Phase I of the 

DSCS, consisting of 21 operational satellites and 29 

earth terminals, continues to perform satisfactorily. 

The first two satellites will be moved to geo-stationary 

positions over the Atlantic and Pacific at the equator. 

The research and development phase of the Tactical 

Satellite Communications Program (TACSATCOM) 

was completed in 1970. Satellites launched as part of 

this phase of the program were used during 1971 in 

both test and interim operational modes. Development 

of the Navy's Fleet Satellite Communications System, 

an outgrowth of the TACSATCOM program, was 

initiated in 1971. This system is intended to provide 

improved communications for Navy ships worldwide 

while also fulfilling certain Air Force requirements. 

The second NATO Phase I1 communications satellite 

was launched successfully by the United States in 

February. 

Meteorology.-Use of Applications Technology Satellites (ATS)-1 and -3 to acquire daytime cloud cover 

imagery continued during the year. The ATS-3 spacecraft is used by the National Hurricane Center and 

the National Severe Storms Forecast Center; during 

the spring, the spacecraft is placed at the most favorable position for viewing mid-continent severe storms 

and then moved to look at hurricane areas in the 

western Atlantic Ocean during the summer and fall. 

After more than 18 months in orbit, data from the 

Nimbus-4 spacecraft continues to be used by the 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

to derive atmospheric vertical temperature profiles for 

use in operational analysis. Advanced Nimbus satellites 

will be launched in 1972 and 1974, and will include 

devices for remote sensing of the atmosphere in cloudy 

regions, at higher temperatures, and in new regions of 

the electromagnetic spectrum. 

Two second-generation operational environmental 

satellites launched in 1970, ITOS-F and NOAA-1, 

were deactivated during 1971 due to problem in their 

stabilization control systems. The launch of a third 

such satellite in October was unsuccessful due to launch 

vehicle failure. The next launch in the ITOS series is 

scheduled for rhe first half of 1972. 

Work continued on the development of a Synchronous Meteorological Satellite, with the goal of a late 

1972 launch for the first such spacecraft. This satellite 

will provide day and night cloud cover imagery from 

synchronous orbit, among other capabilities. 

Geodesy.-Emphasis is being given to the application 

of space technology and related precision metric measurement techniques to investigations related to areas 

such as the understanding of earthquake mec'hanisms 

required for earthquake warnings and for development of earthquake-prone areas and the discovery 

of new mineral deposits. In conducting these investigations, use will be made of the radio and laser satellite 

tracking techniques developed in NASA's Geodetic 

Satellite Program ; the very long baseline interferometry technique originally developed for radio astronomy 

studies; satellite altimetry techniques; and a special 

class of satellites designed to support measurements of 

the earth's gravity and magnetic fields and of the 

geometry of the ocean surface. 

During 1971 new information about the mechanical 

properties of the earth was derived from analysis of the 

orbital perturbations of the Beacon-C satellite caused 

by the earth's tidal bulge. The Apollo tracking ship 

Vanguard participated in an experiment to measure 

5 
large ocean surface geoidal undulations. Geodetic satellite tracking data was used to improve the representation of the earth‘s gravity field. 

The military services initiated procurement of a 

man-portable satellite tracking system designated Geoceiver; this system will provide a cost-effective and 

highly accurate mobile station. 

International Cooperation 

During 197 1 international cooperative activity related 

to space may have been more extensive than during 

any previous year. The General Assembly of the United 

Nations endorsed a convention on liability for damage caused by objects launched into space. The 81 

members of the International Telecommunications 

Satellite Organization ( INTELSAT) completed negotiations regarding Definitive Agreements for the organization. The United States and the Soviet Union 

conducted expanded discussions on a variety of pasible cooperative undertakings. At the end of the year, 

these two nations reached tentative agreement on certain technical aspects of a possible future joint US.- 

U.S.S.R. manned mission to test compatible docking 

systems. There was a continuing dialogue with European nations regarding their participation in the U.S. 

post-Apollo planning, and with Atlantic and Pacific 

countries regarding the use of satellites for air traffic 

control and related civil aviation purposes. Both 

through direct cooperation with the U.S. and through 

increasing United Nations involvement in the program, many developing countries demonstrated their 

awareness of the potential benefits of the U.S. Earth 

Resources Survey programs. 

During the year, six spacecraft which involved 

foreign participation were launched, and agreements 

for several future cooperative projects or launches were 

signed. Scientists from 15 countries outside the US received lunar samples from the Apollo 14 or 15 mission 

for analysis. NASA increased its efforts to provide opportunities for foreign scientists to participate in the 

planning of future scientific missions such as the 

High Energy Astronomical Observatory. 

Representatives of the United States and the Soviet 

Union met several times during the year to discuss aspects of expanded cooperation in space sciences and applications. A January meeting in Moscow produced an 

agreement under which there was an exchange of lunar 

surface samples in June. The agreement also specified 

four other areas of potential cooperation and coordination : space exploration, meteorological applications, 

surveying of mean and vegetation resources, and space 

biology and medicine. Ways of implementing this 

agreement were explored in later working sessions. 

The United States continued its effort to solicit significant foreign involvement in the major space programs of the 1970’s and after. There was European 

participation in design studies for the space transportation system. A potential obstacle to European participation in programs after Apollo was removed in September when the United States assured the European 

Space Conference that U.S. launch vehicles or services 

will be available for purchase for projects which are for 

peaceful purposes and which are consistent with obligations under relevant international agreements and 

arrangements. 

In May, a number of federal agencies sponsored an 

International Workshop on Earth Resources Survey 

Systems at the University of Michigan. Representatives 

from 40 countries and 16 international organizations 

attended. Thirty-seven proposals from 22 countries for 

the analysis of data acquired by the initial ERTS mission and the Earth Resources Experiment Package 

aboard Skylab have been tentatively accepted; other 

acceptances of non-US proposals are anticipated. 

The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful 

Uses of Outer Space, reflecting the increased international attention being given the ERS program, established a Working Group on the Remote Sensing of the 

Earth by Satellites. 

Aeronautics 

Issues related to the nation’s progress in aeronautics 

were the focus of much public and Congressional interest during 1971. After extensive Congressional 

debate, a federal guarantee to permit the Lockheed 

Corporation to secure sufficient funding to continue its 

GI01 1 “airbus” program was approved. Also after extensive debate, continued federal support for the 

development of two prototypes of a supersonic transport was discontinued; therefore, the program to develop an American SST was concluded. 

Issues of aeronautical policy were the focus of the 

Civil Aviation Research and Development (CARD) 

study, which was completed in 1971. This study was 

a joint effort of NASA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) with support from other agencies. 

It outlined the benefits of civil aviation, the value of 

a sound R&D base for this important field, and delineated the needs of future R&D. Emphasis wa~ 

placed on reducing the environmental impact of aviation, easing congestion, and improving low density 

short haul systems. Attention was focused on systemwide activities necessary to maintain US. leadership 

in civil aviation. It was recommended that the government re-examine its regulatory posture with respect 

to civil aviation to insure the necessary development 

of this field. Aircraft noise and engilie emissions were 
designated as priority problems for further research. 

Recommendations resulting from this intensive study 

have been evaluated and will serve as basic guidelines for NASA and DOT, working with the National 

Aeronautics and Space Council and the Office of Management and Budget, in the establishment of priorities and support for future federal programs in 

aeronautics. 

During the past year NASA has intensified efforts 

to assure technology readiness for the successful development and operation of short takeoff and landing (STOL) transports. It is believed that the use 

of such aircraft will reduce community noise and pollution, relieve airport and airways congestion, and 

shorten total city-to-city travel time. There also appear to be significant benefits related to military shorthaul and tactical requirements that might be derived 

from the use of STOL aircraft. Basic analytical and 

wind tunnel studies of turbofan powered lift concepts with emphasis on externally blown flap (EBF) 

and augmentor-wing (AW) configurations have provided the necessary research base for an experimental 

STOL airplane program. Contracts have been let for 

competitive design and proposals leading to the development of two experimental STOL transport research aircraft. 

Research on the reduction of jet transport noise continues on several fronts. Studies on takeoff and landing flight profiles have shown that significant noise 

abatement may be realized through new flight procedures. Programs are under way to insure that the 

necessary aircraft avionics equipment will be available to implement these new flight procedures. NASA 

is finding that substantial noise reduction is also possible within the engine design with little performance 

loss. A new engine test stand is nearing completion at 

Lewis Research Center where an experimental Quiet 

Engine will be tested in an acoustically treated nacelle. 

DOT completed and implemented a noise certification regulation for civil aircraft. Similar noise regulations are being developed for older aircraft, supersonic transports, and other special category aircraft. 

Research and development programs for clean, quiet 

jet transport engines were initiated. Also, contracts have 

been awarded and demonstration tests will be conducted next year on noise suppression designs for some 

existing jet engines. A joint NASAfDOT Noise Abatement Office has been established to provide leadership 

and focus for the solution d these problems associated 

wirh civil aviation. Environmental planning guides for 

airports have been prepared by DOT and several areas 

of legislation have been developed. Also, modernization 

of air traffic control centers, airport control towers, 

and landing and navigation aids continues. 

As a result of the national decision to discontinue 

government funding of the supersonic transport prototypes, certain research efforts of basic value to supersonic and transonic flight and to aeronautical science 

are being sponsored by various government agencies. 

Emphasis has been given to the problem of aircraft 

hijacking. Equipment has been installed both on the 

ground and in aircraft to deter hijacking attempts. 

Effort has also been continued in programs to improve 

air and ground safety. To minimize the number of 

deaths from crashes, experiments have been conducted 

relative to crashworthiness of aircraft. A study concerning general aviation safety was completed. Its recommendations are in the process of being implemented. 

Aeronautical programs continued to grow in 1971 

within the Department of Defense. Flight tests of the 

second test aircraft of the advanced carrier-based tactical fighter (F14A) began this year and are proceeding satisfactorily. Development of carrier-based aircraft 

with the capability of an improved airborne warning 

system (E-2C) has taken place with a first flight 

of a prototype occurring early this year. The development aircraft is leading to an improved readiness of 

the Nmy to operate in the modern warfare environment. The Air Force’s advanced tactical fighter (F-15) 

program continues on schedule and the first flight test 

aircraft is being fabricated. Development of the B-1 

bomber is proceeding on schedule. Completion of 

the preliminary design review and full-scale mock-up 

were important steps leading toward manufacture of 

the first test aircraft. The Air Force initiated development of the AX, a close air support aircraft, to be 

optimized for effective support of friendly ground 

forces. Two contractors are involved in this program 

and a competitive fly-off will occur. Programs to develop a heavy lift helicopter (HLH) and the utility 

tactical transport aircraft system (UTTAS) were 

begun. Further advanced systems evaluation of the 

AH-56A (Cheyenne) prototype attack helicopter is 

progressing satisfactorily. 

In 1971, many joint agency programs highlighted the 

cooperative efforts leading to more cost effective aeronautical research. NASA and the DOT have joined in 

a program which reflects common interests in the 

development and investigation of aircraft and electronic technologies, operational procedures, and system 

concepts which can improve the operational efficiency, 

public acceptance, safety, and reliability of a STOL 

short haul system. A joint ArmyfNASA program for 

the procurement and flight test of a V/STOL tilt-rotor 

research aircraft includes investigations of tilt-rotor 

handling and control characteristics, noise, and neax 

terminal operational techniques. A joint USAFf NASA 

7 
program for the procurement and flight test of a super- Conclusion 

This summary shows that 1971 was a year of both critical wing on an F-1 11 fighter aircraft is being developed to provide “proof-of-concept” Of the apP1ica- accomplishment and challenge in and aeronauOf wing for mi‘taT and tics. Further challenges fie ahead. Soundly-based recivil system advancements. A joint NASAIUSAF research Pqram inves%Fted the transonic regime With 

a YF-12 aircraft from subsonic to supersonic cruise 

speed conditions and a stability and control investigation was completed during 66 flights in 1971. 

search and development, bold and innovative pmgrams, and a strong national commitment to excellence 

are required if we are to continue to meet these challenges and maintain our position of leadership and 

accrue its benefits 

I1 National Aeronautics 

and Space Council 

I I 

Introduction 

The National Aeronautics and Space Council was 

established by the National Aeronautics and Space Act 

of 1958 to advise and assist the President on matters 

pertaining to aeronautics and space activities conducted 

by the departments and agencies of the United States. 

That same Act also established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 

The Vice President of the United States is the Chairman of the Council; its members are the Secretary of 

State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Chairman 

of the Atomic Energy Commission. 

The Executive Secretary and Council staff act in an 

advisory capacity throughout the year in providing 

technical inputs to the Executive Office of the President regarding aeronautics and space programs. In this 

respect the relative priorities of various US. aeronautics and space programs with respect to national 

goals are examined and the effects of proposed program 

funding revisions and projections evaluated. The Council staff continually reviews the aeronautics and space 

policies and programs of all governmental agencies with 

a view toward sponsoring interchange of technical information, avoiding duplication of effort, and assuring 

that programs are consistent with national goals. Where 

problems arise which transcend the jurisdiction of individual organizations they are brought to the attention of the affected Council members through the 

Executive Secretary. Affected Council members frequently meet to consider important issues which do not 

require the involvement of the full Council. The Council staff also provides a means for interchange of ideas 

8 

between industry and government on aeronautics and 

space matters involving several agencies. 

Studies and Reports 

Typical of the activities of the Executive Secretary and 

Council staff are the reviews conducted at the request 

of the President or his staff. During 1971 emphasis was 

placed on studies relating to the problems of the areospace manufacturing and air transport industries caused 

by the nati.on’s transition from a wartime to a peacetime economy. The magnitude of these problems, their 

short and long term impact on the national economy 

and security were examined and policy options developed for Executive and Council consideration. 

The Council staff also supports studies conducted by 

other government agencies. During 1971 the Council 

staff supported a joint DOT/NASA study to examine 

the options for national policy with respect to civil 

aviation research and development (CARD). The 

effects of past government R & D expenditures on the 

rapid growth of the U.S. aerospace manufacturing and 

air transport industries and the problems attendant to 

this growth, such as airport congestion, noise and smoke 

pollution, air traffic control and safety were examined. 

A general plan was formulated by Council member 

agencies to direct future government aeronautical 

R & D activities to the solution of these problems. 

Council member agencies in cooperation with OMB 

will establish priorities and implement programs responsive to CARD guidance. 

In 1971 the Council staff supported a review of our 

international competitive posture with respect to high 

technology aerospace equipment sales. The dominant 

position which the US. has held for many years in the 

area of international sales of commercial and military 
aircraft is being challenged by a coalition of foreign 

competitors supported by their respective governments. 

This challenge was examined and key technology initiatives are being identified as candidates for increased 

R & D activity. 

Interagency coordination was undertaken to define 

meaningful environmental research programs related 

to the supersonic transport after the halt of the SST, 

the staff was active in encouraging member agencies 

to continue vital technology programs having general 

value to aeronautics and to the nation. 

Last year an Interagency Ad Hoc Study Group 

chaired by the Executive Secretary was convened to 

examine the overall earth resources survey effort of 

the Federal Government and to make recommendations to insure that the sum of individual agency activities is an integrated and productive program. In 1971 

the NASC SM prepared the final report of this group ; 

its recommendations are currently in the process of 

being implemented. 

Other Activities 

The Council is represented by its staff on interagency 

subcommittees of the National Security Council which 

discuss and advise on international cooperation in 

space. The Executive Secretary participated as a member of the U.S. delegation which discussed possible 

post-Apollo cooperation with the European space community and as a member of the delegation which went 

to Moscow to develop procedures for space cooperation and data exchange with the USSR. 

The Council staff reviews and approves proposals 

for use of radioisotopes in space and prepares the 

President’s Annual Report on Aeronautics and Space 

to the Congress. StafF members also participate in 

many interagency panels and committee meetings such 

as the NASA/DOD Aviation and Astronautics Coordinating Board (AACB) and its panels, as well as the 

Space Transportation Committee. 

I11 National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Introduction 

Two highly successful Apollo missions were completed this year-Apollo 14 and Apollo 15. In addition, 

planning was underway for the Apollo 16 and 17 

flights; the manufacture of flight hardware for Skylab 

neared completion; and studies were extended to provide additional data on alternative concepts for the 

Space Shuttle. 

Both Apollo missions were highly productive scientifically. Apollo 15 added as much new data as the 

three previous missions combined, its crew had the 

longest stay on the lunar surface-67 hours, and they 

were able to explore a greater area by using the Lunar 

Rover. Both missions left a number of experiments on 

the Moon which continue to transmit data back to 

Earth. The Apollo 15 team brought back an eight foot 

core sample believed to contain records of the Sun’s 

activity for a billion years. 

Unmanned programs to carry out scientific investigations in space were wide ranging. Spacecraft 

launched in previous years continued to provide useful 

d,ata; Explorer 42 discovered X-ray sources previously 

unknown; and the OAO-2, after three years in orbit, 

was still serving astronomers as an observer of celestial 

bodies. OSO-7, launched in September, discovered 

low temperature polar regions of the Sun. 

The Mariner Mars spacecraft launched in May 

(Mariner 9) went in orbit about Mars in November. 

It has returned hundreds of high quality pictures of 

Mars as well as scientific data indicating that Mars 

is warmer than expected at the south polar cap and 

colder over the rest of the planet. Work continued on 

the Mariner Venus Mercury spacecraft scheduled for 

launch in 1973 for a Mercury flyby early in 1974. 

Viking, the 1975 orbiter/lander mission to Mars underwent preliminary design reviews, and breadboard 

models of instruments were tested. For the outer 

planets missions, spacecraft and mission design studies 

were continued with emphasis on making the mission 

and spacecraft design compatible with maximum scientific returns. 

NASA launched two Intelsat IV commercial communications satellites for the Communications Satellite Corporation. Applications Technology Satellites 

previously launched provided meteorological data and 

were used for experiments by a number of organizations. Fabrication of the ATS F and G spacecraft was 

underway, with ATS F scheduled for early 1973 

launch. 

9 
The Nimbus 4 meteorological satellite continued 

to furnish data to the NOAA, and good progress was 

made in manufacture and testing of the Nimbus E 

spacecraft and experiments. ITOS-1 and NOAA-1 

(formerly ITOS-A) operated as part of the National 

Operational Meteorological Satellite System until 

about midyear, when both were deactivated because of 

problems with the stabilization control subsystem. 

ESSA 8 and ESSA 9 remained fully operational. The 

Earth Resources Technology Satellite made satisfactory progress towards its scheduled 1972 launch date. 

The advanced research and technology program 

continued work on a large number of varied aeronautical and space projects. In the experimental 

STOL transport research airplane program, the definition stage was completed and contractors were selected to design the airplanes for NASA flight research. 

Supporting technology activities were directed toward 

defining and building a low pollution, quiet experimental engine for STOL applications. Progress was 

made in work on noise reduction in jet transport airplanes with indications that a change in flight profile 

could help achieve this objective. 

The design of a device for detecting clear air turbulence was completed and a test instrument installed 

on an aircraft; final flight tests of an optical pilot warning indicator demonstrated its feasibility. In support 

of the Space Shuttle, extensive studies were made of 

aerothemodynamic phenomena affecting shuttle configuration and materials. In addition, studies were 

made of nuclear rocket-powered stages for shuttle 

applications. 

Other research efforts were concerned with increasing the efficiency of solar cells, testing a fully automatic 

electric propulsion system for interplanetary spacecraft, and developing an inexpensive high performance 

laser gyro for a three-axis strapdown system. 

Manned Space Flight 

Continued Exploration of the Moon.-Seven crews of 

Apollo astronauts have journeyed to the moon and 

returned safely to earth. Eight Americans have descended to the lunar surface and planted the American 

flag at four landing sites. They have erected experimental equipment, explored craters, and provided 

guided tours of the landing site through world wide live 

television coverage. Thousands of photographs, both 

panoramic and mapping, have been returned to earth 

with many photos of earth itself from space. These are 

being studied and analyzed for benefit to all mankind. 

Some 385 pounds of lunar rocks and soil have been 

returned to Earth for laboratory analysis and scientific 

stations have been established on the Moon. More detailed information about the Moon has been acquired 

in the last two years than in previous history, and the 

10 

Apollo 15 mission provided more new data than the 

three previous missions combined. 

The capabilities of Apollo have increased dramatically since the Apollo 11 landing in July 1969.. Mission 

duration has been increased from 8 to 12 days and 

surface stay-time has tripled from 21.5 hours for Apollo 

11 to 67 hours for Apollo 15. The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) that Astronauts Scott and Irwin drove 

around their landing site along the Apennine Front 

and the Hadley Rille demonstrated that man can explore and operate on the Moon as far as three miles 

from the landing craft. Orbital science capability was 

improved by the addition of the Scientific Instrument 

Module (SIM) instrument package and other scientific experiments. The subsatellite which was left in 

lunar orbit was carried in the SIM bay along with the 

Panoramic and Mapping cameras. 

A pollo Program-Two manned lunar landing missions were accomplished in 1971 : Apollo 14, in January, and Apollo 15 in July. The next missions, Apollo 

16 and 17, planned for launch in April and December of 1972 respectively, will raise the total number 

of manned lunar landings to six. Phase-out of Apollo 

is planned for 1973 with transfer of such resources 

as are appropriate to follow-on programs. 

Apollo 24.-The Apollo 14 mission landed the third 

American lunar exploration team. It explored the Fra 

Mauro formation and continued the scientific investigation of the Moon begun with Apollo 11 and 12. 

The space vehicle with the crew of Alan B. Shepard, Commander; Stuart A. Roosa, Command Module 

Pilot; and Edgar D. Mitchell, Lunar Module Pilot, 

was launched on January 31, 1971. 

Earth-orbital checkout and translunar injection 

were accomplished without difficulty, but a problem 

was encountered when attempting to dock the Command and Service Module (CSM) with the LM. A 

hard dock was accomplished on the sixth attempt, ap 

proximately five hours after launch. Inspection of the 

docking mechanism by the astronauts revealed that it 

was functioning properly and the mission continued as 

planned. 

A midcourse correction placed the spacecraft in 

the planned trajectory for lunar orbit, and the spacecraft was inserted into lunar orbit on February 4. During prelanding checkout and Iunar descent, minor 

problems were encountered, but coordination between 

ground-support personnel and the crew overcame the 

difficulties. Touchdown took place on February 5, 

within 50 meters (164 feet) of the target point in 

the Fra Mauro highlands. 

The first planned period of extravehicular activity 

(EVA) began 5% hours after touchdown. A color 

television camera mounted on the descent stage provided live coverage of the descent of both astronauts 
to the lunar surface. The crew deployed the U.S. flag 

and the solar-wind composition experiment, erected 

the S-band antenna, and off-loaded the Modularized 

Equipment Transporter (MET), the Laser Ranging 

Retro-reflector (LRRR) , and the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) . The ALSEP 

and the LRRR were deployed and the MET was used 

to carry the required equipment and geological samples collected. Total EVA time was just under 5 hours. 

The second EVA had a traverse to Cone Crater as 

its objective and, at the crew’s request, it was begun 

2 5 hours earlier than planned. Equipment required 

for the traverse, including the Lunar Portable Magnetometer (LPM) , was carried on the MET, and the 

trip up the side of Cone Crater provided good experience in climbing and working in hilly terrain in the 

reduced gravity of the Moon. The samples collected 

and the area traversed were documented photographically and two LPM measurements were made. This 

second EVA lasted 4% hours, and the astronauts 

traveled approximately 3 km (1.86 miles). 

The crew then stowed its gear and 43.2 kilos (96 

pounds) of samples and prepared the LM ascent stage 

for launch and rendezvous with the orbiting CSM. 

Liftoff occurred on February 6, after 33 hours on the 

lunar surface. Rendemus and docking were achieved 

without incident. After crew transfer, the ascent stage 

was separated and impacted on the lunar surface on 

February 6 between the Apollo 12 and 14 seismometers 

resulting in seismic signals lasting 1 

Orbital-science experiments and science photography were performed in lunar orbit and during the 

long return to Earth. During transearth coast, the 

crew conducted demonstrations of electrophoretic 

separation, heat flow and convection, liquid transfer, 

and composite casting. The entry sequence was normal 

and the command module splashed down in the Pacific Ocean approximately l km (.62 miles) from the 

target point on February 9. 

Total time for the Apollo 14 mission was 216 hours. 

All primary objectives were accomplished. 

Apollo 25.-The Apollo 15 mission was the fourth 

manned lunar landing. Major objective of this mission 

was detailed exploration of the Hadley-Apennine 

region. It also continued scientific studies from Apollo 

11, 12, and 14, using equipment that provided significant increases in performance. The LRV and improved spacesuits gave increased range, mobility, and 

stay time on the lunar surface; the landed scientific 

payload weight was doubled; an experiment package 

in the service module (SM) was used in lunar orbit to 

supplement the experiments on the lunar surface, and 

a small subsatellite was left in lunar orbit. 

Crew members were David R. Scott, Commander; 

Alfred M. Worden, Command Module Pilot; and 

James B. Irwin, Lunar Module Pilot; launch took 

hours. 

place on July 26, 1971. Translunar insertion, separation, and docking were all satisfactory; during translunar coast minor problems with ground and flight 

equipment occurred and were resolved expeditiously. 

During the 12th lunar revolution on the far side of 

the Moon (July 30) the undocking and separation 

maneuver was initiated ; however, undocking did not 

occur. The crewmen and ground control suspected 

that an unbilical connector was loose or disconnected. 

A1 Worden went into the tunnel, and confirmed that 

a connector was loose and tightened it. Undocking 

and separation were then achieved. LM landing took 

place on July 30, about 600 meters (656 yards) north, 

northeast of the planned touchdown point. 

EVA-1 commenced on July 31. The commander 

deployed the Modularized Equipment Stowage Assembly (MESA). The TV in the MESA was activated 

and excellent pictures were obtained. The TV camera 

was then placed on the tripod for further coverage of 

crew activities. The LRV was deployed and during 

checkout it was found that the front steering mechanism was inoperative. After minor troubleshooting, a 

decision was made to perform EVA-1 without front 

wheel steering. The crew then proceeded on the 

planned traverse, obtaining rock samples and photographs at various stations. TV transmission from the 

LRV, another first for this mission, was excellent. At 

the end of the traverse, the ALSEP was deployed; 

however, the second boring operation for the heat flow 

experiment was not completed and this portion of 

ALSEP deployment was rescheduled for EVA-2. 

EVA-1 duration was 6 hours, 42 minutes. 

EVA-2 took place on August 1. The LRV was powered up and the front steering was found to function. 

The trip included stops at Spur Crater, Dune Crater, 

Hadley Plains, and between Spur and Window Craters. 

Numerous samples and photographs were obtained and 

TV transmission was again very good. The heat flow 

experiment which was initiated on EVA-1 was wmpleted, and a drill coring was started but the drill core 

stems were left at the ALSEP site for retrieval during 

EVA-3. The crew returned to the LM, deployed the 

U.S. flag, and stored the sample container and film in 

the LM. Duration of EVA-2 was 7 hours, 12 minutes. 

For EVA-3 (August 2) the traverse was made in 

a westerly direction from the LM to Hadley Rille. 

The first stop was near the ALSEP site to retrieve 

the EVA-2 drill core stem samples. Two sections of the 

drill core stem were removed and stowed in the LRV. 

The drill and the four remaining sections of the drill 

core stem could not be separated and were left for later 

retrieval. The remaining stops were Scarp Crater, “The 

Terrace’’ near Rim Crater, and Rim Crater. The return route was generally the same as the outbound 

route. Samples were obtained and documented and 

13 

462-316 0-72---2 
photographs were taken of various lunar surface feaUpon reaching the ALSEP area, the crew again attempted to disassemble the drill core stem. They managed to separate another section, but the remaining 

three sections were returned assembled. 

The crew then returned to the LM, unloaded the 

LRV and stationed it for TV coverage of the LM liftoff. They also emplaced a commemorative plaque for 

all deceased astronauts and cosmonauts. Total duration 

of EVA-3 was 4 hours, 49 minutes. 

The televised lift-off from the lunar surface occurred August 2. The ascent stage was inserted into a 

nominal lunar orbit, and after CSM/LM docking, the 

samples and other equipment were transferred to the 

CM for return to earth. CSM/LM separation was accomplished and the spent LM ascent stage impacted 

the lunar surface 93 km (58 miles) west of the Apollo 

15 ALSEP site. The impact was recorded on the Apollo 

12, 14, and 15 passive seismometers. 

On August 4, the subsatellite was launched into 

lunar orbit and the transearth injection maneuver was 

performed. Astronaut Worden performed an in-flight 

EVA on August 5 making three trips to the SIM bay 

to retrieve the panoramic and mapping camera film 

cassettes. The film cassettes were retrieved during trips 

one and two and on the third trip, the contents of the 

SIM Bay were inspected to determine their condition. 

The CM was separated from the SM on August 7 at 

400,000 feet. Drogue and main parachutes deployed 

normally. However, one of the three main parachutes 

partially collapsed during descent causing a harder 

landing than planned. The CM landed 10 km (6.3 

miles) from the prime recovery ship, the USS Ok‘ mawa, 

about 1.8 km (1.15 miles) from the planned landing 

point. Total mission time was 295 hours. 

Lunar Exploration.-The Apollo missions have provided increasing amounts of revealing data about the 

Moon. Scientists in laboratories all over the world are 

studying samples from the Moon’s surface, chemical 

maps of large areas, detailed photographs of its geologic and topographic features, and data telemetered to 

Earth from instruments left on the lunar surface and in 

lunar orbit. This comprehensive and coordinated 

analysis is providing substantive answers to major questions about the Moon. The implications and consequences of these answers are forcing scientists to 

reexamine long held theories about the Earth and Sun 

as well as the Moon. 

Within returned lunar samples there are traces of 

matter interpreted to be 4.6 billion years old. Scientists 

now generally agree that the Moon is approximately 

the age of the Earth. The Moon underwent an extensive early period of melting and differentiation which 

lasted at least 1.5 billion years. The Earth may have 

undergone a similar period; however, the earliest his12 

tures. 

tory of the Earth (i.e., before 3.5 billion years) has 

been obscured or obliterated by later processes. The 

lunar samples fill the information gap in our knowledge of the Earth’s earliest history. 

The lunar materials returned are of igneous origin 

@e., crystallized from mol’ten material) or are a product of meteorite bombardmefit. Although some 

lunar materials greatly resemble terrestrial volcanic 

rocks, they have their own distinctive concentrations of 

chemical elements. Investigations of lunar material. 

including a Luna 16 sample abtained from the USSR. 

indicate that the Moon is not like the meteorites in 

composition, as was earlier postulated by scientists. One 

particularly spectacular sample, the so-called “Genesis 

Rock” collected on Apollo 15, is believed to represent 

a chunk of the original lunar crust formed verv 

shortly after the formation of the Moon. This sample 

has extremely low amounts of radioactive elements and 

is the oldest whole lunar rock yet returned (4.15 billion years or perhaps older). Its age is significantly 

older than a terrestrial counterpart and forces a reexamination and further study of the processes which 

formed the Earth‘s crust. 

A deep core sample collected on Apollo 15 is believed to contain a record of the last billion years or so 

of the Sun’s activity preserved by the capture of solar 

particles in the soil. No viable organism has been found 

in the lunar samples and no evidence of fossil material. 

Because of the absence of lunar organisms, bioscientists 

are now emphasizing investigations germane to the 

mode of occurrence and geochemical characteristics 

of carbon and hydrogen in a lifeless environment (the 

Moon), as compared with an environment teeming 

with life (the Earth). This is expected to open up 

new interdisciplinary research opportunities for physical and life scientists. 

The astronaut-deployed geophysical stations (ALSEPs) positioned at three locations on the lunar surface are essential in solving the major questions concerning the Moon. The instrument complement and 

spacing of the ALSEPs are such that the data are continually telemetered to Earth and are mutually supporting. Data from several of the ALSEP instruments, 

the seismometers, the magnetometers, the laser ranging 

retroreflectors, and the heat flow experiments are confirming and adding details to the story which the lunar 

rocks are unfolding. With the analysis of these new 

geophysical data, we now know that the Moon, like the 

Earth, is layered. Deep moonquakes, deeper than any 

recorded earthquakes, require the Moon to have a 

thick crust. Swarms of small moonquakes may indicate 

that volcanic activity is taking place even now. Several 

hundred seismic events generated by moonquakes and 

meteorite impacts have now been monitored. The 

moonquakes may possibly be triggered by the tidal 

effects of the Earth, but the specific processes operating 
deep within the Moon causing the stresses are yet unknown. 

The impact of a meteorite onto the lunar surface 

gives a seismic signal similar to those observed for the 

Lunar Module and S-IVB impacts. The data indicate 

that the Moon gets several grapefruit size meteorite 

impacts and one impact with an approximate force 

of 11.5 tons of TNT every year-fewer than previously 

estimated. 

The surface of the Moon at the landing sites consists of a regolith of fine particulate material and rocks 

of varying sizes. The sculpturing or “erosion” of the 

surface features of the Moon is caused primarily by 

impact phenomena related to bombardment by meteorites, ranging in size from microscopic to quite enormous 

(tens of kilometers or more) as well as small particles 

emanating from the Sun. 

The Heat Flow Experiment deployed by Apollo 15 

shows that the heat flow from the center of the Moon 

outward is about half the average of the Earth’s heat 

flow. This result differs from a predicted value (onefifth of the terrestrial heat flow) based on relative 

volumes and surface areas. Data on returned samples 

and from the orbital-gamma-ray experiment suggest 

that the overall radioactivity of the Moon is less than 

that of the common Earth materials. 

Magnetometer measurements of the Moon, as it 

passes through the Sun’s magnetic fields, also point to 

a change in composition, or layering, at some depth. 

The ohital magnetometer launched on Apollo 15 is 

mapping detailed magnetic patterns of the lunar surface. As additional data )become available, models of 

the Moon’s internal structure will be refined. 

The Moon’s farside is markedly different from the 

nearside. Not only does it consist almost entirely of 

highlands terrain, but the Apollo 15 mission showed 

it to be different in composition and elevation. The 

highlands are rich in alumina and low in magnesium, 

a characteristic of anorthositic rocks. 

Measurements made from orbit also show that over 

the ground track, the avemge farside topography is 2 

km higher than average frontside topography relative to 

the Moon’s center of mass. This information, together 

with an extended sequence of high precision measurements of Earth-Moon distance, now being accumulated 

by the laser retroreflector arrays, provides additional 

data for better understanding the orbital configurations 

of the Moon and of the Earth (e.g. the wobbles in 

the Earth’s rotational axis) , vital to understanding 

the formation of the Earth-Moon system. Moreover, 

highly precise determinations of Earth-Moon distances 

make possible the monitoring of the dynamic motions 

and relative displacements of large plates of the Earth’s 

crust (e.g., continental drift, seafloor spreading). 

Forthcoming Launches.-Two Apollo lunar landing 

missions are scheduled for 1972-Apollo 16 in April 

and Apollo 17 in December The primary scientific 

objectives d the Apollo 16 mission are to land at 

Descartes and study the lunar highlands, emplace a 

carefully selected group of surface experiments, and 

continue the orbital surveys and experiments initiated 

during Apollo 15. 

A highlands site was selected for the first time to 

permit study of that portion of the Moon which constitutes the major topographical unit of the frontside 

and almost the entire surface of the farside. A portion 

of the Moon’s crust which has apparently undergone 

modification at some time in the Moon’s early history 

will be studied and sampled. During the lunar surface phase of the mission, a fourth ALSEP will be deployed as well as several other significant new surface 

experiments. The ALSEP experiments will extend the 

instrument network onto the topographically highest 

region on the lunar frontside. 

Besides the ALSEP, two new experiments are intended to provide data about the cosmos: A Comic 

Ray Detector will measure very low energy particles 

outside the Earth’s magnetosphere. The second experiment, the Fur UV Cumera/Spectroscope, will measure the diffuse clouds of gas which cause the UV 

(ultraviolet) background in space. Additionally, this 

experiment will show the interaction of the solar wind 

and the Earth’s magnetosphere and atmosphere. 

Although the orbital science payload is identical to 

that of Apollo 15, a new area of the Moon is being 

surveyed because the landing site is in the southern 

hemisphere almost due south of the Apollo 11 landing 

site. The remote sensing geochemical instruments, consisting of gamma ray, X-ray, and alpha particle spectrometers, are designed to provide a map of the chemical composition of the lunar surface. Information 

gathered from orbit is necessary to extrapolate the 

knowledge gathered at the landing sites to large areas 

of the Moon which we cannot visit at this time. The 

orbital track of Apollo 16 will provide geochemical 

information about the southern highlands, the major 

highlands feature of the lunar nearside. 

The lunar atmosphere, already monitored by cold 

cathode ion gages emplaced on the lunar surface by 

Apollos 14 and 15 and extended to orbital altitude 

on Apollo 15, will be further studied by means of a 

modified mass spectrometer. The data gathered will 

refine our understanding of the lunar atmosphere. 

The Panoramic Camera and the Mapping Camera 

System are extremely powerful data collection tools 

capable of covering large areas of the lunar surface. 

The high quality photograhic information about surface materials and landforms permits the extension 

of knowledge gained from the landing sites to all of 

the areas of the Moon photographed at high resolution. 

During this mission three life sciences experiments 

will be undertaken. The crews of Apollo 11 through 

15 have reported seeing light flashes. The Apollo 

13 
Light Flash Moving Emulsion Detector will seek to 

correlate the characteristics of the particles and types 

of flashes reported by the crew. BIOSTACK is an 

experiment designed to study the effects of individual 

particles of galactic cosmic radiation during space 

Right outside the Earth's magnetic field. The third 

experiment, Micmbial Ecology Evaluation Device, is 

an experiment to subject a variety of microbial test 

systems to all or part of the space and/or spacecraft 

environment, i.e., vacuum, weightlessness and ultraviolet radiation. These experiments will be useful in 

planning for future manned space flight activities. 

For Apollo 17, now scheduled as the final mission 

in the Apollo series, a special effort has been made to 

include as many as possible new, significant experiments. With the schedule extension brought about by 

the cancelling of Apollos 18 and 19, all of the new 

experiments originally planned for the cancelled Apollo 18 and 19 missions will be included on Apollo 17. 

Several highly desirable candidate sites are under 

consideration for Apollo 17. Final selection will be 

made after analyzing the data and photographs returned by the Apollo 15 mission for the site that offers 

the greatest potential or the largest payoff from the 

standpoint of both surface. and orbital science. 

The final ALSEP to be deployed during this mission 

is being redesigned to increase its inherent quality and 

reliability. This design should provide for a long-lived 

geophysical station on Apollo 17. 

The Tidal Gravimeter is perhaps the most comprehensive experiment planned yet. It will elucidate the 

intrinsic nature of gravity and test the hypothesis that 

gravity is propagated in wave form. 

Three additional surface experiments will be carried 

for the first time on Apollo 17. The Lunar Mass Spectrometer will determine the constituents of the tenuous 

lunar atmosphere and the findings will be correlated 

with the mass spectrometers carried in lunar orbit. The 

Lunar Ejecta and Meteorites Experiment will determine the frequency and energy of the small meteorites 

which constantly impact the Moon. The Lunar Seismic 

Profiling Experiment will deploy large explosive 

charges at distances of several kilometers from the 

landing site in order to extend seismic knowledge of the 

upper structure and layering in the lunar subsurface. 

Experiments to be carried by the Apollo 17 will also 

be new. The Surface Electrical Properties Experiment 

will search the subsurface for traces of water. The 

Traverse Gravimeter is expected to provide additional 

key data to increase understanding of the Moon's 

subsurface structure. 

The Apollo 17 camera systems are required to support the interpretation of results from the other experiments on board. In addition to the cameras flown, a 

new complement of three advanced orbital experiments has been assigned to Apollo 17. 

14 

The Lunar Sounder can identify subsurface layering and will study the variation in physical properties 

of such layers, which may include water. This experiment will provide the opportunity to study detailed 

physical structure beneath several complete orbits to 

depths up to one kilometer. The Infrared Scanning 

Radiometer will provide a high resolution thermal 

map of the shadowed parts of the Moon. The location 

of lunar hot spots and their relationship to geological 

features may isolate regions of possible volcanism and 

concentrated radiogenic heating. The Far UV Spectrometer will measure the compositional and density 

variation of the lunar atmosphere. 

Skylab Program.-The Skylab Program, the Nation's 

next step in manned space exploration, will carry out 

the most extensive experiment program ever conducted 

in Earth opbit. The 284011 Skylab, as large as Q 5-rocrm 

house, will allow astronauts to remain in space longer 

in comfortable surroundings while carrying out important Earth-oriented applications, astronomical, and 

technological experiments. 

The design and essentially all phases of development 

testing have been completed on the Skylab program. 

Qualification testing is in the late stages and systems 

are being installed in flight hardware. About 26,000 

persons are engaged on various phases of the work in 

the NASA Centers and at contractor plants across the 

country. They are building and testing the flight 

modules and experiment equipment, developing flight 

plans, training crews, and performing other necessary 

development support tasks. 

The first major piece of flight hardware to be completed, the 26,000-pound payload shroud, was accepted 

by NASA in September and placed in storage pending 

delivery to Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The 

shmud, which protects the Skylab workshop during 

the launch and atmospheric flight phases, will be the 

largest payload shmud ever launched on a space 

mission. 

Five Skylab trainers were shipped to the Manned 

Spacecraft Center (MSC) for use in the astronaut 

training program. They included the Orbital Workshop, the Apollo Telescope Mount, the Multiple 

Docking Adapter (MDA), the Airlock trainer and 

CSM one-g trainer. 

Skylab astronauts started extravehicular training in 

the Neutral Buoyancy Space Simulator at Marshall 

Space Flight Center (MSFC). Mockups of Skylab 

space laboratory modules were submerged in this very 

large water tank to permit simulation of weightless conditions encountered in manned space flight missions. 

Of the 43 items of flight hardware required to perform the more than 50 Skylab experiments, some 37 

units have already ,been delivered with most of the 

remainder scheduled for delivery in early 1972. 
A significant program milestone was achieved in 

late October with the completion of integrated systems 

testing of the Experiment Support System and interfacing medical experiments. A live subject was used 

to verify the experiment, employing mission operational 

procedures and timelines. 

The Earth Resources Experiment Package 

(EREP) , which was added to the Skylab program in 

late 1970, progressed favorably through the development phase. This experiment facility offers an opportunity to expand investigations of remote sensing of 

the Earth from orbit by carrying relatively large, flexible and high-performance sensors and by utilizing 

the crew to operate them in laboratory fashion. 

A minimum of 45 selected orbits or EREP operations are expected to be available, during the three 

Skylab missions, to overfly instrumented ground sites 

and to coordinate with aircraft and satellites which 

support the investigations. Since EREP operations will 

extend over the inhabited operational life of Skylab 

covering the four seasons of the year, studies can be 

made of seasonal variations on Earth by remote sensing 

from orbit. 

The information obtained by EREP instruments 

will be provided to scientists who have proposed specific investigations based on the Skylab Earth survey 

data. In December 1970, an invitation was extended 

to potential U.S. and foreign participants in the form 

of an Announcement of Opportunties for Participation in Space Flight Investigations. Over 300 proposals 

were received from potential EREP investigators including scientists from U.S. government agencies, U.S. 

and foreign universities, public and private research 

institutes, corporate users and 11 foreign countries. 

Representatives of 40 countries and 16 international 

organizations attended the first International Workshop on Earth Resources Survey Systems sponsored by 

agencies of the United States Government at the University of Michigan. The workshop provided foreign 

experts with information on the latest techniques for 

interpreting earth resources data acquired by space and 

airborne remote sensing systems. The sessions included 

papers on remote sensing as related to agriculture, 

forestry, cartography, geography, environmental quality, geology, hydrology and oceanography. 

During the year, a ground-based rescue capability 

was developed for the Skylab program. A modification 

kit was designed which converts a Skylab CSM into 

a rescue vehicle which can accommodate five crewmen instead of three. 

The conversion is accomplished by removal and relocation of stowage lockers and substitution of two additional crew couches. Immediately after each manned 

launch, preparations for the next normal manned 

launch are started. Under the plan, if a CSM docked 

with the Skylab cluster becomes disabled, the next 

scheduled revisit CSM will be converted and launched 

with a reduced two-man crew to retrieve the three 

stranded crewmen who have been able to remain in 

the orbiting cluster until rescued. The backup Saturn 

IB launch vehicle and spacecraft will be readied to 

provide a rescue capability for the last scheduled revisit 

mission. 

A Skylab student project was added to program 

activity this year. Its purpose is to stimulate the interest 

of secondary school students in science and technology 

by directly relating students to a space research program. The student is given an opportunity to participate in the Skylab program by proposing experiments 

to be conducted aboard the space laboratory. 

NASA and the National Science Teachers Association are jointly sponsoring and conducting the project. 

Twenty-five regional winners will be selected by a national committee and NASA will then make a final 

selection of the experiments to be flown. The national 

winners and their teachers will be invited to attend 

the Skylab Educational Conference and the awards 

presentation at KSC at the time of Skylab launch. 

Space Shuttle.-The Space Shuttle-a two-stage, reusable space transportation system-will reduce operational cost and lead to lower payload cost through the 

capability of satellite placement and return, and the 

repair and servicing of satellites. 

It will also deliver propulsive stages to low earth 

orbit for synchronous or escape missions, support short 

duration science applications with a Sortie Module installed in the payload compartment for either applications or research, provide a rescue capability, deliver 

propellants for exploration, and eventually support a 

Space Station. The Shuttle will be configured for vertical launch and horizontal landing. 

Concurrent design studies were awarded two contractors to define the Shuttle and the requirement for 

the main engine; complete a preliminary design of the 

orbiter and booster; demonstrate the feasibility of the 

design to meet the technical requirements; refine estimates of scope, timing and cost; and provide information and data for use in selecting configurations to be 

pursued in later phases. Supplemental feasibility studies of alternate vehicle concepts were conducted by 

three other corporations. 

In parallel with the preliminary design, NASA investigated projected national space traffic models, and 

the effects of weight, volume, and reuse on payload 

design and cost. Design verification of technology data 

and study results included wind tunnel tests, structural 

heat load tests, and full scale thermal protection system testing. 

The original concept envisioned a completely self 

contained orbiter with internal fuel and oxidizer (liquid 

hydrogen and liquid oxygen) tanks for complete orbiter 

reusability. However, during 1971, the concept of external hydrogen tanks was developed. This resulted in 

15 
an increase in the efficiency of the orbiter so that staging velocities were reduced, which in turn reduced the 

size of the booster required. This concept permitted a 

significant reduction in the estimated cost to first 

manned orbital flight, and resulted in a baseline configuration using a booster which does not require 

special thermal protection and an orbiter with external 

hydrogen tanks capable of relatively long range flights 

in earth atmosphere for return to the landing site. 

NASA also explored the feasibility of removing the 

oxygen from the inside of the orbiter and using an 

external hydrogen-oxygen tank. This permitted a considerable further reduction in the size of the orbiter 

vehicle which again improves the efficiency of the 

total system. The increased efficiency reduced staging 

velocities to the point where boosters with conventional fuels begin to be competitive. 

The European Launcher Development Organization 

sponsored studies to examine whether Europe might 

develop the Space Tug as an integral part of the 

space transportation system. Such a tug would be used 

to deliver payloads to and retrieve them from orbits 

unattainable by the Shuttle orbiter. Industrial concerns in eight countries participated. European groups 

have also been involved with basic technology programs and have participated in working sessions in such 

areas as aerothermodynamics and configurations, 

structures and materials, propulsion, and integrated 

electronics. 

Life Sciences Reorganization.-In the Spring of 1970, 

at the request of NASA, the Space Science Board of 

the National Academy of Science-National Research 

Council convened a panel to review the NASA Life 

Sciences programs. This committee recommended 

combining the several life sciences discipline offices into 

a single administration to reduce overlapping authority 

and improve internal communications. 

In 1971 NASA created the position of NASA Director for Life Sciences responsible to the Administrator of 

NASA, for guidance, review and recommendations regarding the integrated Life Sciences research program 

for all of NASA. At the same time, elements of the 

space program covering the disciplines of biology, 

medicine, man-machine, human factors, and life support and protective systems were combined into a single 

NASA Life Sciences Office, as part of the Office of 

Manned Space Flight. 

Support of Manned Space Programs.-The Life 

Sciences Program continued to actively support &e 

ongoing Apollo missions, the Skylab development, 

Space Shuttle and Station planning. 

Following Apollo 13 crew pre-flight exposure to 

rubella, the existing preventive medicine plan for 

APollo missions was reviewed and augmented for 

16 

Apollo 14 by the establishment of the Flight Crew 

Health Stabilization Program. Increased emphasis was 

placed on immunological and epidemiological surveillance of the crews, their families, and their primary 

contacts supporting the Apollo Flight Program. 

An extensive review of the results of the lunar sample 

biological assessment tests and analysis from the Apollo 

11, 12 and 14 missions confirmed the basically total 

sterility of the mmn. No evidence of viable organisms or 

precursors to life were found in all the tests conducted. 

The Interagency Committee on Back Contamination 

reviewed and concurred in a proposed recommendation to discontinue quarantine for Apollo 15. The 

NASA Administrator approved the recommendation 

on April 26,1971, to discontinue quarantine for Apollo 

15 and all subsequent missions. 

The Advanced Development Program, which fosters 

the development of technology and hardware for advanced manned missions, concentwted on continuing 

work begun in previous years on shuttle requirements. 

New development activities were coordinated with the 

Shuttle Office and the Office of Advanced Research 

and Technology. Emphasis is shifting to advanced systems for missions employing the shuttle and for other 

advanced spacecraft. 

Because the early requirement for a space tug, or 

comparable capability, created an added financial 

burden at a time when shuttle costs were projected to 

be near a peak demand, several different means of acquiring this capability were explored. Studies were initiated to define and evaluate the utilization of existing 

Centaur and Agena stages which could be inexpensively modified to inject payloads into high energy 

orbits. At the same time discussions began with the 

European space community, which was exploring wap 

for Europe to join with the US. in post-Apollo space 

activities and where space tug studies were underway. 

The results of U.S. and European tug studies were exchanged and planning for future work was coordinated 

for maximum return. In an additional study, a major 

analysis of the comparative economies of a broad range 

of tug concepts was initiated to provide data to help 

select the optimum configuration for development. 

Advanced Missions.-Advanced Missions activities 

focused primarily upon system and mission studies 

which supported the definition of the space shuttle, its 

requirements, and its utilization. The study of payloads 

to be placed into space over the next two decades was 

a major activity which formed the basis of a NASA 

payload model supporting shuttle planning. The analysis of interfaces and interactions between the payloads 

and the shuttle was important to both payload and 

shuttle definitions. The studies of space tugs made it 
clear that approximately half of all payloads in the 

NASA mission model involved high energy orbits necessitating more emphasis in shuttle planning for operations requiring tug support. 

Limited activity is continuing in the definition of 

long-lead systems which were shown by the definition 

studies to be critical to program accomplishment. Verification test activities on the design, performance and 

man/machine interface of these systems were undertaken and will concentrate initially on systems and 

concepts applicable to shuttle payload carriers but 

will also consider their possible evolution into future 

space stations. 

With the main future focus of manned space flight 

on the space shuttle, defidition studies were started 

d space payload carrier modules. The shuttle together with its payload modules will provide a new 

and unique opportunity for space research in either 

its sortie or free flying modes. The definition studies 

will consider the use of modules attached to future 

space stations to take maximum advantage of commonality in the design and development of these 

modules. 

Space Station.-Due to budgetary constraints, NASA 

decided to forego, for the next several years, proposing 

the development of a space station. In keeping with 

this decision, contracted program definition studies 

underway since 1969 were brought to completion. 

These studies furnished candidate space station concepts, their design characteristics, operational sequences, shuttle interfaces, experiment support capability, development schedules and funding requirements for both large Saturn V-launched and space 

shuttle-launched modular stations. The studies of different station concepts are being reviewed and program plans for future station development are being 

formulated. 

AppZications.-Results of Advanced Research and 

Technology Development in the NASA Life Science 

areas continued to find earth applications. For example: A mass spectrometer for sensing and measuring 

oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor and humidity in 

closed environments developed and being utilized by 

NASA in controlling the atmosphere in manned space 

cabin simulator operations has proven of value in hospitals where monitoring patients’ respiration is 

required. 

In the area of water use and recovery, the Life Sciences advanced technology program is investigating 

alternate methods of providing a reliable source of 

dean water to support man in space without the need 

for carrying huge reservoirs. 

Some of these techniques show promise in the solution of similar problems here on earth. For this reason, 

the Office of Saline Water in the Department of Commerce is jointly supporting selected investigative 

efforts. 

To meet the cooling requirements for pilots of experimental flight vehicles, NASA developed a selfcontained cooling garment using circulating water 

cooled by an ice pack. The total weight of the integrated garment is 19 pounds. Recognizing the fact 

that similar cooling requirements exist for fire fighters, 

the USAF Fire Department at Edwards Air Force Base 

is evaluating the coaling garment for application to 

fire fighting procedures. 

Results of Apollo 14 medical tests provided the first 

indication of the primary source of body fluid loss that 

all astronauts have experienced in space flight. Fluid 

volume assessments revealed that fluid inside the cells 

accounted for the greater part of the total body water 

deficit rather than the previously suspected fluid outside the walls of cells. 

Additionally, a new device called a “hydrogen depolarized carbon dioxide concentrator” was developed 

by NASA for the removal of carbon dioxide from the 

spamcrdt habitable atmosphere. This technology 

promises lighter weight and simpler life support systems for future space missions. 

Space Science and Applications 

Orbiting Observatories.-NASA’s Orbiting Observatories, whose mission is to obtain scientific information 

on the Sun, its energy and mass transfer mechanisms, 

and its influence on the Earth and the rest of solar 

system, have made major contributions to scientific 

knowledge. They have discovered rhat the temperature 

in solar flares is at least 30 million degrees and that 

the density in flares is 100 to 10,000 times higher than 

in their vicinity. OSO-5 discovered long duration and 

impulsive hard X-ray emission indicating extended 

storage of energetic particles pduced in flares. 

On September 29, NASA launched an Orbiting 

Solar Observatory (OSO-7) to continue studies of explosive solar flares and the solar corona. OSO-7 discovered extended “polar caps” of the Sun, regions in 

which coronal temperature is depressed by about one 

million degrees compared to the equatorial corona. 

OSO-7 predicts the appearance of solar active regions 

several days before they appear at the limb and chn 

recognize active regions which are about to produce 

flares. This information is being used by the National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in space disturbance forecasting. 

High Energy Astronomy Observatories (HEAO) .- 

The purpose of HEAO is to extend our knowledge of 

celestial X-rays, gamma rays, and cosmic ray flux. 

Although Small Astronomy Satellite (SAS) payload 

capabilities suffice for initial investigations of low energy X-rays and gamma rays, follow-on work and the 

higher energy cosmic rays require that much larger 
and heavier instruments be used for their detection. 

HEAO will provide this capability. 

HEAO is planned as a series of four missions. The 

first two missions, HEAO-A and B, are fully approved 

and are expected to be under contract for design and 

fabrication early in 1972. The prime spacecraft contractor for HEAO was selected in Novmber. The 

experiment payloads for HEAO-A and B have also 

been selected. Studies are underway on missions C and 

D, with a partial study payload for HEAO-C selected. 

Launches for the first two missions are being planned 

for 1975 and 1976, on Titan launch vehicles. 

Scientific objectives for the first two HEAO missions 

are as follows: 

HEAO-A.-To investigate specific regions of X-ray, 

gamma ray and cosmic ray emission by performing an 

dl-sky survey. Emphasis will be placed on obtaining 

a complete map of the X-ray sky. 

HEAO-B.To continue investigation of X-ray, 

gamma ray and cosmic ray emissions. Emphasis will be 

placed on obtaining spectra of lines and studying 

primary cosmic rays. 

Explorer and International Satellites.-Seven explorer class missions, including four cooperative missions with foreign countries, were launched this year. 

An Interplanetary Monitoring Platform (IMP), designated Explorer 43, was launched on March 13. The 

IMP series was established to make long term observations of Earth-Sun relationships, particularly the outer 

magnetosphere, the magnetosheath and the interplanetary medium. Earlier IMP’S have mapped in 

broad detail the interplanetary region, the Earth‘s magnetosphere, solar and galactic cosmic rays, and other 

complex solar-terrestrial relationships. They have also 

provided the basis for improvements in sensor and 

spacecraft technology, making possible studies of the 

Earth/Sun environment in far greater detail than 

before. 

A cooperative mission with Canada, ISIS-2, was 

launched on March 31 to study the physics of the 

Earth’s ionosphere. San Marco-3, a cooperative mission with Italy, was launched on April 24 to study the 

Earth‘s equatorial atmosphere at altitudes between 200 

and 800 km (124 and 497 miles). On July 8, a satellite, SOLRAD-10, was launched for the U.S. Naval 

Research Laboratory to monitor the Sun’s X-ray and 

ultraviolet emissions, to search for other X-ray sources, 

and to provide red-time X-ray flux monitoring for the 

ESSAIAF solar flare network. 

On September 20 a cloud of barium was released 

from a cannister aboard a Scout launch vehicle at 

an altitude of 36,000 km (22,300 miles) giving ground 

observers a means of visually studying the features of 

the electric and magnetic fields in the Earth’s outer 

18 

radiation belts. This mission was a cooperative effort 

with West Germany. 

A small Scientific Satellite (SSS) , designated EXplorer 45, was launched on November 15 to investigate 

the dynamic processes which occur in the inner magnetosphere. UK4, launched December 11 in a COoperative project with the United Kingdom, was the 

last Explorer mission of the year. Its mission objective is to investigate interactions among the plasma, 

charged particle streams, and electromagnetic waves 

in the upper ionosphere. 

A number of spacecraft launched in previous ye= 

continued to provide valuable scientific information. 

Explorer 42, SAS-A, has discovered a number of 

X-ray sources, including some X-ray pulsars, which 

appear to differ in some respects from the more commonly known radio pulsars. The working telescopes 

of OAO-2, launched December 1, 1968, provide 

astronomers with a means of observing celestial bodies 

undistorted by the Earth‘s atmosphere. 

Sounding Rockets, Balloons, and Aircraft.-The 

NASA Sounding Rocket and Balloon program 

launched 85 rockets of which about 39 were from 

White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, six from 

Fairbanks, Alaska, seven from Ft. Churchill, Canada, 

16 from Wallops Station, Virginia, and 14 from foreign launch sites. The program supported abut 50 

research teams from universities, private industry, 

NASA field centers, and other Federal Government 

agencies, and several foreign countries. The payloads 

represented a wide range of scientific disciplines and 

included engineering tests of advanced instruments, 

some of which will be used later on satellite missions. 

About 45 balloons were launched (including 13 

under the Skyhook Program). These balloons ranged 

in size from about 5 million cubic feet to 30 million 

cubic feet and carried a variety of scientific payloads. 

University, NASA, and other Federal Government research teams were supported. One balloon, launched 

from Huntsville, Alabama, in September, carried a 

Stratoscope I1 telescope to an altitude of 82,800 feet. 

The 36-inch astronomical telescope photographed the 

Andromeda Galaxy, another galaxy (M-32), and a 

planetary nebula (NGC 7662). 

In March, NASA acquired a C-141 aircraft which 

is being modified to carry a 91 cm (36-inch) infrared 

telescope. The telescope, operating at altitudes near 

15 kilometers (50,000 feet), where the atmosphere 

is virtually free of water vapor, will make it possible 

to study the universe in the infrared region of the 

electmagnetic spectrum, much of which can be observed only from above the water vapor in the Earth’s 

atmosphere. 

Mariner Mars 1971.-The two Mariner Mars 1971 

spacecraft were launched in May 1971. Mariner 8 

was launched May 8 and Mariner 9 was launched 
May 30. Due to a failure in the guidance system of 

the Centaur stage of the Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle, Mariner 8 failed to reach earth escape velocity 

and fell into the Atlantic Ocean. Mariner 9 was SUCcessfully placed in orbit about Mars November 13, 

1971 and has been sending photographs and other 

scientific data about Mars back to Earth since several 

days prior to arrival at Mars. The basic 90-day orbital 

mission reached the half-way mark at the end of this 

year. 

The science instrumentation aboard Mariner 9 

consists of two television cameras (wide and narrow 

angle), an ultraviolet spectrometer, an infrared spectrometer, and an infrared radiometer. These instruments will provide data for mapping at least 70 per 

cent of the Martian surface, for more clearly defining 

the planets atmospheric and surface characteristics, 

and for study of the dynamic characteristics and time 

variable features of Mars surface and atmosphere. 

As of December 7, after 24 days in orbit, Mariner 9 

had taken approximately 1,600 pictures, collected a 

large amount of infrared and ultraviolet information, 

and obtained data from the celestial mechanics and 

S-band occultation experiments. 

An extensive dust storm on Mars made it impossible 

to start mapping the planet as originally planned. However, complete visual coverage of the polar cap was 

obtained, and many pictures of four “dark spots” (Nix 

Olympica, a peak near Ascaraeus Lacus, a peak near 

Pavonis Lacus, and a peak near Nodus Gordii) were 

taken. These pictures show the south polar cap considerably smaller than seen in 1969 (as was expected). 

Detailed pictures of three of the four “dark SPO~S” indicate that their general formation suggests volcanic 

activity. Excellent photographs of the two moons of 

Mars, Phobos and Deimos, show them to be irregular 

in shape. Mars has bulges at the equator and is much 

more irregular in its gravitational field than expected. 

The irregularity causes a variation in the Mariner 9 

orbital period of about 34 seconds. Eight surface pressure measurements were analyzed, with seven clustering around the same pressure. The eighth measurement, taken in the region at Hellas, showed a higher 

surface pressure indicating that this region is some 

nine km below that of the other seven measurements. 

The infrared measurements showed Mars to be 

warmer than expected at the south polar cap and 

colder than expected over the rest of the planet. This 

is believed to be the result of the dust suspended in 

the atmosphere. The dust particles were identified 

as silicate material rather high in silicon content. 

The ultraviolet measurements confirmed the 1969 

measurements as to the composition of the upper atmosphere, identifying carbon, atomic oxygen, and 

atomic hydrogen. The aeronomy portion of the ultraviolet spectrometer objectives was met, but the pressure 

mapping objectives cannot be met (except at the 

polar cap) until the dust has settled. 

Mariner Venus Mercury 1973.-The launch of a 

single spacecraft to Mercury in October 1973 dl begin the first close-up investigation of the planet neamt 

the Sun. The spacecraft’s primary mission is to investigate Mercury’s atmosphere, environment, body 

and surface characteristics during the late March 1974 

flyby. In order to reach Mercury, the spacecraft receives a gravity assist trajectory-deflection at Venu~, 

in early February 1974. During this flyby of Vam, 

science instruments aboard will make measments 

of the environment, investigate the atmospheric pmsures and temperatures, and search the visible yellow 

cloud cover for “holes” through which to photwph 

the Venusian surface. For the first time, high resolution TV pictures will be taken of the two planets,- 

2500 of Mercury and 5500 of Venus. 

The science instrumentation comprising the flight 

payload includes two high resolution cameras, two 

ultraviolet detectors (photometer and spectrometer), 

two magnetometers, a charged particle telescope, a 

scanning electrostatic analyzer, and an infrared 

radiometer. 

Major progress was made during the year in the 

selection of the spacecraft systems contractor, negotiations of all spacecraft subsystem contracts, final configuration design, and completion of all spacecraft 

functional design requirements. Additionally, the mission operations and science investigator teams completed plans for conducting encounter operations at 

both Venus and Mercury. 

Viking.-Effort continued on the upswmg for the largest of the current planetary exploration pthe Viking 1975 mission to Mars. Scientific emphasis 

for the mission will be placed on obtaining data relevant to the search for life on Mars. Two spacecraft 

will be placed in orbit about the planet, then each will 

separate into two parts: an Orbiter which will conduct 

visual, thermal, and water-vapor mapping of the planetary surface; and a Lander which will analyze the 

atmosphere as it descends to a selected landing site 

on the surface and then will conduct surface experiments. The Lander surface experiments will include: biological and organic analyses of the soil; 

detailed imaging of the surface in color and stereo; 

meteorology and seismology measumnents; and physical and magneoic property measurements of the soil. 

Preliminary design reviews were completed for the 

initial mission, Orbiter, Lander, and many of the 

spacecraft subsystems designs. Breadboard models of 

the most complex Lander science instrumen-for biology, imaging, and molecular analysis-were completed and tested. An earlier problem of landing site 

alteration caused by the rocket exhaust of the Lander 

# 

19 
was solved through extensive analysis and testing, leading to an unusual rocket nozzle design. The first fullscale tests of the Lander parachute were conducted 

by dropping test vehicles from a jet aircraft. 

During the year, it was decided that some program 

readjustments were necessary to hold total runout costs 

withi the predicted target levels. Therefore, some 

changes were made in schedules, test plans, and science 

objectives. These actions did not lessen significantly the 

high scientific value of the Viking program. 

Pioneer.-The Pioneer F and G spacecraft will be 

launched on a mission to Jupiter, one in late February 

or early March 1972 and the other about 13 months 

later. These spacecraft each carry eleven separate 

scientific instruments to explore the interplanetary 

medium beyond the orbit of Mars, to determine the 

size, density and velocity of meteoroids and asteroids 

in the Asteroid Belt and to examine, during a close 

flyby, the environmental and atmospheric characteristics of the planet Jupiter. Two other investigations 

concerning celestial mechanics and radio propagation 

will be carried out using the spacecraft radio signals 

and ground-based tracking equipment. A valuable dividend from these two missions will be the information 

and technology derived that will improve the operational capability for long duration flights to the outer 

During this year excellent progress was achieved with 

the environmental tests of the prototype spacecraft 

which were successfully completed in August. The 

spacecraft, instruments and ground equipment for the 

Pioneer F spacecraft were delivered and are being integrated as a system. The four flight model radioisotope thermal electric generators were delivered by 

the Atomic Energy Commission in December for their 

final testing with the other systems prior to shipment 

of the spacecraft flight system to Kennedy Space 

Center. 

Pioneers 6 through 9-launched between 1965 and 

1968-continued to provide data on the interplanetary medium, solar activity, and their influences on 

the earth’s environment. 

Helois.-This program, first conceived in 1966 as a 

cooperative endeavor between the United States and 

the Federal Republic of Germany, is planned for one 

mission in 1974 and a second in 1975 to investigate 

the properties and processes in interplanetary space in 

the direction of and close to the Sun (within approximately 0.25 of the distance from the Sun to the Earth). 

The United States will provide three scientific experiments to complement the seven German experiments; will launch the spacecraft; provide tracking 

and data acquisition facilities and personnel; and will 

provide technical assistance to the German personnel 

in testing the spacecraft and in the review of the 

spacecraft design and the spacecraft test progrm. The 

planets. 

Federal Republic of Germany will design, develop and 

fabricate the spacecraft (as well as the seven experiments), and will operate it during each 130-day 

mission. 

During the year, the design was completed and work 

was started on construction and testing of the engineering model. 

Outer Planets Mksions.-These consist of a series of 

multiplanet flyby missions to accomplish early exploration of all the outer planets of the solar system, many 

of their natural satellites, their environments, and the 

interplanetary and galactic medium. These missions 

may be accomplished with a minimum number of 

flights, relatively short flight times, and modest launch 

vehicle capability by using the gravity-assist “swingby” 

technique, taking advantage of the uniquely favorable 

planetary alignment that occurs in the latter half of 

the 1970’s. The planned program consisted of launches 

of two spacecraft in the 1976-77 time period each of 

which would fly by Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto and 

another two in 1979 which would fly by Jupiter, 

Uranus, and Neptune. 

Mission and spacecraft design studies were continued in an effort to maximize the science return per 

dollar for these missions. Since April more than 100 

scientists, representing 13 different scientific disciplines, 

were employed in a Mission Definition Phase, with 

leaders for each of the disciplines forming a Science 

Steering Group (SSG) for the program. The SSG 

worked with the mission and spacecraft design teams 

to assure designs compatible with maximum scientific 

return. An “Announcement of Flight Opportunity” 

(AFO) was planned for issue early in 1972 to solicit 

experiments for the early outer planets missions. 

Effort was also focused on long-lead time development and qualification of electronics and other specialized components required for a long-life outer planets 

spacecraft. 

At the end of the year, because of budget constraints 

and projections, the effort on the bhree-planet flyby 

missions was terminated. New studies were initiated to 

develop a much more modest outer planets exploration 

program in accordance ~’th suggestions made by the 

National Academy of Sciences. Such a program would 

explore Jupiter and Saturn using Mariner-type 

spacecraft. 

Advanced Studies and Technology.-Spacecraft conceptual designs were developed for probe and orbiter 

missions to Jupiter. These missions are the logical 

follows-ons to the Pioneer F and G and the Grand 

Tour Survey missions to the outer solar system. Key 

technology areas were identified and efforts were 

initiated in scientific instrumentation, communications 

and heat shielding during entry. The Jupiter probe 

missions studied included a family of probes to survive 

at pressure levels ranging to 100 atmospheres. Pre- 
liminary feasibility studies were also completed for 

Uranus and Neptune atmospheric entry missions and 

a Saturn rings mission. In support of these study efforts, 

a science advisory group was established to determine 

the most effective program of outer planet exploration. 

The design of a low-cost Delta-class spacecraft, able 

to serve as an orbiter or a delivery system for a multiple 

set of probes was continued. Preliminary mission 

design and spacecraft system and subsystem designs 

were completed. Technology activity continued in the 

subsystem areas. This system is initially planned for 

use in exploring Venus. 

Preliminary mission feasibility analyses were completed for several comet and asteroid rendezvous and 

docking missions. Studies have also been initiated to 

define scientific objectives and rationale for small body 

exploration and to develop the key technology required. 

Studies were continued of other possible future missions, including post-Viking Mars exploration, and the 

development of supporting mission technology. 

Applications Technology Satellites (ATS) .-ATS 1,3 

and 5, which have far exceeded their design lifetime, 

continued to provide important applications and scientific data and to serve as a facility for experiments conducted by many non-NASA organizations. ATS 1 and 

3 provided meteorological data in the form of spin 

scan cloud cover pictures to the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on a near operational basis. During the year, the following organizations conducted experiments using one or more of 

these first generation ATS satellites : Maritime Administration, U.S. Air Force, Netherlands Coast Guard, 

Royal Norwegian Council for Scientific and Industrial 

Research, University of Hawaii, Alaska, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and commercial airlines, 

National Bureau of Standards, and the National Library of Medicine of the National Institutes of Health. 

Progress continued on ATS F and G, which air 

being fabricated under contract, and prospects for 

launch of ATS F in the first half of 1973 are good. 

The basic experiments to be carried on ATS F are the 

30-foot diameter parabolic antenna, an RF interferometer for measuring the direction in which the 

antenna is pointing, and a stabilization and pointing 

system able to point the transmitted radio beam 

toward any position on Earth or in near Earth space to 

an accuracy of 0.1 degree. 

Additional experiments selected and contracted for 

included five communications experiments, one traffic 

management experiment, one meteorology experiment, 

four spacecraft technology experiments, and four scientific experiments. The thermal and structural model 

of the ATS F spacecraft was fabricated and satisfactorily passed environmental testing in December. 

In June, NASA agreed to support with ATS F an 

experiment proposed jointly by the Department of 

Health, Education, and Welfare and the Corporation 

for Public Broadcasting. The experiment will begin 

shortly after launch with transmission of educational 

and health programs to a number of ground receivers 

in the Rocky Mountain region and Alaska. NASA contracted for the inclusion of the necessary transmitter in 

ATS F and agreed to make that transmission capability 

available to HEW/CPB on a part time basis for the 

first year after launch. HEW/CPB agreed to pay for 

and develop all other aspects of the experimental 

program, including the necessary ground stations, program development, educational software, and experiment analysis. 

Progress was also made on a somewhat similar cooperative experiment planned with the Government of 

India. Under the Memorandum of Understanding between the US. and India, NASA will move ATS F to a 

position over 35OE longitude about a year after launch 

and then make a special transmitter on the satellite 

available four to six hours per day for Indian government use. 

The Indian government is responsible for provision 

of all ground portions of the experiment, including pm 

gramming and post-experiment analysis and duation. During this year, the Indian government 

designed and tested prototype 10-foot community mceiving antennas and initiated development and planning for production of television receivers and fmntend converters. 

Cooperative Applications Satellites (CAS).--On 

August 16, CAS1 (EOLE) was successfully launched 

by a Scout vehicle from Wallops Station. The satellite, 

whose purpose is to obtain data on wind velocity and 

air temperature and pressure in the southern hemisphere by tracking and collecting data from hundFeds 

of balloons, was developed and fabricated by the 

French Centre Nationale d'Etudes Spatides (CNES) . France also developed and launched the 500 instrumented balloons. NASA plwided technical advice to 

CNES and providd the launch vehicle and launch 

services. The meteorological data resulting from this 

cooperative program is 'being made fully available to 

US. and French scientists. 

In April, NASA signed a Memorandum of Understand with the Department of communications of 

Canada calling for the cooperative development of 

CAS-C, the so-called Communications Technology 

Satellite, which will pioneer the use of the newly docated frequency band for satellite broadcasting at 

12 GHz. 

Under the terms of the Memorandum, NASA will 

provide the Delta launch vehicle and the 20O-watt, 

50-percent efficient transmitter output stage; Canada 

will provide the balance of the spacecraft including extendable, 1kW solar arrays, attitude control systems, 

ion engine thrusters for station keeping, and lisU;d 

21 
metal slip rings. A number of design reviews were conducted, and NASA initiated procurement of the 200- 

watt tube and associated power systems. 

Nauigation/Tra& Control Satellites.-In January, 

the Office of Telecommunications Policy set forth a 

government policy on satellite telecommunications for 

international civil aviation operations. Under the 

policy, the FAA was given principal responsibility for 

establishing such systems, with NASA providing technical support and continuing to conduct independent 

research in this area. NASA worked closely with Department of Transportation (DOT) /FAA in developing technical and management plans for such a 

satellite system. 

In November, NASA reached formal understanding with the Maritime Administration (MARAD) of 

the Department of Commerce, regarding the implementation of a cooperative technological development program leading to the effective utilization of 

space technology in commercial maritime shipping 

system applications. This agreement formalized cooperative activities of NASA and MARAD, such as the 

cooperative L-band experiments using ATS 5 for communicating with and measuring lines of position of a 

number of merchant ships. 

Communications Satellites.-On January 25, NASA 

lanched Intelsat IV, F-2, for the Communications 

Satellite Corporation, for which it was fully reimbursed by COMSAT. Intelsat IV, with several times 

the capacity of earlier generations of Intelsat satellites, 

was placed in operational service over the Atlantic in 

March. On December 19, NASA launched Intelsat IV, 

F-3 for COMSAT. It is also for operational service 

over the Atlantic. 

During most of the year, NASA, as requested by the 

Federal Communications Commission, conducted an 

extensive technical analysis and review of the various 

domestic satellite filings proposed by American industry. A final report of the NASA findings was provided 

to the FCC in December. 

NASA continued to work closely with the U.S. 

delegation to the International Telecommunications 

Union (ITU) which is affiliated with the United 

Nations. The work concentrated on the technical sharing and interference criteria for space radio communications services using frequency bands in common with 

other terrestrial services. The results of the studies 

were accepted by the ITU and provided a technical 

basis for many of the new frequency allocations that 

were made at the World Administrative Radio Conference in Geneva during June and July. 

Geodetic Satellites.-During 197 1, the flashing lights 

on GEOS-2 and the laser retroflectors on it and on 

GEOS-1 were used in the International Satellite Geodesy Experiment (ISAGEX), a cooperative interna22 

tional program in geodes sponsored by the Committee 

on Space Research (COSPAR) and initiated by the 

French. The tracking campaign, involving some 22 

countries including the USSR and Eastern Bloc Nations, was concluded in August. Twelve laser stations 

belonging to NASA, the Smithsonian Astrophysical 

Observatory (SAO) , and the French produced the 

largest block of precision satellite ranging data yet collected. This data and the photographic data collected 

by the other ISAGEX participants is being analyzed. 

Work was initiated on GEOS-C the third and last 

of NASA’s planned active geodetic satellites. In addition to the precision tracking and flashing light system 

carried in GEOS-1 and 2, GEOS-C will incorporate 

a radar altimeter operating at 13.9 GHz and a satellite-to-satellite tracking system, so that the GEOS-C 

spacecraft can be tracked by ATS F. The radar altimeter will demonstrate the feasibility of using radar 

altimetry to determine the geometry of the ocean surface, which is related to the geoid, ocean currents, tides, 

tsunamis, and storm surges. 

Ecological Sciences.-In studies of remote sensing in 

public health applications, NASA discussed theoretical evaluations and practical applications of remotesensor data with representatives of universities; 

municipal, county, and state governments; the U.S. 

Public Health Service; the World Health Organization; and the Food and Agriculture Organization of 

the United Nations. 

Remote sensing was applied in studying the 

endemic strains of Venezuelan encephalitis virus 

along the southern coast of Florida and in an 

epidemic of Venezuelan equine encephalitis which 

crossed the Mexican border and spread through Texas 

counties in July and August 1971. NASA pmvided 

low- and high-altitude aerial photography to health 

experts trained in remote sensing. The results are being 

used in a concentmted study of the environmental 

conditions included in the epidemic and of morbidity 

information. Data are still king received and 

analyzed. 

Another application was in a screwworm eradication pmgram for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. 

Data obtained by remote sensing were used to provide 

detailed thematic maps showing waterways important 

in the life cycle of this insect. Remote sensing technology was the basis for reliable and intelligent 

In addition, work is underway to determine the habitat of Culex quinquefasciatus, the vector of St. Louis 

encephalitis in the Houston, Texas area. In many 

cases, the habitat of this mosquito can be associated 

with effluent from septic tank overflow into collection 

ditches common in the Houston area. NASA aircraft have provided thermal scanner data, color 

infrared, color and multiband camera coverage over 

planning. 
approximately 12 miles of ditches containing septic 

water. Ten test sites were surveyed for ground truth 

(physical, chemical, micrdbiological and entomological characteristics) at the time of the flight. The results of this mission are now being processed by several advanced interpretive means. 

Meteorological Satellites.-After more than a year 

and a half in orbit, Nimbus 4 data continue to be used 

by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to derive vertical temperature profiles for use 

in operational analyses. Objectives for the Nimbus E 

and F missions, planned for launch in November 1972 

and June 1974, respectively, will include testing instrumentation to expand atmospheric remote sensing to 

cloudy regions, higher altitudes, and to new regions 

of the electromagnetic spectrum. 

Extending atmospheric soundings to cloudy regions 

and to higher altitudes is needed to improve the accuracy and time extension of weather forecasts. Nimbus 

E will carry the feasibility demonstration experiments 

utilizing new infrared techniques and, for the first 

time, microwave radiometers. 

The bench integration and test of the Nimbus E, 

including these experiments, was completed during the 

year, the flight models of the instruments were received, and fabrication and assembly of the spacecraft structure neared completion. The Nimbus F 

flight payload was selected and most of the payload 

procurement actions were completed. Nimbus F will 

provide continuation and improvement for the most 

critical Nimbus E experiments; important support for 

the Global Atmospheric Research Program in a critical time period; and a valuable set of new experiments 

vital as a mission in themselves. 

This year, ITOS-1 (formerly TIROS-M) and 

NOAA-1 (formerly ITOS-A) , operated as part of the 

National Operational Meteorological Satellite System 

(NOMSS ) , partially satisfying the System’s requirement for direct readout and stored daytime and nighttime meteorological data. 

The primary sensors of the two satellites are identical : two advanced vidicon camera systems (AVCS) , two automatic picture transmission (APT) cameras, 

and two scanning radiometers (SR) . They provided 

daytime and nighttime coverage in the visible and infrared regions in local and remote readout modes 

of operation. The identical secondary sensors-a f?atplate radiometer (FPR) and a solar proton monitor 

(SPM) -provided terrestrial and solar radiation data. 

Because of anomalies in the essential stabilization control subsystem in each spacecraft, ITOS-1 and 

NOAA-1 were deactivated on June 17 and August 19 

respectively. The two TOS-series satellites-ESSAVI11 and ESSA-IX-were fully operational and 

provided data which partially fulfilled the requirements of NOMSS for daytime cloud imagery. 

ITOS-B, launched on October 21, did not achieve 

orbit because of launch vehicle failure. Preparations 

were underway for the launch of the next operational 

member of the ITOS series in the first half of 1972. 

The real-time acquisition and use of daytime cloud 

cover imagery from the Applications Technology 

Satellites (ATS)-1 and -3 were continued. The two 

satellites positioned in geostationary orbits over the 

eastern Pacific and western Atlantic Oceans, respectively, have provided data used by the National 

Weather Services severe storm advisory program and 

hurricane surveillance and advisory programs. The 

data were also used in the routine extraction of high 

level winds employed in numerical weather prediction 

prqgrams. 

Work continued on the development of the spacecraft, spacecraft subsystems, and associated ground 

equipment for the Synchronous Meteorological Satellite (SMS) , the research and development forerunner 

of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES). GOES will satisfy the second NOMSS 

objective of continuous viewing and data collection and 

relay. When SMS-A is launched, it will establish the 

initial capability to meet this requirement ; launch is 

scheduled for late 1972. Present plans call for a second 

prototype spacecraft, SMS-B, and one follow-on 

operational spacecraft, GOES-A. The primary sensor 

of the SMS satellites will be the Visual and Infrared 

Spin-Scan Radiometer (VISSR) system, which will 

provide nearly continuous observation of cloud wver 

day and night. Data on cloud-top and surface temperatures will be available and wind information will 

be derivable from cloud motions. A data wllectionand-relay capability will be included for acquisition 

of raw environmental data from surface platforms and 

for the relay of processed data from analysis centers to 

remote receiver stations. A Space Environment Monitor (SEM) package will also be carried. 

Meteorological Sounding Rockets.-NASA launched 

56 of the large research-type rockets, such as Nike 

Cajun, to explore the structure and characteristics of 

the atmosphere in the 30 to 100 km (20 to 60 miles) 

altitude region. Data were applied to the design, test, 

and operation of aerospace vehicles as well as to research in the meteorology and climatology of the upper 

atmosphere. 

A series of launches was completed from Kourou, 

French Guiana, to determine tidal oscillations, their 

variation in amplitude with altitude, and relation to the 

atmospheric structure. One hundred and thirty-six 

of the Arcas and Boosted-Dart class of rockets were 

launched from Wallops Station and from Bermuda. 

These launches were in support of range operations, 

sounding rocket development, and international 

cooperative programs. Observation indicated that the 

differences between satellite and rocket measurements 

23 
were the same order as those between the satellite 

sounder measurements and between the rocket sounding observations. 

The cooperative rocket programs with Argentina, 

Brazil, and Spain were enlarged with the conclusion of 

an agreement between U.S. and U.S.S.R. to develop a 

Western Hemisphere and an Eastern Hemisphere 

meridional rocket network and to exchange the data 

from the networks to improve understanding of the 

physical state and dynamics of the stratosphere and 

mesosphere. 

Earth Resources Survey Program.-This program 

continued to use the Earth Resources Aircraft Program 

to develop remote sensing techniques and prototype 

systems. The aircraft program was also the principal 

source of remote sensing data for NASA-sponsored research activity. Several new remote-sensing systems became operational, and remote sensing was applied to 

actual environmental problems. The major effort here 

was an extension of the 1970 study of corn leaf blight. 

This year a full-scale prototype remote sensing system 

was applied to the problem and other agencies and 

several universities participated. 

In addition, two surplus U-2 aircraft were obtained 

from the USAF to support expanded program activity 

generated by ERTS and Skylab. The aircraft were 

used to conduct a simulation of the data output of 

ERTS-A. Five test sites in California, Arizona, and 

the Chesapeake Bay area are overflown every 18 

days to collect data for selected ERTS investigators 

and for agencies participating in the NASA-sponsored 

Interagency Cooperative Research Program. 

The Earth Resources Technology Satellite series 

(ERTS-A and B) will acquire repetitive multispectral images and radiometric Earth data from space. 

They will also conduct definitive experiments to verify 

the value of such data. 

During the year, investigations were selected in agriculture, forestry, geology, hydrology, cartography, 

geography, environmental quality, and oceanography. 

These investigations will provide practical experience 

and engineering and management data to help determine whether operational Earth resource survey systems should be developed. As a result of an Announcement of Opportunities for participation in Space Flight 

Investigations over 730 proposals were received from 

investigators, including 34 foreign countries and the 

United Nations, who wished to participate in the 

ERTS or EREP programs. Good pmgress was made 

towards the launch of ERTS-A, now scheduled for 

May 1972, and for ERTS-B in November 1973. Investigations using the data from ERTS-A will begin 

with the launch of the satellite and will be extended 

by ERTS-B in order to observe seasonal changes of 

phenomena relating to agriculture, hydrology, and 

ecology and to acquire maps of surface temperature 

distribution by using the ERTS-B thermal infrared 

capability. 

Proposals also were received from investigators who 

plan to use data acquired by the Earth Resources 

Experiment Package (EREP) to be flown on Skylab. 

NASA selected proposals in the ERTS discipline areas 

designed to use the unique data from the EREP sensors. Potential investigators expressed requirements for 

multiband photography to be acquired with a sixcamera array and imagery from the 13-channel multispectral scanner. Proposals were also made for the 

crew-operated viewfinder and tracking system which 

is boresighted with an infrared spectrometer, for the 

13.9 GHz and 1.4 GHz microwave systems, and for 

the radar altimeter. 

Earth Physics and Physical Oceanography Program.-This program emphasized investigations to 

enlarge understanding of earthquake mechanisms ; to 

discover new mineral deposits; to produce accurate 

maps of mineral desposits on and beneath the ocean 

floor; to monitor and control pollution dispersal in the 

oceans; and to oversee and forecast maritime hazards. 

New information about the mechanical properties 

of the Earth was derived by analyzing measured perturbations of the orbital inclination of the Beacon-C 

satellite caused by the Earth’s tidal bulge. Geodetic 

satellite tracking data were used to improve the map 

representation of the Earth’s gravity field. 

Several very long baseline radio interferometer technique (VLBI) experiments were carried out to obtain a preliminary quantitative assessment of the technique. NASA spacecraft tracking networks facilities 

were used in the experiments, and preliminary results 

indicated the need to improve the instrumentation to 

achieve the required measurement accuracies. 

The Apollo tracking ship Vanguard participated 

in an experiment to demonstrate its utilky in measuring 

large Ocean surface geoidal undulations. During a traverse of a deep ocean trench off the coast of Puerto 

Rico, the ship’s C-band radar system tracked the 

GEOS-2 satellite. 

Analysis of the tracking data led to an independent verification of the existence of a lometer (32-foot) 

depression on the ocean surface above the trench which 

had been previously measured by shipboard astronomic 

and gravity measurements. 

Plans were made to monitor strain buildup across 

the San Andrew Fault in California by measuring 

the differential movement of the ground on each side 

of the fault. The upgraded five-centimeter accuracy 

laser satellite tracking systems will be used to monitor 

the changes in the distance between observation sites 

for a few years. 

Global Atmospheric Research Program.-In support 

of GARP, NASA conducted numerical simulations experiments at the Goddard Institute for Space Studies 

24 
to optimize the GARP satellite observing systems and 

to extract ,the maximum meteorological information 

from space-borne sensors. Results, indicating that usefully accurate wind and pressure data for the extratropical regions of the global atmosphere might be 

determined from global temperature data obtained by 

meteorological satellite radiance measurements, may 

influence the design of the GARP observing systems 

and the requirements for observational accuracies. 

Goddard Space Flight Center initiated studies on the 

need for development of special space-related observing systems for GARP. 

Plans were made for continued numerical experiments and for US. participation in the first GARP 

Global Experiment. 

Launch Vehicle and Propulsion Programs.--Seven 

missions were successfully flown on the Scout launch 

vehicle. Two missions, SM-C and SSS-A, were orbited 

from the San Marco Range in Africa under a cooperative reimbursable launch services contract with the 

Italian Centro Ricerche Aerospaziali ; four missions, 

including the PAET-A re-entry experiment, the 

SOLRAD-C and EOLE satellites, and the Barium Ion 

Cloud (GRS-B) probe were launched from Wallops 

Station, Virginia; and @he UK4 satellite was ollbited 

from the WTR. The successful completion of these 

launches brought the Scout reliability record to 23 consecutive successes, and 49 successes out of the last 51 

launches. 

The development of the Algol I11 first stage motor, 

which increases the Scout performance by approximately 30 percent, was successfully completed, and the 

first production procurement of operational motors was 

initiated with delivery commencing in the 4th quarter 

of 1971. 

The increased diameter 42-inch heat shield entered 

operational use with its first flight on the PAET mission. This heat shield provides the spacecraft with 

twice the volume ahead of the fourth stage motor 

previously available with the 34-inch heat shield. 

The Delta launch vehicle system was used to launch 

five missions during this period: NATO B, IMP I, 

ISIS B, OS0 H, and ITOS B. Four launches 

were successful. Other significant achievements 

were the completion of the adaptation of an inertial guidance system to the Delta vehicle, the adaptation of the Titan IIIC transtage engine to the Delta 

second stage, and the development of the TE-364-4 

motor for use with the Delta and Centaur vehicles. 

Each of these systems will be first flown in 1972. 

New effort was initiated in 1971 to adapt an eSghtfoot fairing to the Delta system and to adapt the 

Saturn S-1B H-1 engine to the Thor booster. These 

changes will be first flown in 1972 and 1973, 

respectively. 

An agreement was completed with the Telesat 

Canada Corporation for the launch of domestic communications satellites. Discussions were continued with 

the Italian government for launches using the Delta 

system. Discussions were initiated with several proposers for the U.S. domestic communications satellite 

systems. Each of these launches will be conducted on 

a reimbursable basis. 

The Centaur program conducted four launches in 

support of NASA and commercial space missions. Two 

launches of the Communications Satellite Corporation Intelsat IV were successfully accomplished. 

The first of two Mariner Mars spacecraft failed to 

achieve orbit as a result of an electronic failure in the 

Centaur stage autopilot rate gyro; the second Mariner Mars spacecraft was successfully injected into a 

Mars transfer trajectory. At the end of 1971, the 

operational Centaur record stood at 14 successful 

launches in 17 attempts. 

Advanced Research and Technology 

General Aviation Aircraft.-During the past 3 years, 

NASA has utilized a typical light twin engined aircraft as a flying test bed with which to evaluate various 

levels of control and display system sophistication. The 

approach has been to use system and component technology that has been developed for large ccrmmercial 

transports or military applications, but because of cost 

not feasible for wide use in general aviation. The 

objective of the program has been to demonstrate the 

improvements in handling qualities and precision of 

flight possible, using modern control and display 

technology as a means of identifying goals for future 

general aviation aircraft system capabilities. 

Results to date have been impressive. When incorporating a direct attitude command control system 

with a standard flight director display system, pilot 

ratings have improved to 'the near perfect level. This 

has been consistently demonstrated during simulated 

instrument approaches in moderate to severe 

atmospheric turbulence. 

Continued effort in this area will concentrate on 

developing methods for achieving this system capability by techniques that have the potential for economic 

implementation. 

STOL Aircraft.-Short takeoff and landing (STOL) 

aircraft offer important potential improvement for 

both civil and military short-haul (in the 500-de 

range) air transportation. STOL technology can be 

applied to reduce community noise and pollution, to 

reduce congestion of the Nation's airways and airports, and to improve the quality of both civil transport and military tactical airlift. In the past year, the 

growing urgency of the need led to an intensification of 

the effort to assure technology readiness for the successful development and operation of STOL transports. 

25 
The most important step taken in STOL technology this year was the issuance in August 

of a Request for Proposals for the design and 

development of quiet experimental STOL transport 

research airplanes for use by NASA in flight 

research essential to development of propulsivelift technology. Industry responses were received 

and contractors selected for Phase I, a competitive 

design and proposal phase. This will be followed by a 

single contract for Phase 11, a final design and fabrication phase. The two research aircraft to be built will be 

utilized for development of design, operation, and certication criteria, and for evaluation of promising propulsive-lift concepts. The flight research programs will be 

developed in cooperation with other Government 

agencies and industry. 

In preparation for the experimental airplane program, the technology activity this year has included 

basic analytical and wind-tunnel studies of turbofan 

powered-lift concepts with emphasis on externallyblown-flap (EBF) configurations. In the EBF concept 

primary and by-pass engine air are both directed 

against the wing flap system. Internally-blown-flap 

(IBF) or augmentor-wing (AW) configurations which 

use by-pass air ejected through special ducts in the 

wing over or through special flap systems to generate 

high lift and thrust were also being studied. In addition, the technology program encompasses studies of 

general STOL design arrangements and studies pertinent to the special problems of flight control, ride 

qualities, noise and propulsion. The propulsive-lift 

technology will permit development d quiet, clean, 

safe, and efficient turbofan transports capable of operation from runways 2,000 feet or less in length. 

Quiet, low-pollutant-emission propulsion is of 

particular importance. In the past year, the technology being generated in the NASA Quiet 

Engine program was utilized in establishing a 

basis for meeting the particular requirements of STOL 

transport. Investigations were conducted at the 

component level, on fans, turbines, combustion, inlets, exhaust nozzles and materials. A study will be initiated shortly to identify the engine configurations and 

thrust levels of greatest potential interest for the civil 

STOL market. This work will lead to the definition 

and construction of low-polluting, quiet STOL experimental engines for ground-based research. Current 

plans are to have quiet, clean experimental engines 

available for research in late 1974 or early 1975. 

In parallel with the technology programs, related 

analytical studies were initiated and coordinated with 

DOT and FAA to establish a better understanding of 

short-haul STOL transport operation and economics, 

implementation requirements, and the relationship 

between technical development and practical transport 

system design. 

V/STOL Aircraft.-Major progress was made in 

largely completing the modification of a propellerdriven C-8‘4 transport to an augmentor wing short 

take-off and landing jet (STOL) research aircraft. 

The fan air from the turbofan engines is ducted to 

“ejector type” flaps which pull air from over the wing 

to augment lift. This provides a STOL capability permitting the aircraft to operate from 1500-foot runways at touch down speeds of about 60 knots and 

slightly hligher lift-off speeds. Flight tests are scheduled 

to begin in the spring of 1972. This is a joint program 

with the Canadian Department of Industry, Trade 

and Commerce. 

Although the modified C4A is a straight-wing 

research aircraft, two series of large-scale model 

tests completed this year in the Ames Research Center 

40- by 80-foot wind tunnel confirmed that comparable 

STOL performance can be achieved by swept wing 

configurations representative of modern high-speed 

transports. 

The large amount of high pressure air ejected 

through the augmentor flap creates a noise which has 

to be alleviated to meet desired operational-STOL 

noise limits. Preliminary results from two-dimensional 

tests started this year at Ames and under contract indicated that exit nozzles which break up the flow and 

acoustic lining can reduce sound emission appreciably. 

The new V/STOL wind tunnel at the Langley Research Center became operational this year. It provides greatly improved capability for scaled model 

testing. A program was initiated to test four STOL lift 

augmentation concepts on a common transport model. 

Using simulated turbofan engines, the concepts of 

internally blowing air over deflected flaps, and externally blowing air onto deflected flaps were tested. 

A propeller driven OV-10 airplane was delivered to 

Ames modified with a high rpm rotating cylinder 

ahead of its flap to promote flow attachment at very 

hiyh flap deflections and making possible landing 

speeds and runway lengths of about 50 knots and 500 

feet respeatively. The airplane was tested in a wind 

tunnel and in flight to evaluate the concept, conduct 

handling qualities research, and investigate noise measuring techniques. 

In vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft research, progress was made on lift fan and 

advanced rotor-craft concepts. Two series of tests 

were completed in the Ames 40- by 80-foot wind 

tunnel of a large swept wing transport model having 

lift fans with vectorable thrust to provide cruise propulsion. The favorable outcome of these and earlier 

tests together with control system and flight simulation tests led to the initiation this year of three 

contracts with aircraft companies to study lift-fan 

commercial transports for the 1980’s and to define a 

research aircraft program for investigating the per- 
formance, propulsion, handling qualities, and operational characteristics, including noise, in the real flight 

environment. 

Investigations continued at the Langley and Ames 

Research Centers and under contract to gain a better 

understanding of helicopter rotor wakes, tip vortex generation and break up, and dynamic loads. These 

investigations show considerable promise for design of 

rotor systems with improved performance, vibration, 

and noise characteristics. Research on the tilt rotor 

concepts having higher speed capability than conventional helicopters indicated the likelihood of improved 

performance. Tests were completed of a full-scale 

flightworthy rotor in the Ames 40- by 80-foot wind 

tunnel, and preparations initiated for similar tests with 

a different rotor control system with provision to fold 

the rotor for cruise flight. NASA/Army definition studies are underway to define a flight research aircraft. 

Variable stability capability has been incorporated 

in the X-14B direct lift VTOL research aircraft to 

permit a broader spectrum of V/STOL handling qualities flight research. V/STOL handling qualities research also continued using ground-based simulators, 

the variable stability CH-46 helicopter, and the variable stability tilt ducted-fan x-22 research aircraft. 

The latter is a joint program with the Navy, Air Force, 

and FAA. 

Military Support Programs.-During the past year, 

steps were taken to better coordinate NASA’s aeronautical research efforts to assist the military. A Military Aircraft Programs Office was formed within the 

Office of Advanced Research and Technology in 

NASA Headquarters to serve as a focus and be responsible for NASA programs in direct support of 

the military. 

Specifically, this office is responsible for the direction from the Headquarters level, of the ongoing sup 

port to the USAF on the F-15 and B-1 programs, 

the ongoing support to the USN on the F-14 program, 

the direction of the USAF/NASA TACT Program, 

the direction of the planned US. ArmyfNASA Rotor 

Test Vehicle and the Army/NASA Tilt Rotor Research 

Aircraft Programs, and other ongoing and possible 

joint research, experimental and prototype aircraft 

programs. 

Other actions were also initiated in these areas. An 

experienced NASA aeronautical engineer was assigned 

to the F-15 System Program Office at Wright Field 

and the B-1 System Program Office Operating Location No. l located at a contractor’s Los Angela division. These two NASA representatives report to the 

Military Aircraft Programs Office. The operation of 

the Army station at the Ames Research Center continues to be extremely successful. Similar NASA-based 

Army R&D groups are being built up at the Langley 

and Lewis Research Centers. The new differential 

maneuvering simulator at the Langley Research Center was used in a cooperative NASA/Navy program in 

support of the F-14 program. In mid-1971 NASA assembled an intercenter study team that participated in 

the DDR&E prototype study. As a result of NASA’s 

participation in the prototype study, the need for cooperative NASA /WAF efforts in the STOL experimental aircraft program was brought out cleady and 

a cooperative program was being prepared. 

Tilt/Rotor Research Aircraft.-An agreement between the US. Army and NASA for a joint Army/ 

NASA program for rhe procurement and flight test 

of a V/STOL tilt-rotor research aircraft for research 

on the tilt-rotor concept was consummated on November 1, 1971. The program will include investigations 

of tilt-rotor handling and control characteristics, noise, 

and near-terminal operational techniques. The flight 

research vehicle will be used also for general research 

of V/STOL instrumentation and automatic landing 

systems and of advanced rotor concepts. The program 

will be conducted over a two-year period and the 

costs will be shared equably by the Army and NASA. 

Rotor Systems Test Vehicle.-An agreement between 

the US. Army and NASA for a joint program for 

the procurement of Rotor Systems Test Vehicle for 

flight test of advanced rotor concepts was consummated 

on November 1, 1971. The test vehicle will fulfill a 

need for a cost-effective means of flight testing new 

advanced helicopter rotors and new control concepts 

in the real and dynamic environment of flight to study 

problems under conditions that cannot be adequately 

simulated in ground facilities. A number of new rotor 

concepts are and have been under study analytically 

and experimentally in ground facilities at small and 

large scale which show promise for significantly improving rotorcraft performance, control, and vibration. 

The Rotor Systems Test Vehicle will be used to flight 

test the most promising of these advanced rotor configurations. The program will be conducted over a 

two-year period and the costs will be shared equably 

by the Army and NASA. 

TACT (Transonic Aircraft Technology) Program.- 

An agreement between USAF and NASA for a joint 

USAF /NASA program for the procurement and flight 

test of supercritical wing on an F-111 fighter aircraft 

was signed on June 16, 1971. The program will provide ‘‘prmf-of-concept” of the application of supercritical wing technology using a variable sweep F-111 

aircraft. Program go-ahead for the wing and aircraft 

modification was approved in early July 1971. The 

first design review for tooling go-ahead occurred in 

mid-December 1971. The final design review is scheduled for the Spring d 1972. 

27 

452-915 0-72-3 
]oint DOT/NASA STOL Program.-NASA and the 

DOT joined in a program which reflects common 

interests in the development and investigation of aircraft and electronic technologies, operational procedures, and system concepts which can improve the 

operational efficiency, public acceptance, safety, and 

reliability of a Short-Takeoff and Landing (STOL) 

short haul system. Flight experiments will include the 

use of STOL research aircraft equipped with an 

avionics system to allow investigation of alternative 

avionics functional configurations, flight paths, operational procedures, levels of automation, and landing 

aids. Initial flight experiments will use an area navigation system developed by the DOT’S Transportation 

Systems Center to evaluate radio navigation systems 

performance in various potential STOL environments 

and to evaluate the adequacy of existing communications and radar surveillance in this same 

environment. The navigation system and data acquisition system will be ready to begin flight experiments 

in April 1972. In September 1971, a STOL airplane 

simulator at Langley Research Center was linked to 

the FAA’s NAFEC-ATC simulation facility and flown 

in real time in a simulated ATC system to determine 

the effect of the STOL airplane on the ATC system 

and the effect of the ATC system on the STOL airplane in the New York terminal area operating from a 

downtown STOL port. The Ames Research Center 

was developing the airborne equipment which will be 

installed in a conventional C-8A “Buffalo” aircraft 

and the Augmentor Wing Jet STOL Research Aircraft 

to investigate STOL transport approach, landing, and 

takeoff performance as a function of navigation, guidance and control systems configuration, and flight management techniques ; subsystem characteristics and 

performance; operational procedures and flight path 

geometry; and operational environment. The FAA 

will provide the microwave, scanning beam instrument 

landing system. The flight experiments were defined 

jointly to provide engineering data requirements to 

support the FAA’s STOL short-haul system development plan. The equipment development is proceeding 

on schedule with flight experiments scheduled to commence in October 1972. 

Advanced Transport Technology.-The Advanced 

Transport Technology program was initiated to develop technologies applicable to the next-generation 

long-haul subsonic air transports. It is intended to 

provide the technology base for industry application by 1978. The goal of the program is to insure that 

the next generation of US. long-haul air transports 

will have minimum environmental impact and will be 

competitively superior in the world market. 

The program has three major elements: fundamental technology in the primary aeronautical 

discipIines of aerodynamics, propulsion, structures and 

materials, flight control, and avionics; exploratory 

flight research on supercritical aerodynamics and related laboratory developments ; and systems studies to 

relate the evolving technical advances to realistic future transportation requirements, markets, and 

economics. 

During the past year, several significant events 

occurred in the program. The systems studies, which 

will provide guidance on where our efforts should be 

concentrated for the next several years in the key longhaul transport technologies, neared completion. Identification of advanced technology payoff areas and 

recommendations for further studies were made by the 

contractors. The contractual effort was redirected 

with strong emphasis on the application of advanced 

technologies to specific design concepts to more fully 

evaluate their impact. 

Several flight tests were conducted to verify two 

applications of the supercritical wing: a thick wing 

to permit structural weight savings, and a wing designed for high-speed cruise. In a joint program with 

the Navy, a thick supercritical wing was incorporated 

on a T-2C trainer to investigate the performance of the 

wing at moderate subsonic speeds. Thus far 24 

flights have been conducted. The results indicate that 

the drag of the T-2C with the thick supercritical wing 

at the design Mach number is identical to that of the 

T-2C with the conventional thin wing, and the lift coefficient for the buffet onset is greater for the supercritical wing for all Mach numbers up to the limit 

Mach number tested. This validates the new wing 

design concept as providing better structural efficiency 

and maneuvering performance than the old concept. 

A high-speed supercritical wing was constructed for 

flight tests on a TF4A airplane. Performance, pressure 

distributions, stability and control, buffet and flutter 

have been investigated during the 24 flights conducted thus far. The drag and handling qualities were 

as predicted from wind-tunnel tests. Buffet was intense 

but not severe, and no flutter was experienced. Flights 

have been conducted up to Mach 1.2 and up to an 

altitude of 50,000 feet. 

The results from these flights have been very encouraging and indicated the importance of supercritical technology as one of the key \technical advances for 

the next generation of air transports. 

Jet Transport Noise Reduction.-Methods of reducing the noise of jet transport airplanes during 

take-off and landing were the subject of extensive research by NASA. This work showed the potential of a change in flight profile for noise reduction 

and developed the requirements for airborne guidance and control systems needed to effect the flight 

path control. The reduction that can be achieved with 

a change in landing approach profile or technique 

will depend mainly on the amount of thrust reduction 
possible during the approach and the increase in 

height above the ground at any point. Steepening the 

approach angle will both decrease thrust and increase 

height above the ground. Noise reduction of about 

18 decibels of perceived noise (PNdB) is possible 

when the approach angle is steepened from 2.65 degrees (the standard approach angle) to 6 degrees. 

However, a single-segment 6 degree approach results 

in a sink rate objectionable to most pilots, at least with 

currently available propulsion system response times, 

flight control systems, and landing guidance systems. 

Two-segment noise abatement approaches minimize 

the problem of high rates of descent near the ground 

while providing significant noise reductions. The reduction in noise-with a two-segment approach profile 

having an upper segment of 6 degrees that intercepts 

the lower segment of 2.65 degrees at 400 feet altitudegave a noise reduction of about 10 PNdB at 1.25 nautical miles from the runway threshold, and a greater 

reduction beyond 1.5 mi. from the runway. NASA 

and a commercial (airline completed a flight program 

which demonstrated that the technology and hardware 

are available now for two-segment noise abatement 

flight paths. Two problems require resolution before 

this technique is considered practical for implementation: (a) selling the line pilot on the suitability of three 

dimensional area navigation flight procedures as a 

means of flying two-segment noise abatement procedures under typical schedule service airline conditions 

and (b) demonstrating to major airlines that the 

avionics modifications to the aircraft are practical for fleet-wide implementation and are useful 

for other applications as well as noise abatement. 

NASA and FAA are planning a cooperative program 

with the airlines to accomplish these objectives. There 

are also effective departure procedures for noise abatement. Noise reductions of from 6 to 14 PNdB can be 

realized between a maximum continuous power climb 

and an optimum climb-out procedure. 

Noise Research.-NASA continued to expand its research effort on aircraft noise. A new engine test 

stand for measuring noise performance neared completion at Lewis Research Center. The first engine to 

be tested there will be the Quiet Engine in its acoustically treaked nacelle. Work to date indicated that substantial amounts of noise reduction are available by 

the use of acoustic treatment with rather small penalties in engine performance. Systematic fan noise tests 

have shown that the key parameter to control for low 

noise research resulted in the development of a scaling 

law for jet noise prediction. These developments 

together represent a significant advance in noise control 

for conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft. 

NASA specified the very low noise goal of 95 EPNdB 

at 500 feet for its experimental STOL research airplane. There is a signficant noise research effort underway to support that airplane program at all four NASA 

research centers. 

A facility for noise investigations of lift fans suitable 

for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft was 

under construction at Lewis Research Center. The 

noise problem of such propulsion systems is severe. 

Control of propulsion system noise is a ping technology for VTOL aircraft. 

Construction started on the Acoustic Research 

Laboratory at Langley Research Center. This ldboratory will be devoted primarily to basic research on noise 

sources. Experiments will be initiated in the laboratory 

in about two years. 

Close coordination of noise research programs with 

the Department of Transportation and the Federal 

Aviation Agency was strengthened by the creation 

of a joint DOT/NASA Office of Noise Abatement. 

The NASA Deputy Chief of this office has been appointed. Plans for implementation of 'the noise research 

recommendations of the Civil Aviation Research and 

Development study are being coordinated through 

this office. 

Community Response to Aircraft Noise.-The social 

and psychological factors which cause the communities 

located adjacent to major airports to react adversely 

to aircraft noise were investigated under a grant from 

Langley Research Center. 

The US. conducted social surveys around airports 

of seven large cities and two small cities; the U.K. 

conducted two surveys near London's Heathrow Airport. Detailed cross tabulations and special analyses 

of answers to questions concerning common human 

response variables made it possible to develop a single 

analytical model based on over 7500 responses from 

populations of more than one nation. Three of the 

most important variables influencing community annoyance were noise exposure levels or Composite Noise 

Rating (CNR), fear of aircraft crashes, and feelings 

of misfeasance on the part of aircraft operators. Misfeasance is the belief that the aircraft industry has 

the knowledge and ability to reduce the unwanted 

noise but chooses not to do so for reasons believed to 

be insufficient. The survey data indicated that feelings of misfeasance are positively correlated with intensity of noise exposure; these data can be used 'by 

DGT, FAA, and EPA in establishing guides and standards for maximum noise exposure levels. 

Quiet Engine Program.-The experimental quiet 

engine program progressed on time and on schedule and within cost limits. Acoustic tests were initiated 

in July on the first quiet engine assembly incorporating a fan having low tip-speed, high aspect-ratio 

blades. The engine test program included : baseline 
noise tests with three different fan nozzles and two 

core nozzles, investigation of two different types of 

sound absorbent materials for the core nozzles and 

determination of the effect of acoustic treatment of the 

fan inlet and fan exhaust ducts. Two different inlets 

were used in these tests; a thick lipped unit and a thin 

lipped unit with blow-in doors. Noise and performance 

data were taken in all tests and are now being reduced 

and prepared for publication. Preliminary results show 

that the original objectives of the program (15-20 

PNdB reduction in noise levels as compared to present 

707/DC-8 commercial transports) have been exceeded. A second experimental quiet engine, incorporating moderate tipspeed, high-aspect-ratio fan 

blades is now being assembled in preparation for tests 

to begin early in 1972. 

Aircraft Wake Turbu&nce.-The swirling air masses 

trailing from the wing tips of large, heavy aircraft 

contain strong winds which can be hazardous to other 

aircraft encountering them in flight. NASA investigated the problem of wake turbulence behavior at its 

Ames, Langley, and Flight Research Centers and at 

the Marshall Space Flight Center. Instrumented aircraft and towers, laser Doppler wind systems, wind 

tunnel models, water tanks, and analytical studies 

were used to determine trailing vortex characteristics 

and methods for reducing wake velocities. 

On the basis of information from NASA and other 

studies, the FAA has published wake turbulence avoidance procedures, ibut research was continued to dbtah 

a better understanding of the phenomenon. Increased 

NASA efforts were underway to develop an aerodynamic or mechanical method to either inhibit the 

formation of high intensity vortices or to cause early 

dissipation of the wake. 

C&ar Air Turbulence Measurement.-NASA completed the design of an airborne radiometric temperature measuring device for the detection of areas of 

clear air turbulence (CAT) ahead of aircraft. This 

instrument was installed on a research jet aircraft 

at the NASA Flight Research Center and checkout 

and calibration flights were conducted. Experimental 

test flights will be started early in 1972 in cooperation 

with the FAA. 

The purpose of this device is the early detection of 

CAT ahead of an aircraft so the pilot can either take 

evasive action or slow down to lessen the danger or 

discomfort to passengers. One of the characteristics 

of CAT is apparently a small but definite change in 

atmospheric temperature which would be sensed by the 

dual frequency radiometer and displayed to the pilot 

in the form of distance to and degree of the threat. 

Aircrajt Pollution Reduction.-The most significant 

exhaust emission problem due to jet aircraft occurs 

during idle and other low power engine operating 

conditions where the greatest quantity of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbon is produced. Research during the past year was directed to the reduction of these emissions by increasing the low combustion efficiencies typical of reduced power operation. 

During takeoff, cruise, and approach operations, the 

engine is operated at much higher power levels and 

very high combustor efficiency levels which result in 

little or no emissions of carbon monoxide and unburned 

hydrocarbons. However, the higher combustor inlet 

and exit temperatures tend to increase nitric oxide 

emissions. NASA research in short length combustors 

during the past year has indicated that nitric oxide 

emissions can be reduced by reducing the combustion 

residence time, Le., the time that the air is subjected to 

the high temperature zone within the combustors. 

Another research activity initiated this year will 

lead to a program to determine the composition and 

ambient characteristics of the troposphere over a period of several years. An instrument package for mea 

suring selected constituents of the atmosphere is now 

in preliminary design. It is planned to mount the 

instrument package aboard a number of commercial 

aircraft flying both domestic and international routes. 

Pilot Warning Indicators.-The final flight tests of 

optical Pilot Warning Indicators (PWI) were completed in July 1971. The device detects the infrared 

radiation from a Xenon flash lamp mounted on the intruder aircraft, and displays warning signals to the 

protected aircraft. 

Two types of PWI were tested in simulated collision 

flights at the FAA flight test facility in Atlantic City, 

New Jersey. Average detection ranges of over one mile 

were obtained. One of the systems, of improved design, 

demonstrated warning ranges up to 1.8 miles, which is 

considered adequate to initiate collision evasion actions 

under optimum conditions. 

The flight demonstrated that an optical PWI is 

feasible, though considerable work remains to be done 

to make it operational and inexpensive enough for use 

by general aviation aircraft. 

Pilot-Oriented Management System.-A unique aircraft management concept for terminal area operations, using an onM display and computer, was 

developed by Langley Research Center. The desired 

flight path, time deviations of actual and desired aircraft position, and the position of neighboring aircraft 

are provided by a situation display, associated software, 

and information derived from the ground navigation 

and air traffic control (ATC) system. Initial simula- 
tion results for this concept indicate that existing airport runway capacities could be significantly increased 

and that the hazard of mid-air collisions could be minimized through incorporation of the pilot-oriented management approach into aircraft and future operational 

ATC systems. 

Transonic Mamverability.-In early 1970, a flight 

test program was initiated to investigate the use of 

thrust vectoring for improved maneuverability using 

a Hawker-Siddeley Kestrel P-1127 aircraft. This aircraft obtains its maneuvering capability through rotation of the jet exhaust nozzles. In 1971, flight tests were 

concerned with performance and handling qualities. 

Results from the initial phase of the program indicated 

that vectored thrust is controllable in direction and 

magnitude, providing high longitudinal deceleration, 

a modest increment in normal acceleration, an increased turn rate, and the ability to fly and maneuver 

at very low speeds. This program is continuing to cornplete the documentation of dynamic maneuvers and 

simulated air combat maneuvers. A joint United Kingdom-NASA program for further research on thrust 

vectoring in an expanded flight envelope was initiated 

using British Harrier aircraft which has higher thrust 

engines and fewer engine and airframe limitations than 

the Kestrel. This aircraft will be modified in 1972. 

NASA-USAF YF-12 Flight Research Program.- 

The Air Force and NASA YF-12 aircraft cornpleted 66 flights in 1971 under the funding responsibility of NASA. The instrumentation installation of 

the NASA aircraft was completed early in 1971 

and the aircraft was returned to flight status in 

March. Twenty-two flights were flown during which 

flight loads and temperature survey measurements were 

completed from subsonic to supersonic cruise speed 

conditions and a stability and control investigation 

was completed. This aircraft will undergo static calibration in the High Temperature Loads Calibration Laboratory early in 1972. The Air Force YF-12 aircraft 

was flown to more fully define the tactical performance 

and support requirements of an advanced interceptor. 

Twenty-four flights were made, nearly completing this 

phase of the program, when the aircraft was lost in a 

crash on June 24, 1971. On July 19, 1971 a third 

aircraft was acquired by NASA from the Air Force 

for propulsion research. This aircraft is currently being 

instrumented and is expected to be flown early in 1972. 

weight, liquid-hydrogen regeneratively cooled engine 

design and the other to determine propulsion performance of a test model designed to operate with both 

subsonic and supersonic combustion within the test 

range of Mach 4 to Mach 8. 

The flight-weight, hydrogen cooled engine structural 

investigation was completed in mid-1971, with successful tests at Mach 8 structural temperatures and 

thermal strains. These tests validated engineering 

design techniques, demonstrated requisite structural 

performance at acceptable levels of weight, and proved 

the feasibilsity of Mach 8 fight-type structures for supersonic combustion ramjets (Scramjets). 

The propulsion performance model was being prepared for testing in the Lewis Research Center hypersonic engine test facility located at Plum Brook, Ohio. 

This model will be used to investigate component interactions in the integrated engine, and to improve and 

measure overall engine performance over a wide range 

of operating conditions. 

High Altitude Balloon Flights.-The second phase of 

measurement of the atmospheric propagation of laser 

energy using high altitude balloons was completed 

by Goddard Space Flight Center. 

Carbon dioxide (CO,) and argon lasers were used 

on the ground, and corresponding detectors in the 

balloon package. The two lasers radiating at wavelength of 10.6 and .5 microns were used to obtain 

measurement of atmospheric effects on radiation in the 

visible and infrared portions of the light spectrum. 

Factors such as attenuation, scintillation, and beam 

tearing were measured and related to local atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity, air 

velocity and altitude. 

The knowledge of the effects of the atmosphere on 

light propagation is important in the design of laser 

communications systems, altimeters, geodetic observations, and earth resources applications. 

Space Shuttle.-Over 25,000 hours have been spent in 

evaluating the aerothermodynamic characteristics of 

many different shuttle configurations in the Ames and 

Langley Research Centers wind tunnels. These studies 

were aimed at selection of the most promising configurations for more detailed tests. Successful new 

techniques for studying space shuttle heating have 

been devised which greatly reduce the time and cost 

of experimental investigations. New computational 

methods have also been devised for theoretical study of 

Hypersonic Research Engine.-The hypersonic research engine project was initiated to explore the potential of a type of engine capable of operation at very 

high speed. Two distinct test models were constructed, 

one to demonstrate the structural capability of a flightthe flow field around the space shuttle. This work is 

important to fully understand the complex aerothermodynamic phenomena occurring during reentry 

into the Earth's atmosphere. Progress was also made in 

developing low-cost, easily replaceable ablative heat 
protection panels for the shuttle. Additional tests were 

carried out on alternate surface insulation concepts 

which would allow extended reuse of the shuttle without replacement of the thermal protection system. 

Planetary Entry Program.-At Wallops Station, Virginia, in June the Planetary Atmosphere Experiment 

Test was successfully completed. The primary objective 

of the test was to demonstrate in the Earth’s atmosphere that the structure and composition of an unknown planetary atmosphere could be obtained from 

a probe vehicle entering the atmosphere at high speed. 

During the test, density, pressure, and temperature as 

functions of altitude were deduced from onboard 

instrumentation and from the motion and deceleration 

of the probe vehicle. The composition of the atmosphere was also determined from other special instrumentation. The data obtained from the test agree 

very closely with independent meteorological data 

taken during the day of the test. 

The ability of agineers to design lightweight heat 

shields for planetary probes was significantly improved 

by making use of dielectric materials which accommodate very high radiative heating by means of reflection. By use of special materials which ablate and which 

diffusely reflect the very large amount of radiant heat 

present in Venus or Jupiter probe entries, a potential 

reduction of the heat shield weight by nearly 25 percent can be realized. The use of this type of heat shield 

would permit additional instrumentation in the probe. 

Lifting-Body Flight Research.-The joint NASA/Air 

Force Lifting-Body Flight Research Program has been 

underway for several years and has provided a valuable 

base. of technology for reusable horizontal landing 

spacecraft for the future. The successful demonstration of manned, supersonic and transonic flight and 

landing using the M2-F2, HL-10, and X-24A provided a major impetus for NASA’s current space shuttle 

program; Flight tests with all three of these vehicles 

have now been completed. The M2-F3 is currently 

the only vehicle in flight status, having completed 

seven test flights during 1971. Spacecraft reaction 

control systems were tested at low altitude and 

high dynamic pressures. This system will be combined with an improved rate command augmentation 

system next year and further tests carried out. Both 

control systems have good potential for use on the 

space shuttle. Early next year another test vehicle, the 

X-24B, is scheduled to make initial test flights. The 

X-24B is characteristic of a higher performance class 

of vehicle compared to the lifting-body vehicles already tested and has good potential as a high perfonnance military hypersonic aircraft for the 1980’s. The 

32 

joint NASA /Air Force program will investigate fight 

perfomnce and handling qualities from about Mach 

2 to landing. 

Nuclear Systems.-The overall aim of the joint 

NASA-AEC space nuclear systems program is to provide the technology and flight qualified space nuclear 

propulsion and power systems to meet the current and 

future needs of the Nation’s space program. Significant 

advances in space propulsion and power will become 

increasingly more important as the goals for space exploration become more ambitious. While the detailed 

nature and specific pace of post Apollo missions have 

yet to be determined, the programs will require increasing amounts of energy for both propulsion and 

power; nuclear energy will play an increasing part in 

fulfilling these needs. 

Nuclear Propulsion.-The major space nuclear pmpulsion program objective is to provide a flight-rated 

nuclear rocket engine, called NERVA, for application 

in a variety of space missions. NERVA development 

is proceeding at a reduced pace based on technology 

stemming from more than fifteen years of research and 

experimental analyses. In addition to activities related 

to NERVA, the space nuclear propulsion program also 

includes a variety of advanced research and technology 

activities designed to extend the capabilities of solidcore nuclear rockets, to conduct research on advanced 

nuclear rocket concepts and to provide a base of information for the development of a nuclear stage. 

NERVA. development progress during the year was 

marked by completion and review of the engine baseline design and the initiation of engine component 

detailed design and development activities. From a systems engineering standpoint, this included the updating of all engine design documentation, e.g., systems 

analyses, trade studies, data items, and the formal approval of the engine and component specifications for 

proceeding with the next phase of engine developmemt 

The original plan for this period called for the completion of the engine detailed design and the initiation of the detailed design of all engine components. 

However, FY 1972 funding restrictions which became 

known at the beginning of the year necessitated a continuation of development activities on selected critical 

engine hardware only. Significant manpower reductions also were made; however, a core of the established NERVA capabilities was retained to permit the 

resumption of the full development program when 

appropriate. 

Detailed NERVA design and development efforts 

conducted during 1971 were devoted primarily to the 

turbopump assembly, nozzle and nozzle extension and 

major valves and actuators. The detailed design review 
of the turbopump assembly was completed and work 

was started on the fabrication of two units for development tests in 1972. Turbopump bearing tests were 

continued to provide design information for the development of radiation-resistant bearing assemblies capable of operating for long durations. The detailed 

design of the stainless-steel, regeneratively-cooled nozzle 

section was initiated, and several shaped graphite material samples were fabricated to permit the analyses of 

design and fabrication problems associated with forming, graphitizing and testing a graphite nozzle extension. The testing of other material selections for 

high-stress applications also was continued and final 

test plans were approved for the cryogenic evaluation 

of materials and components under irradiation at the 

Nuclear Aerospace Reactor Facility at Fort Worth, 

Texas, and the Plum Brook Reactor Facility in Ohio. 

Test Operations.-In addition to the NERVA design 

and development activities conducted during the year 

work was continued at the Nuclear Rocket Development Station in Jackass Flats, Nevada, to prepare for 

the forthcoming tests of the first Nuclear Furnace, and 

to modify Test Cells “A” and “Cy’ for NERVA engine 

component development tests. Test Cell “A” is to be 

used this year for turbopump bearing tests. Test Cell 

“C” will be used for the test of the Nuclear Furnace, 

and the NERVA turbopump assembly and parts. The 

Nuclear Furnace test program includes fuel-element 

experiments relating to the detailed design of the 

NERVA engine nuclear subsystem. 

Nuclear Stage Studies.Ctudies of nuclear rocketpowered stages were continued with primary emphasiq 

on compatibility with space shuttle launch and logistic 

support. The principal applications of such reusable 

nuclear stages, specified for the studies, were manned 

and unmanned flights between low earth orbit, lunar, 

orbit, and geosynchronous orbit. Propulsion of unmanned payloads into deep space was also considered. 

Study results for single-tank and modular-tank configurations were published in May, presenting all aspects of stage definition from preliminary design and 

operations analysis to development and technology 

program requirements. One study contract was continued to define alternate modular concepts, incorporate the effects of changes in space shuttle design, 

and to define enginelstage interface. 

Consistent with plans to develop a reusable space 

shuttle for economical transportation into low-altitude 

earth orbit, nuclear stages have been configured for 

launch either inside the shuttle orbiter or externally 

mounted on some other shuttle cofiguration. Study 

results confirmed previous estimates of economy and 

high performance. This year‘s effort refined weight 

and cost estimates yielding improved cost-effectiveness. 

A study was begun in December to assess the potential applications and utility of a dual-mode NERVA 

system, capable of operating as both a rocket and an 

electrical-power source. Mission requirements, system capabilities, and related design and operational 

factors will be combined to identify promising uses, 

make comparisons with alternate propulsion and power 

sources, and define the characteristics of a useful dualmode NERVA. Previous studies have indicated that 

such a system may have attractive applications both as 

an alternative to a separate power supply for the payload and improvements in stage design and engine performance resulting from power availability and efficient afterheat removal. Results from the current study 

will be available in July 1972. 

Vehicle Technology.-The activity in this segment of 

the program is directed toward the development of 

technology to meet the requirements for the nuclear 

stage. 

During 1971, the activities of primary interest were 

long-term cryogenic storage, nuclear radiation effects, 

and hydrogen properties technology. The work centered on development of suitable instrumentation, e.g., 

to measure the properties of liquid/solid (slush) hydrogen mixtures. Work also proceeded on devices which 

could be useful in support of nuclear stage development flight operations such as neutron and gamma 

detectors adapted for unusual environments. Two such 

devices were recently successfully ground tested. One 

is a compact neutron detector which can operate 

satisfactorily in liquid hydrogen. The other is a neutron 

spectrometer which can detect and transmit information relative to the fast neutron energy spectrum of a 

nuclear reactor. 

Advanced Nuclear Concepts.-Research was conducted on systems which offer high performance and/ 

or significantly improved operating characteristics such 

as improved life, higher thrust-to-weight ratios, higher 

specific impulse, and reduced handling requirements. 

The cavity reactor (gas-core reactor) appears to offer 

the potential for the highest performance, but its development will require solving several uniquely distinct 

research problems. The present work consists of propellant heating experiments approaching engine 

operating temperatures, the development of radiant 

energy sources approaching the heat fluxes of gas” core 

reactors, and fluid mechanics confinement simulation 

tests to predict acceptable fuel-propellant separation. 

Experimental investigations also were continued to 

determine the feasibility of the rotating fluidized bed 

reactor concept. The past year’s work included pressure drop measurements, and high speed motion picture analysis of the particle behavior. These results 

33 
have been sufficiently promising to warrant continued 

flow behavior studies, including heat transfer 

experiments. 

Nuclear Power.-The nuclear power program involves 

technology efforts and flight system development 

in response to specific scheduled missions. The flight 

system development is conducted by the AEC with 

NASA involved only in system integration and spacecraft interaction effects and in performance verification testing. The technology efforts are a joint venture 

with the AEC concentrating on the nuclear heat 

sources and static conversion and NASA concentrating on dynamic conversion and overall systems technology and verification testing. The major NASA 

funded activities are described below. 

Isotope Systems Technology.-Long-term tests of electrically heated modified SNAP-19 radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG) indicated that stable 

generator performance can lbe expected in the Pioneer 

F/G and Viking Missions. 

Analyses indicated that the nuclear radiation field 

from the modified SNAP-19 RTG would not interfere significantly with radiation-sensitive science instruments (charged particle telescope plasma probe) in 

the Pioneer F and G Missions. 

Tests indicated that the modified SNAP-19 RTG 

would be able to perform satisfactorily under expected 

load transients, thermal cycling and surface winds on 

the Mars Lander of the Viking Mission. 

Experimental and analytical RTG technology performed at JPL contributed to improved understanding of Multi-Hundred Watt (MHW) RTG design requirements and provided an improved base for RTG/ 

spacecraft integration in nuclear radiation, thermal, 

mechanical and operational areas of very long duration, multiple outer planet (Grand Tour) science 

missions. 

Brayton Power Conversion.-The 2-10 Kw Brayton 

combined rotating unit which has been under development for use with an isotope heat source successfully passed 8000 hours of operation, for the most part 

unattended. The contract was awarded for the development of a larger (1540 Kw) Brayton turbine-alternator-compressor unit for eventual use with a long-lived 

nuclear space reactor heat source. 

Thmmionics.-Efforts continued on various thermionic materials and devices for use with high-powered 

nuclear reactor space power units. Irradiation tests of 

uranium carbide fuels at thermionic temperatures 

completed 12,000 hours at the Plumbrook Reactor. 

Long term electrical stability of advanced tungsten 

emitters was demonstrated by successful completion 

34 

of 5000 hours tests at 3270°F. An out-of-pile thermionic converter passed 37,000 hours of operation at an 

emitter temperature of 3100OF with a steady electrical 

output of 8 watts per square centimeter. Externally 

fueled thermionic converters were fabricated and tested 

as an alternate approach to the internally fueled thermionic fuel elements. A design study and a preliminary 

development plan were completed for a 120 Kwe 

nuclear electric propulsion system based upon a thermionic reactor power supply. 

Advanced Liquid Metal Reactor.-Irradiation of 

various fuel element materials for possible use in a 

high temperature space reactor passed 8000 hours at 

1900’F. A 1900°F liquid metal (lithium) corrosion 

loop completed 5000 hours of testing with no deleterious effects observed. A zero-power criticality experiment program for a “fast” space reactor assembly was 

completed and produced significant reactor design and 

control data. 

Electrochemical Power.-To further improve the reliability, safety, and longevity of nickel cadmium cells 

and batteries, work was started on a non-gassing 

cell. This requires replacement of the nickel structure 

with cadmium or perhaps silver on the cadmium side of 

the cell. If successful, it will result in simpler charge 

control and elimination of all but a very low rate of 

gas evolution (oxygen) from the nickel oxide cathode 

during charging. 

Another project that has just begun concerns pulsed 

charging of sealed space cells. Commercial equipment 

for unsealed cells is available, but is by no means optimized. A basic study is required to determine the best 

kind of pulsed charge to eliminate the “memory” effect in nickel-cadmium, to speed charge acceptance in 

silver, and to eliminate dendrite growth in zinc cells. 

Work continued on novel structure for solid ionic 

conductors that operate below the boiling point of 

water and that are compatible with alkali metals, specifically sodium or potassium. The eventual goal is a 

cell with ten times the energy density of presently available cells. 

Solar Power.-Recent theoretical studies indicated 

that a doubling of the efficiency of a solar cell 

should be possible. To reach this goal as well as to improve radiation resistance an investigation was begun 

of the factors responsible for degrading cell performance and of ways in which they might be minimized 

or avoided altogether. 

Activity was underway to provide technology for 

solar arrays with 50 watts/lb. perfonnance. Lighter 

solar cell substrates, solderless and glueless connections, 

and lighter, perforated booms are among the ap- 
proaches being investigated for this purpose. It is 

believed that this new goal should be attainable even 

without improvements in cell efficiency, which would 

further increase the power density. 

Electric Propulsion.-The first breadboard model of a 

fully automatic electric propulsion system for a interplanetary spacecraft was placed in test following a 

four-year development effort. This system is designed 

to demonstrate all the functions required of a solar 

powered electric propulsion system on an interplanetary flight mission, and represents a major step 

in establishing this technology. Electric propulsion systems are expected to provide an economical capability 

to reach extremely difficult exploration targets such as 

comets, asteriods, and planetary orbits. 

In the area of auxiliary propulsion the prototype one 

millipound north-south station-keeping ion engine 

experiment for flight on the ATS-F spacecraft reached 

the test stage. A contract was let for a 25-micropound-sec. pulsed plasma thruster to prove its capability for the Synchronous Meteorological Satellite. 

This system promises high reliability because of its lack 

of moving parts. Initial feasibility demonstration of a 

pulsed monopropellant hydrazine resistojet also took 

place. Such thrusters offer the advantage of reliable 

operation at lower thrusts than those aahievable with 

catalyzed engines, as well as the possibility of operating on propellants which are simpler to handle aboard 

spacecraft than those presently used. Initial tests were 

carried out on ceramic materials which, as resistojet 

heaters, may be capable of withstanding the severe 

environment associated with the use of space station 

waste products as propellants. 

Shuttle Auxiliary Propulsion.-The shuttle auxiliary 

propulsion technology program moved ahead. System study results clearly indicated the superiority 

of the high pressure gaseous oxygen-gaseous hydrogen system over the low pressure design and all 

component work was directed towards meeting the 

high pressure system requirements. In the thruster 

area, technology efforts in thrust chamber cooling 

and performance, propellant valves and ignition progressed to the point where an integrated thruster 

assembly task can now be undertaken. Work in the 

propellant conditioning component area was initiated 

with the award of contracts for both the turbopump 

assemblies and gas generator/heat exchangers. 

In the planetary spacecraft propulsion technology 

area, a major redirection of the program war made. 

The program to demonstrate the operational capability of a FLOX-Methane spacecraft propulsion 

system was deferred, and a decision was made to focus 

the resources for this technology area towards FLOXMonomethylhydrazine pressure fed spacecraft propulsion which is applicable to the small, low thrust 

planetary orbiter and landers, typified by the Manner 

'71 and the Viking '75 Mars spacecraft. Nearer term 

misison applications of interest such as a Jupiter 

Orbiter would take advantage of the significant performance increase available from advanced chemical 

propulsion systems. 

Solid Propulsion Experimental Programs.-The second and third static firings of the ASTROBEE F 

sounding rocket took place this year. This 2700-pound 

motor is intended as an Aerobee system replacement. It 

has a dual thrust level starting off with a 40,000-pound 

thrust boost for 2.5 seconds, followed by about 50 seconds of burning at a 10,000-pound thrust level. Its 25% 

cost advantage will allow its development to be amortized in a 2-3 year period. The first firing in this period 

was satisfactory until the last few seconds when a case 

leak occurred. The propellant and insulation system 

were redesigned and a completely satisfactory test took 

place in October. Hardware is now being processed for 

loading of two motors for flight tests in early 1972. 

Successful static firings of high performance, low 

thrust motors having unusually long burning times for 

their size continued in this period. JPL fired two more 

60 pound motors which successfully demonstrated performance of an all-carbon nozzle which is uninsulated 

and operates at a white heat. They also successfully 

fired one 800 pound motor to test propellant configuration, insulation and nozzle design. A contractor completed a program which culminated in the static firing 

of two low thrust motors weighing 300 pounds each. 

This design was different from that used by JPL to 

date and included novel concepts such as a cork insulator and a carbon nozzle covered by carbon felt to 

reduce the external temperature. The second of these 

was fired at simulated altitude and was satisfactory 

except for having 6 percent less energy than predicted. The reason for this performance loss is being 

investigated. 

Solid Propulsion Research.-The addition of aluminum powder to solid propellants has been known to 

suppress combustion instability at relatively high frequency. Lewis Research Center (LRC) investigated 

potential reasons for its reduced effectiveness at the 

low chamber pressures which are of particular interest 

to spacecraft propulsion. 

Also in the field of low pressure combustion, the 

JPL studied a novel means of improving the distribution of aluminum in solid fuel. The JPL concept incorporates the aluminum particle within the oxidizer 

particle, thereby enhancing burnings of small particles 

and avoiding surface agglomeration. Burning surface 

35 
pictures clearly indicated an improvement in combustion efficiency. 

The concept of joining materials by exposing them 

to an explosive shock was refined considerably in experiments at the Langley Research Center. RDX 

explosive contained within a lead envelope in “tape” 

less than 3/8” wide and j&’’ thick was used to 

develop up to 90 percent of base material strength 

in joining aluminum sheets. Clad aluminums and 

other materials which are not normally weldable 

were joined very efficiently. Welds up to 12 feet 

long were made in a single shot. The potential of the system for joining or repairing structures 

and pressure vessels either in space or for earth applications was also investigated. 

Liquid Rocket Research and Technology.-The 

liquid rocket research and technology program, which 

continues to explore basic processes and devices for 

advanced propulsion systems, established a computerized visualization of the reaction of rocket motors 

to pressure pulses. The simulation is printed out by a 

computer in the form of time lapse plots of pressure on 

the wall of a liquid rocket engine. It visualizes the 

waves in the combustor when a sudden disturbance 

is introduced. Through this method, the ability of an 

engine design to damp out a disturbance is visualized 

in a quantitative way, and concepts for further 

stabilization can be designed and evaluated for 

effectiveness. 

A major focus of research effort was on the 

definition of the flow fields from rocket nozzles exhausting into vacuum. The purpose is to reveal the 

flow which can result in the deposit of materials on 

optical surfaces or spacecraft windows which may be 

adjacent to the rocket. Such deposits will degrade the 

performance of experiments and observations, and 

must be avoided or minimized. The flow fields are being 

determined through tests of small rocket nozzles in 

vacuum chambers. Ultimately this work will provide 

understanding of exhausts in vacuum thus giving the 

capability to locate rockets to minimize contamination, 

and to design rockets for minimum contamination 

material. 

An element of the long life objective is the 

establishment of filters to remove from propellants the 

small contaminants which lead to clogging and failures. A special filter was designed and tested with 

the capability of removing particulate contamination 

which can cause a change in flow area or clogging. 

Such a possibility is especially severe in the small 

thrusters used for long duration missions to make 

small changes in attitude or velocity. 

Long life elastomers are required for the bladders 

commonly used for the expulsion of liquid propellants 

into the combustion chamber. A new elastomer material based upon ethylene propylene polymer was 

36 

established and evaluated for long life capability. When 

exposed to the propellant hydrazine, widely used in 

deep space missions, the new elastomer, designated 

EPT-10, was found to be quite compatible. 

A new concept of rocket engine design was being established to enhance the capability and flexibility of 

propulsion for future outer planet missions. In its conceptual form it is a bimodal engine with the 

capability of burning one liquid fuel as a monopropellant and burning the same fuel plus an oxidizer as a 

bipropellant. The first operating mode lends itself well 

to precision low energy trajectory and orbital corrections and to planetary or satellite landing maneuvers. 

In the second mode of operation a liquid oxidizer is 

htroduced, promoting the secondary combustion and 

producing high thrust at high specific impulse. This 

bipropellant mode is more advantageous in high energy maneuvers such as orbit insertion and orbit plane 

change. A number of bipropellant mode tests were 

completed revealing that the basic hardware and component design is sufficiently understood to pennit more 

ambitious and longer duration testing. 

Main Engine Technology for Space Shuttle.-The 

supporting tasks to the main engine requirements for 

the space shuttle continued. Principal emphasis 

focused on investigations relating to the interaction of 

combustion with the vehicle structure producing an 

oscillating effect known as “POGO.” Devices to damp 

out “POGO” by positive feed back were under investigation. Additionally, the operation of pumps and of 

combustors in the presence of oscillating pressure and 

flow fields was explored and designs to minimize design 

effects were being established. 

Power Processing Technology.-Major advancements 

were made in power processing technology, particularly 

in terms of reduced complexity and weight. Weight and 

parts count (a measure of complexity) were reduced 

over 50 percent and 60 percent respectively, in an experimental 2.4 Kw power processor under investigation 

for future electric propulsion applications. This technology is highly promising for the general field of 

power processing for both aerospace and terrestrial 

applications. 

Long term reliability continues to be a major consideration in spacecraft electrical systems. Notable 

related progress was made during the past year in 

saturable transformer concepts which reduce stresses 

and losses in semiconductor switching devices, in selfhealing (resettable) electrical fuses, and in solar array drive and electrical power transfer mechanisms. 

Fluid Mechanics.-Encouraging progress was made 

on resolving some of the confusion and scatter 

that exist in wind tunnel measurements of the 

location and extent of the transition of the viscous 

boundary layer from laminar to turbulent at Mach 
numbers greater than unity. Transition must be 

known accurately to assess shear forces, heat transfer, shock location, and other effects that determine 

aeronautical and entry vehicle performance. Recent 

results of a research program to determine causes of 

discrepancies in the measured data showed that fluctuating sound fields radiating from the turbulent 

boundary layer on the tunnel walls cause premature 

transition. The degree of disturbance varies between 

tunnels and is a function of mean tunnel pressure. By 

comparing data at a given disturbance level, good correlation was obtained among a number uf facilities. 

More work is needed, however, to assess the significance of many other factors that also influence the 

transition process. 

Electrophysics Research.-Tests were completed at 

JPL to develop techniques for avoiding voltage breakdown in radio frequency transmission lines and antennas and thus increase spacecraft reliability. This electrophysics research resulted in the establishment of 

rules for separation of electrodes with varying voltages 

and ambient pressures. 

The Mariner spacecraft now orbiting Mars is an 

example of the application of these findings. While undergoing laboratory environmental testing, the transmitter for the vehicle experienced a voltage breakdown 

problem. As a result of the research data available, 

engineers were able to redesign the circuit with confidence that a similar failure would not reoccur. 

Micro-Diode and 0 pica1 Mixing.-A researcher 

working under a NASA grant developed an infrared 

tungsten-nickel rectifier diode and special micromanipulation techniques which made it possible for 

the first time to measure light frequencies in the same 

way microwave frequencies are measured. Response 

time of the diode is of the order of a trillionth of a second which makes it fast enough to react to the variations of light waves. It therefore shows promise as a 

laser time-standard of greater accuracy than the best 

now available. 

Shielded-Gate Semiconductor Technology.-Langley 

Research Center developed a shielded-gate complementary metal-oxide semiconductor structure which 

provides higher density, higher frequency logic suitable for use in large scale integrated (LSI) circuit 

computer systems. The shielded-gate structure offers 

three primary advantages: ( 1 ) a 30 percent reduction 

in cell area, (2) increased reliability, and (3) fewer 

processing requirements. Associated with these are a 

reduction in the overall cost of fabrication and operation, elimination of interference between adjacent information storage sites, and a minimization of leakage 

currents and problems associated with conventional 

multiple-layer interconnections. 

Inertial Laser Gyro.-Inexpensive, high performance 

laser gyros for a three-axis strapdown system were 

developed and tested by the Marshall Space Flight 

Center. Each laser gyro measures angular rates about 

its axis by sensing the difference in spatial arrival times 

of a split light beam traveling within the gyro in physically opposite directions and at equal distances. The 

digital gyro outputs are sent directly to a digital computer which processes the data to determine the precise 

rate and position of the vehicle. Test results showed 

that drift rates, an important factor in developing 

inertial quality gyros, of better than .04 degree per 

hour were achieved. Each gyro is in a five inch per 

side triangular configuration and three gyros can be 

packaged in a compact three-axis module. The modular design approach permits increased reliability, lowcost maintenance, testing and production, and reduced 

weight and size for present flight guidance and control 

systems and for future fully automatic aircraft landing 

systems. 

Control Moment Gyro.-Langley Research Center 

(LaRC) developed a high-response, variable-momentum control moment gyro (CMG) protoype for 

spacecraft control systems. The CMG, which consists 

of a spinning flywheel supported by double gimbals, 

provides stabilization torques by changing the flywheel 

momentum vector relative to the spacecraft axes. The 

LaRC prototype has twice the momentum storage 

capacity of CMG’s under development for Skylab 

and represents a substantial increase in control system 

lifetime and bandwidth. This control capability is essential for high-accuracy experimental missions, such 

as Earth resources or astronomical observations, and 

permits Earth-orbital or planetary spacecraft stabilization for up to 10 years. 

Electronographic Camera.-A very high efficiency 

substitute for a photographic plate in which an optical 

image is converted and stored as an electrical pattern 

was devised and fabricated. The device retains either 

partially or fully the virtues of the photographic 

plate, such as large format, simplicity of operation, 

and ease of handling and has the additional advantage 

that the electrical image can be directly read out as an 

electrical signal suitable for analyses by a computer. 

At the same time, it eliminates such disadvantages 

as low photon efficiency, lack of sharp spectral discrimination, and inability to operate in the ultraviolet. It 

has immediate applications in astronomical instrumentation and image recording systems for high performance and diffraction limited space telescopes. 

Bubble Domain Magnetic Memories.-A onethousand bit memory using magnetic bubble domains 

as information bits, was fabricated from a complex 

garnet film-substrate system. The bubbles are generated by the presence of a magnetic field and moved 

from one position to another by the rotation of the 

field. The system shows promise of providing small, 

low cost computer memories for spacecraft and ad37 
vanced landing control systems for aircraft. It provides substantial reductions in weight, cost, size, and 

power consumption over present systems, and represents the next generation in information storage and 

retrieval techniques. 

Silicon Solid State Triode.-A solid state triode, fabricated for the first time from silicon, was operated 

in a mode analogous to that of a conventional thermionic vacuum tube triode. This device has the unique 

capability of performing reliably at high temperatures and under high radiation fields as a driver for 

switching magnetic and charge storage units in computer memories with a good frequency response, a low 

noise figure, and a high input impedance. It also has 

a wide range of electronic properties suitable for its 

use as an amplifier, impedance transformer, driver, 

and mixer. 

Green Light Emitting Diode.-A new material, synthesized from gallium and phosphorus by advanced 

processing techniques,’ was used for the fabrication of the first solid state electronic device capzble of 

emitting green light. Since the human eye is ten times 

more sensitive to green light than, for example, to red 

light, this device can operate with greater efficiency as 

an indicator light, as a trigger for light sensitive devices, in small alphanumeric displays, in high-speed, 

non-contact printers, and in matrix displays. It has the 

advantages of high reliability, long life, high visibility 

in bright ambients, rapid rise and decay times, high 

packing density, wide viewing angle, and low electronic 

power requirements. 

S-X Band Experiment for Venus/Mercury ’73.-As 

part of NASA’s efforts to improve deep space tracking and communications capability, JPL completed 

the design of a dual frequency experiment to be flown 

on the Venus/Mercury flight scheduled for 1973. The 

experiment combines the currently used S-Band radio 

link and an X-Band capability for a simultaneous 

dual frequency operation. 

The use of these two frequencies permits scientists 

to precisely calibrate the delaying effect of charged 

particles in space which contributes to large spacecraft position errors. Knowing this error contribution, 

a truer spacecraft orbit can be determined. Extreme 

accuracies are particularly important for Grand Tour 

missions in which a miss of 1000 kilometers in the 

Jupiter encounter, for example, translates into a million-kilometer error at the third encounter with Neptune or Pluto. 

In addition to the radio navigation enhancement, 

the experimental use of the X-Band link will improve 

telemetry reliability by providing a redundant capability, and will permit the exploration of the operational use of X-Band for future missions. 

Low Noise Amplifier.-NASA successfully completed 

tests on developmental models of an ultrasensitive receiver design called a parametric amplifier. This Goddard Space Flight Center development will make the 

communications systems of the space shuttle more 

feasible by reducing the size of the vehicle’s antenna 

and thus relieve the problems associated with reentry. 

It is estimated that the antenna size can be reduced 

one half by the use of this receiver. The design is completely solid state providing a compact and lightweight 

package weighing about seven ounce in a volume of 

six cubic inches. The receiver design is expected to be 

fully space qualified during the next year. It will be 

useful in both communications and radar systems where 

extremely sensitive and compact receivers are required. 

Tracking and Data Acquisition 

The Tracking and Data Acquisition program continued to provide reliable, high quality ground support 

to all the NASA flight programs. 

During the year, the tracking networks supported 

the two Apollo lunar landing missions and provided 

the means for millions of Americans to Visually share 

the experiences of the astronauts. Also, the networks 

contributed to the success of several other flight projects, including Mariner 9 and OSO-7. 

In addition to meeting operational requirements 

placed on the networks, good progress was made on the 

construction of large antenna facilities in Australia 

and Spain. 

Manned Space Flight Network.-The operations of 

the Manned Space Flight Network were highlighted 

by the flights of Apollo 14 and 15. Precision tracking 

and high quality communications (both voice and television) were furnished by the network. 

From the lift-off of Apollo 14 on January 31 until 

splashdown nine days later, the network was the only 

link between the astronauts and the Mission Control 

Center (MCC) at Houston, Texas. In-flight problems 

during the mission were all solved, largely thmugh 

the ability of the crew to communicate with the flight 

controllers and ground-based support personnel at the 

MCC. 

Perhaps the best illustration of the importance of 

this communications capability occurred shortly after 

the command module docked with the lunar module. 

Several attempts were necessary before the two spacecraft docked and it was feared that the docking 

mechanism was damaged. 

However, television enabled project personnel at 

Houston to observe the astronauts as they disassembled 

the docking system and to issue step-by-step inspection 

procedure. A thorough examination of the system by 

the crew, as well as by the flight controllers via color 

television, revealed that the equipment was not damaged and that the Apollo 14 mission could proceed as 

planned. 

38 
Later in the flight, as the lunar module descended 

for its landing on the moon’s surface, the precise tracking data provided by the network stations were wed 

to revise the landing trajectory. A correction of some 

2,800 feet was calculated from the network’s tracking 

data and transmitted to the spacecraft computer, resulting in a pin-point landing between Doublet and 

Triplet Craters. 

The network maintained a high level of operational 

readiness by supporting unmanned flight projects 

as well as extensive Apollo mission simulations. Then, 

the network supported the next manned flight, Apollo 

15, in July. Apollo 15 placed the most complex support 

requirements on the network to date. 

The new experiments on Apollo 15 required augmentations and modifications to network equipment 

systems. The most significant of these new experiments was the Lunar Roving Vehicle. 

The network received color television from the Rover 

as the astronauts made their investigations on the Moon 

and relayed the data for transmission over commercial 

channels. 

During previous Apollo missions, communications 

with the earth were transmitted via the lunar module. 

The range of exploration from the lunar lander module 

was therefore quite limited due to the short lunar 

horizon. To extend this range, NASA developed the 

Lunar Communications Relay Unit (LCRU) , which 

serves as a portable relay station for voice, television, 

and telemetry data between the astronauts and the 

network stations on Earth. The LCRU was carried on 

the Rover and transmitted signals directly to the 26- 

meter (85-foot) and 64-meter (210-foot) parabolic 

antennas located around the world. Special demodulation systems were. installed at the stations to receive the 

LCRU transmissions which operate at a different frequency than the lunar module. 

Another significant scientific addition to the Apollo 

15 mission was the Scientific Instrument Module 

(SIM) bay installed on the Command and Service 

Module. Large amounts of data were acquired by 

the network stations as the spacecraft orbited the 

Moon and were relayed to Houston for analysis. Although it may be years before all the data are completely analyzed, several important findings were made 

during the mission. For example, the real-time tracking data acquired by the network provided the first 

detailed profile of the four large mascons-mas of 

unusual gravitational force-on the moon’s major seas. 

The largest area of mas concentrations, mascons, is 

under the Sea of Serenity and forms a dome almost 

four and one-half miles thick. 

The network is still acquiring data on the lunar pvity field from an 80-pound subsatellite ejected into 

lunar orbit by the astronauts before their return home. 

The subsatellite, another scientific addition to the 

Apollo missions, will circle the Moon for a year, mapping its erratic gravitational forces and looking for a 

pattern to its weak magnetic field. 

In addition to its long-term support of the subsatellite, the network will continue its support to the 

Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package ( ALSEP) . The ALSEP left by the Apollo 15 crew was the 

fourth automatic scientific station placed on the Moon 

by American astronauts. The ALSEPs from Apollo 

12 and 14 are still working and sending valuable information to Earth. 

As the year ended, the network was preparing for 

support of the Apollo 16 mission. As the Apollo Program approaches completion, the Manned Space Flight 

Network’s most demanding tasks are operational in 

nature as opposed to the initial construction and equip 

ment phases. During Apollo 16, the network must be 

prepared to support four ALSEPs, two satellites, the 

Rover, lunar lander module, and command and service module. 

Deep Space Network.-The Deep Space Network 

continued to support Pioneers 6, 7, 8, and 9 and 

Mariner 6. Selected stations of the Network, including 

the 64-meter antenna station at Goldstone, California, 

provided joint support to the Apollo 14 and 15 missions along with the Manned Space Flight Network. 

The major new planetary flight program supported 

in 1971 was the Mariner ’71 mission to Mars. 

From lift-off to insertion into its elliptical orbit 

around Mars, Mariner 9 was monitored and controlled by the Network. On June 4, the first of two 

planned midcourse corrections was transmitted by 

the network to the spacecraft to correct the trajectory 

and refine the aiming point. The second mid-course 

correction had been scheduled for October 26, but 

analysis of months of tracking data revealed that the 

results of the first correction were so precise that further correction was not needed. This is noteworthy in 

the unprecedented accuracy required to orbit. Marsthe aiming point for Mariner 9 after a flight of about 

240 million miles was an area only 435 miles square. 

On November 3, less than two million miles from 

Mars, the 2,200-pound Mariner lost navigational lock 

on its guiding star Canopus and its radio signal to 

Earth abruptly weakened. An exhaustive analysis of 

the tracking and telemetry data showed that the onboard systems were working and that the C~~OPM 

sensor was locked onto the star Sirius. By commands 

transmitted through the network, the spacecraft regained its pmper orientation and its radio signal returned to Earth. 

On November 13, the 64-meter antenna at 

Goldstone issued the commands for retroengine firing and Mariner 9 was injected into an orbit of Mars. 

Since that time the spacecraft has been completing two 

orbits of Mars each Earth day and recording some 30 

television pictures of the Martian surface on each orbit. 

39 
After every orbit, when the spacecraft can be “seen” 

by the Goldstone antenna, it transmits back the 

tape recorded pictures. The science data received 

by the network to date has been excellent and should 

provide some clues as to whether Mars appears to be 

hospitable to life forms. 

In addition to supporting the planetary flight missions, the Deep Space Network played a major 

role in the conduct of radio astronomy experiments 

during the year. One effort in this area was an extensive radar mapping of Mars. Initiated last spring, this 

mapping is required to obtain elevation profiles for 

possible landing sites for the Viking Program. 

The first phase of the work was completed and 

maps were obtained of the Martian surface in the 

Southern latitudes of 15 to 25 degrees. Similar radar 

measurements of the area 4 degrees North to 15 

degrees South are also needed for Viking and it is 

planned to accomplish this work during the 1973 and 

1975 Mars oppositions. 

The Goldstone facility was used in the spring 

for a joint US-USSR Very Long Base Line Interferometer (VLBI) experiment. The Goldstone 

antenna, together with a 22-meter antenna of the 

Crimean Astrophysical Observatory at Simeis, Crimea, 

made measurements of several dozen extra-galactic 

radio sources. The objective of the experiment was 

to obtain a measure of the diameter of the sources 

which were principally quasars. Soviet scientists proposed the experiment through the National Science 

Foundation which contacted NASA for use of the 

network facilities. 

Construction work progressed throughout the 

period on the second and third 64-meter antennas 

for the network. The antennas are in Spain, 40 

miles from Madrid, and in Australia at Tidbinbilla, 

a short distance from Canberra. Both are updated 

duplicates of the Goldstone antenna, and are 

scheduled to become operational in 1973. At that 

time, the three-antenna subnetwork will provide NASA 

the capability for continuous tracking of spacecraft 

hundreds. of million of miles into space. 

Satellite Network.-The Satellite Network continued 

to provide tracking and data acquisition coverage to an 

average monthly workload of over 40 individual scientific and applications Earth-orbital satellites. Several 

new flight projects were launched, including a number 

of international cooperative satellites. 

One of these cooperative missions was the Canadian 

project, ISIS-2, launched March 31 from the Western 

Test Range. This international satellite, the third of 

a series designed for ionospheric studies, continued to 

be supported by the Satellite Network, the Canadian 

Communications Research Centre network stations, the 

French tracking network, and stations in the European Space Research Organization (ESRO). All 

twelve of the experiments aboard the satellite were 

operational and the data received were processed at 

the Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, and at the Canadian station in Ottawa. 

The NASA tracking station at Quito, Ecuador, along 

with the mobile Italian telemetry station in Kenya, 

and the Koumu, French Guiana, tracking station provided tracking and telemetry support to the San 

Marco-C satellite launched April 24. The NASA station provides coverage for two to three passes per day 

of telemetry data and a back-up command capability. 

Further U.S. /international cooperation was 

achieved through spacecraft support agreements. As 

noted in the report for 1970, mutual satellite tracking 

arrangements between the French Centre National 

$Etudes Spatiales (CNES) and NASA were instituted 

to provide support to each other’s spacecraft under 

contingency situations. 

An example of the value of this support was the 

CNES request for NASA support of the French D2-A 

satellite launch April 15, 1971. In early May, CNES 

advised NASA that the tape recorder onboard the 

spacecraft has ceased operation and requested support in accordance with the contingency plans. Under 

the plan, NASA provides real-time telemetry support 

from the network stations at Santiago, Chile; Orroral 

Valley, Australia; Rosman, North Carolina ; and the 

Manned Space Flight Network station at Ascension 

Island. This additional coverage permits the recovery 

of importance science data that otherwise would be lost 

due to the tape recorder failure. The French stations 

providing support are located near Ouagadougou, Upper Volta; Pretoria, South Africa; Brazzaville, Congo; 

Bretigny, France; and Kourou, French Guiana. 

NASA had requested similar assistance from the 

CNES a few months earlier for the Small Astronomy 

Satellite (SAS-A Explorer 42) launched December 12, 

1970, when its ontboard tape recorder failed in early 

February. The necessity for 24-hours-per-day, sevendays-a-week support for acquisition of telemetry data 

required support from the CNES stations at KOUPOU, 

French Guiana, and Brazzaville, Congo. 

This year several more saturation tracking experiments were conducted for the International 

Satellite Geodetic Experiment (ISAGEX) . This 

international effort used the EOLE French spacecraft and the NASA GEOS-2 satellite as prime data 

sources. Laser data was received at the Goddard Space 

Flight Center from the French CNES laser network, 

the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory lasers, and 

two mobile lasers located at Guam and at Goddard. 

In addition, numerous quick-look optical observations 

were obtained from the Astro-Soviet observatories. 

The West German Max Planck Institute’s Barium 

Ion Cloud (BIC) experiment was launched from Wallops Station, Virginia, on September 20. The Satellite 

Network, Wallops Station, and the Smithsonian Astrophysical observatory provided primary support of the 
BIC launch. The objective of this cooperative 

project was to study the electric and magnetic 

fields in the outer radiation belt by optical investigation of the behavior of a barium cloud released at 

several earth radii altitude. No major problems were 

encountered during the support of the mission and 

good optical and telemetry data were acquired. 

The Satellite Network provided the means for saving the Nation’s best equipped sunwatching satellite, 

OSO-7, which encountered problems shortly after 

launch on September 29. Control problems with the 

Delta launch vehicle’s second stage caused the spacecraft to go into an elliptical orbit instead of the planned 

345-mile high circular orbit. The malfunction also left 

the spacecraft tilted so it could not acquire the sun’s 

rays to convert solar energy into electricity to operate 

the onboard scientific instruments. 

A concentrated effort by the project and network 

personnel determined the problems and solutions, and 

resulted in a series of corrective commands radioed 

to the spacecraft. Network stations in Ecuador and 

South Africa, using emergency procedures, transmitted 

steering commands to realign the satellite. After thousands of commands and some eight hours later, the 

spacecraft was properly aligned and all systems were 

functioning well. The network is currently supporting 

OSO-7 in a normal mode of operation. 

International Affairs 

NASA’s international activities during 1971 were 

marked by expanded discussions with the Soviet Union 

on a variety of possible cooperative undertakings, a 

continuing dialogue with the Europeans on postApollo participation, an active program of satellite 

and sounding rocket launchings, and a broad 

range of other joint activities. In addition, increased efforts were made to provide opportunities for 

uniquely qualified foreign scientists in the planning 

and definition of future NASA missions such as the 

outer planets and High Energy Astronomical Observatory (HEAO) . 

Marked progress appeared to be made in the renewed discussions between NASA and the Academy 

of Sciences of the Soviet Union on the expansion of 

bilateral cooperation in space science and applications. 

A meeting in January (following the successful meeting of October 1970), produced an agreement on the 

exchange of lunar surface samples and specified a number of additional cooperative exchanges and arrangements to be the subject of detailed recommendations 

by Joint Working Groups: 

-joint consideration and exchange of information regarding the objectives and results of space 

research by each side so that the other can take 

these into account to the extent desired, 

-substantial improvement of existing satellite 

weather data exchanges, 

--coordination of meridional meteorological 

sounding rocket networks, 

--coordinated studies of ocean and vegetation 

surveys in agreed areas by space and conventional 

means, and 

-significantly expanded exchange of data on 

space biology and medicine. 

The Joint Working Groups met in August and OCtober 1971 on these matters and successfully developed 

recommendations for joint projects and exchanges. 

These recommendations have been confirmed. 

Three Joint Working Groups, which had been set up 

to implement the October 1970 agreement on compatible rendezvous and docking, met in June in 

Houston and in November and December in MOSCOW 

to detail the technical requirements. Very substantial progress was made toward completing this task. 

In addition, NASA and the Soviet Academy are considering the technical and economic implications of 

possible missions to test in flight the compat?ble systems 

to be developed. A first such mission for consideration would entail the docking of an Apollo-type spacecraft with a manned ofbital scientific station of the 

Salyut type. 

In September a Joint US-USSR Editorial Board 

met pursuant to the NASA-Soviet Academy agreement of October 8, 1965 for the preparation and publication of a joint review of space biology and medicine. The Joint Board meeting was devoted to reviewing the chapter materials already exchanged, selecting 

authors to prepare the agreed sections of the review, 

and approving instructions to authors. 

Post-Apollo Participation.-NASA continued its effort to solicit and encourage substantial foreign participation in the major programs of the post-Apollo era. 

In September, the United States addressed a key concern affecting European participation, the question of 

availability of United States launch services for foreign satellites. The Under Secretary of State assured 

the Chairman of the European Space Conference 

(ESC) that U.S. launch assistance will be available on 

a purchase basis for those satellite projects which are 

for peaceful purposes and are consistent with obligations under relevant international agreements and 

arrangements. 

Following an October briefing for ESC on current 

NASA planning for the space transportation system 

and other elements of post-Apollo programs, European and NASA technical experts met late in the year 

to begin joint definition of candidate areas for European participation. Europe was involved substantially 

throughout the year in pre-development studies to define the technical requirements for the space transportation system. Six European firms, funded by their 

41 
governments, participated as subcontractors to NASA 

prime contractors in the Phase A and B space shuttle 

studies. In addition, the European Space Research Organization (ESRO) conducted studies of space station modules and space shuttle missions. The European Launcher Development Organization (ELDO) 

engaged in an independent study of alternative approaches to a reusdble space tug and, together with 

NASA, sponsored studies of the the technology needed 

for the space shuttle program. Approximately $6 million in European funds were devoted to these efforts. 

International Satellite and Probe Launchings.-During 1971, six spacecraft were successfully launched 

under a variety of international arrangements : 

ZSZS-ZZ.-In March this Canadian-built satellite, the 

fourth in the cooperative Alouette/ISIS program begun in 1962, was launched by NASA fmm the Western 

Test Range to perform a variety of ionospheric 

measurements. 

San Marc0 ZZZ.-This third spacecraft in a joint 

US/Italian cooperative space program was launched 

in April by an Italian crew on a NASA Scout vehicle 

from the San Marco platform off the coast of Kenya. 

This satellite, desi,qed and built by Italy, carried one 

Italian and two US. experiments to study the density 

of the upper atmosphere in the equatorial region. 

EOLE.-This cooperative experiment using a satellite/ 

balloon system to prove new techniques for gathering 

meteorological data was begun when NASA launched 

the French EOLE satellite from Wallops Station in 

August. 

Barium Zon Cloud.-This German-built probe was 

launched from Wallops in September to create a barium ion cloud at about 18,000 nautical miles altitude. 

Observations of magnetic and electrical field structures 

were made from multinational ground stations located in Brazil, Uhile, Canada, the Canary Islands, 

Portugal, and in the United States in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Florida. 

Explorer 45.-This NASA Small Scientific Satellite 

was launched in November by Italy on a reimbursable 

basis from the San Marco platform. It was the second 

NASA satellite to be launched from this unique equatorial facility. 

Ariel 4.-This fourth in the US/U.K. cooperative 

satellite series was launched in December from the 

Western Test Range for advanced studies on the radio 

properties of the upper atmosphere and their relation 

to the charged particle environment. 

NASA and the Canadian Department of Communications concluded an agreement for an experimental 

Communications Technology Satellite with a planned 

launch date of 1974. This satellite will test a variety 

of new technology developments for satellite commu42 

nications, including experimental transmissions at 12 

GHz. Contracts were also signed in 197 1 with Canada 

for reimbursable launchings in 1972 and 1973 of two 

Canadian operational telecommunications satellites (ANIK) and with the European Space Research 

Organization (ESRO) for three scientific satellites, 

HEOS-PA, TD-1 and ESRO-4, all in 1972. 

Foreign Scientific Participation in Approved NASA 

Missions.-Four foreign experiments were selected or 

flown during 1971 on NASA missions. A German experiment (BIOSTACK) to study the biological effects 

of cosmic radiation (heavy nuclei) in the space flight 

environment was accepted from the University of 

Frankfurt for flight in 1972 on Apollo 16. The Swiss 

solar wind experiment, originally flown on Apollo 11, 

was flown on both the Apollo 14 and 15 missions. An 

advanced U.K. radiometer to obtain atmospheric temperature profiles was selected for flight on Nimbus F 

in 1974. 

In addition to these flight hardware experiments, 

scientists from the Paris Observatory and the University of London were invited to become members of 

the Television Sciences Team for the Mariner Venus/ 

Mercury 1973 mission. 

Mission Definition Teams and Preliminary Experiment Selection.-A growing area of international space 

cooperation is the participation of foreign scientists 

in the early definition and other planning activities 

in connection with possible future NASA missions. 

During 1971, sixteen scientists from 6 countries were 

selected to serve on 9 of the 13 planning teams for 

the missions to the outer planets; a French scientist 

was chosen to head the Photo-Polarimetry Team. The 

U.K. Science Research Council and ESRO sponsored 

the participation of selected astronomers and spacecraft engineers with NASA in the design studies for 

a cooperative ultraviolet astronomy satellite project 

which, if approved, would become the fourth in the 

Small Astronomy Satellite (SAS) series. A proposal 

by the Center for Nuclear Studies in Saclay, France, 

and the Danish Space Research Institute of Lyngby, 

Denmark, was selected as a candidate for HEAO-B 

(High Energy Astronomy Observatory) . The experiment would study isotopic and charge composition of 

primary cosmic radiation. A British scientist from University College, London was asked to bring his extensive background in X-ray detectors to assist in the 

mission definition phase of HEAO-C. In addition, two 

proposed experiments of University College, London 

were being studied for possible flight aboard an advanced Orbiting Solar Observatory (OSO-J) . 

Earth Resources.-NASA, joined by other US. agencies, sponsored an International Workshop on Earth 

Resources Survey Systems at the University of Mich- 
igan in May. Representatives from 40 countries and 

16 international organizations attended. Following an 

international request for proposals to analyze data acquired by Earth Resources Technology Satellites 

(ERTS) and the Earth Resources Experiment Package aboard Skylab, 37 experiments from 22 countries 

were tentativelly accepted in the first round of announcements. Others are expected in the future. The 

remote sensing agreement with Brazil was extended 

for two years, and a similar extension of the earth resources agreement between NASA and Mexico is expected. In May, Canada agreed to build a ground 

station capable of acquiring earth sensing data direct 

from the ERTS satellites. In response to a request 

fmm the United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) , NASA provided a specially instrumented aircraft to assist in a hydrology survey of 

Jamaica. 

Lunar Sample Program.-The analysis of lunar 

samples returned by the Apollo 14 and 15 missions 

was being undertaken by some 201 scientists, including 64 foreign Principal Investigators from 15 countries and one international organization (ESRO) . Included for the first time are scientists from Brazil, 

ESRO, and the Republic of China. Ninety-five participants from 16 countries attended the Lunar Science 

Conference in Houston in January. 

Sounding Rocket Programs.-During 197 1 new 

sounding rocket agreements were signed wirh Norway 

and France. Launching under previous agreements 

took place from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India, Norway, and Spain. 

Tracking and Data Acquisition Cooperation.- 

Through Canadian cooperation, NASA conducted 

sounding rocket launches for polar cap ionospheric 

studies from a Dewline site and held a geology 

field training trip for astronauts at Sudbury Crater in 

Ontario. 

Cooperation continued between NASA and space 

agencies of other countries in support of each other’s 

space projects by their respective tracking and data 

acquisition facilities. NASA received support for its 

Small Astronomy Satellite from French, Italian, and 

British facilities; the French network also supported 

San Marco 3 and geodetic studies with Syncom 3. 

Satellites of other countries supported by NASA were 

Japan’s TANSEI and SHINSEI and France’s Tournesol. Arrangements were made for removal of the transportable Apollo support facility on Grand Bahama 

Island. 

Through the cooperation of Mauritania and Portugal, a NASA team made an exploratory visit to 

northern Mauritania and the Cape Verde Islands as 

a possible site for sounding rocket launches in conjunction with the June 1973 solar eclipse. 

Industry Affairs 

Inventions and Contributions.-The Inventions and 

Contributions Board completed action and made recommendations on 125 petitions for patent waiver received from NASA contracton-a 20 percent increase 

from 1970. In addition, the Board recommended 

the granting of monetary awards totaling approximately $125,000 for inventions and other scientific 

and technical contributions made by NASA and 

NASA contractor employees. As a result of the 

issuance of new NASA Patent Licensing Regulations 

in the final quarter of the year, the Board became 

responsible, for the first time, for considering applications for exclusive and nonexclusive licenses to NASA 

inventions, and for recommending disposition of the 

applications to the NASA Administrator. 

The Price- Wage Freeze.-The NASA Headquarters 

Procurement Office served as the focal point in NASA’s 

implementatioq of the contracting aspects of Executive Order No. 11615, dated August 14, 1971, providing for stabilization of prices, rents, wages, and salaries. 

NASA Procurement Offices were directed to consider 

as a decisive factor whether contractors are in compliance with the price-wage freeze in all of their 

transactions. In particular, contractors are required to 

certify on invoices submitted for payment that amounts 

billed under the contract comply with the criteria 

established under the Executive Order. NASA worked 

closely with the Department of Defense and the General Services Administration in implementing the Executive Order, and the coordinated approach 

significantly minimized procurement problem areas 

from the standpoint of both the Government and its 

contractors. 

NASA Acquisition Study.-A study of the NASA acquisition process conducted by senior NASA officials 

was completed in June. Three committees were formed 

to prepare implementing policies and procedures that 

will produce more effective utilization and controls 

over resources employed in acquiring new products 

and systems. The specific areas king worked on are: 

Project Planning-to improve the internal planning 

and control process; Requests for Proposalsto clarify 

this interface document between NASA and industry 

and generate economy in proposals; and Source 

Evaluation Boards--to insure clarity, equity, and 

understanding of the parties for the source selections 

process. 

Cost Sharing.-Regulations were published to implement cost sharing policies for NASA’s research grants 

and contracts pursuant to existing statutes and in conformity with general guidelines established by the Office of Management and Budget. The material is 

designed to standardize procedures among the various 

43 4524l6 0-724 
NASA installations and thus facilitate the submission 

of proposals by prospective grantees and contractors. 

Mass Severance Pay.-NASA questioned the reasonableness of allowing severance pay on support services 

contracts when an employee of the incumbent contractor gains immediate employment with a successor contractor. The NASA Procurement Regulation 

was amended (Sec. 15-107) to include “severance pay 

to employees on support services contracts” as an item 

suitable for an advance understanding. All Procurement Officers were notified of the change and told to 

investigate these matters before contract award and 

to consider them in source evaluation. 

Small Business and Minority Business Programs.- 

Increased emphasis placed on assisting small business 

resulted in the highest percentage of NASA awards 

to that segment of industry since 1963. Small business 

firms received $178 million in NASA prime contract 

awards or 8 percent of NASA total procurement 

awards to all business firms, Similarly, NASA increased 

its participation in the Minority Business Enterprise 

Program awarding $1.3 million to minority firms 

through SBA Section 8(a) awards to the Small Business Administration. NASA also achieved good results 

in ensuring the participation of minority firms in subcontracting opportunities. In recent major support 

services procurements, 6 of 12 subcontract awards to 

small business were made to minority firms. 

Industrial Relations.-Through September 30, the 

number of man-davs lost due to labor disputes and 

strikes for all NASA contracts decreased 64 percent, 

from 3,797 to 1,360. The major portion (2/3rds) of 

man-days lost at NASA Centers was directly connected 

to strikes arising from negotiation of labor agreements. 

The balance of man-days lost was attributable to union 

and contractor disagreement over employee representation issues. 

Headquarters Industrial Relations personnel worked 

with Center management to eliminate or minimize the 

impact of labor-management problems on Agency 

goals, and as a result there was no interference with 

Apollo 15 or other NASA programs. 

Computer-Aided Decision Making.-NASA Headquarters used interactive computer terminals in conjunction with time-sharing services to shorten and improve management decision making and to make better 

use of NASA resources. The techniques are employed 

in connection with the development and refinement of 

NASA long range schedules and cost plans, development of medium range budgets, analysis of manpower 

and salary distributions, development of budget projections through regression analyses of financial data 

bases, development of cost estimates for program 

alternatives, and similar applications. 

44 

Reliability and Quality Assurance.-The NASA-wide 

system of disseminating information of general concern 

on parts and materials problems was improved and 

expanded to include safety reports and aerospace structural materials. These NASA reports (called ALERTS 

& SAF-ALERTS) reach contractors and Department 

of Defense agencies through the Government-Industry 

Data Exchange Program, in which NASA is a leading 

participant. 

Progress in microelectronics reliability continued 

through application of the scanning electron microscope in production monitoring. The application of 

neutron radiography was developed to inspect 

numerous pyrotechnic devices used in spacecraft and 

launch vehicles, particularly to examine explosive materials and internal structures within metal housings. 

New Technical Publications.-Technical publications 

released during the year included: This Island Earth, 

Guide to Lunar Orbiter Photographs, Lunar Photographs From Apollos 8, 10, and 11, The Pioneer Mission to Jupiter, Apollo 14: Preliminary Science Report, 

and the Third Conference on Sonic Boom Research. 

NASA REMOTE CONsok (NASAIRECON).-To 

promote overall Government cost effectiveness in information processing, a number of Federal agencies 

joined NASA in applying the NASAJRECON to their 

needs. The Atomic Energy Commission, Department 

of Justice, and the Central Intelligence Agency installed the system, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Defense Communications Agency, and 

Department of Health, Education and Welfare (National Library of Medicine-Toxicology Information 

Program) have adopted the system and plan to install 

it. 

Technology Utilization.-The Technology Utilization 

Office is responsible for facilitating the useful application of NASA technology in commerce and industry. 

Added emphasis was placed on bringing NASA 

technology to bear in the solution of problems of national concern. Eight public sector application teams 

actively seek to match available NASA technology to 

important problems in health care delivery, urban construction, mine safety, criminalistics, law enforcement 

and transportation. 

New Technology Publicatim.-Over 550 Tech Briefs 

were issued and nearly 40,000 requests for further descriptive information were received. Almost 30 compilations, collections of Tech Brief items published 

under one cover and announcing innovations and improvements within a single technical category, and 

other special publications for the non-aerospace sector 

were published. Compilations contain reader service 

cards, and each issue produced an average of 800 requests for further information. 
Regional Dissemination Centers.-The six Centers, 

constituting a national network to provide technology 

transfer services to industrial firms, governmental units, 

universities, and other groups, continued to serve a 

growing number of clients. More than 1,600 different 

fee-paying organizations made use of RDC services 

for their own benefit. 

Public Sector Afifilication Teams.-Biomedical and 

technology application teams employ a problem-solving approach to match existing NASA technology with 

problems in health care delivery and public sector areas 

of concern, such as environmental quality, urban construction, and transportation. The number of problems 

identified by these teams continued to grow. Over 175 

institutions and other groups are now participating 

with the teams and more than 200 problem solutions 

have been proposed. 

COSMIC.-The Computer So5tware and Management Information Center (COSMIC) added 100 software packages to its inventory, making a total of 900 

programs available for dissemination to industry, government and other interested users. The first cumulative index of available programs was published in Computer Program Abstracts, the quarterly journal available through the Government Printing Office. 

Research Grants and Contracts 

NASA funded 1,570 project-oriented research grants 

and contracts at 233 universities with expenditures of 

approximately $123 million. Their purpose is to increase fundamental knowledge in space science and 

aeronautics in support of major NASA programs. 

This year, emphasis was placed on cooperative ventures. Unique equipment was made available to universities engaged in NASA research. The Agency made 

project research grants to 14 predominantly black colleges and universities for research projects of mutual 

interest. 

Relationships With Other Government Agencies 

Responsibility for coordinating NASA relationships 

with other Federal agencies engzged in aerospace 

activities is assigned to the Office of Department of 

Defense and Interagency Affairs. 

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 FY '72 facilities program ; development 

of data relay satellites; NASA aeronautics program for 

FY '72; areas where advance coordination and pooling 

of effort between NASA and DOD may be essential; 

Phase B shuttle decisions and coordination; Apollo 14 

lunar science and exploration. 

Also, US. Navy space activities; coordination of unmanned spacecraft programs ; shuttle site selection; spin 

related aircraft accidents (an ad hoc group was established to define a national program to accelerate R&D 

in stall and spin related technology) ; large new aeronautical facilities; Army aeronautics activity; and the 

status of satellite warning, defense satellite communications system, and future communications programs. 

The military services continued to collaborate with 

NASA in assigning military personnel to NASA for 2- 

to 3-year tours. In addition, several agreements were 

reached between the Air Force and NASA for exchange 

of engineering and scientific personnel. 

The Office of DOD and Interagency Affairs coordinated arrangements between DOD and NASA 

whereby the Advanced Research Projects Agency of 

DOD selected the NASA Ames Research Center as 

the site for the ILLIAC IV computer which is part 

of an ARPA program to develop, test, and evaluate 

the concept of parallel array processing. Ames will 

carry out final system integration and testing and 

operate the ILLIAC IV for the DOD and NASA. 

Also coordinated were activities associated with 

earth resources and environmental research and operations (including those at the Mississippi Test Facility) 

by the Environmental Protection Agency, the National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the 

Geological Survey. 

Additional agreements were concluded between 

NASA and other Federal agencies: with the Federal 

Aviation Administration for civilian aircrew and support of the information system, civilian aerospace 

physiology training, runway traction, and aeronautical 

technology related to civil aviation; with the Navy 

covering endeavors at the Mississippi Test Facility; 

with the Air Force covering loan of two U-2 aircraft, 

logistic support for a NASA C-141 aircraft research on 

techniques for visual inspection of microcircuits, and 

programs for transonic aircraft technology, runway 

traction, C-130 wing box structure, and integrated 

propulsion control systems; with the Army for tilt rotor 

research and rotor system test vehicles; with the 

Department of Agriculture covering the corn blight 

watch experiment; with the National Science Foundation for additions and modifications to the National 

Astronomy and Ionosphere Center at Arecibo; with 

the Department of Commerce for an ion microprobe 

facility; and with the General Services Administration 

covering conduct of the dual-fuel program. 

The Office of DOD and Interagency Maim continued to coordinate NASA reseamlh, design, development, test and evaluation support of major DOD 

aeronautical systems including the B-1, F-14, and 

F-15 aircraft. 

NASA and DOD continued joint studies on methods of achieving manpower and resources economies 

in common endeavors; one result was that the two 

agencies continued consolidation of activities at the 

45 
Kennedy Space Center and the Air Force Eastern 

Test Range. 

The Office of DOD and Interagency Affairs continued to coordinate special reviews of the NASA 

Space Transportation System Development by the 

Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board. 

The Office also provided a NASA representative to 

participate in the National Academy of Sciences study 

of NASA’s life science programs. Results of the study 

were reported in the Academy publication “Life 

Sciences in Space.” 

IV 

NASA continued to assist the U.S. Bureau of Standards in studies on the impact on the Nation of the increased use of the international metric system of units. 

NASA also adopted a policy making the metric system 

the primary method of expressing measurements in 

Agency technical reports. 

The Office of DOD and Interagency Affairs continued to coordinate NASA activities with the Federal 

Council for Science and Technology, including the 

spring previews of NASA technical issues for the 

President’s Science Adviser. 

Department of Defense 

Introduction 

The list of achievements in the Department of Defense 

space and aeronautics programs continued to grow in 

1971. Efforts in the space program were focused on 

communications, navigation, solar radiation and 

monitoring and numerous areas of space technology. 

The first two satellites of Phase I1 of the Defense 

Satellite Communications System (DSCS) were successfully launched on a Titan IIIC space booster from 

Cape Kennedy on November 2. The objective of 

Phase I1 of the DSCS is to provide on an evolutionary 

basis improved communications capabilties for the 

DOD. Following testing and system evaluation these 

new high power satellites will be moved to equatorial 

positions over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Development of the Navy’s Fleet Satellite Communication 

System, an outgrowth of the Tactical Satellite Communications Program, was initiated. This new system 

is intended to provide improved communications for 

Navy ships on a worldwide basis and to satisfy a number of Air Force communications requirements. The 

second NATO Phase I1 communications satellite was 

successfully launched by the United States in February. SOLRAD 10, a satellite for monitoring electromagnetic and particle emissions from the sun, was 

launched on July 8. This launch marked the beginning 

of the transition of the SOLRAD program from a 

single low-altitude research satellite to a system of 

high altitude satellites, designated SOLRAD-HI. 

This system, when fully implemented, will provide continuous real time monitoring and predictions of space 

environment disturbances in support of military com46 

munications and other systems affected by solar 

disturbances. 

Progress was made in 1971 toward meeting the 

country’s need for modern military aircraft. Flight tests 

of the second test aircraft of the advanced carrierbased tactical fighter (F-14) began in May. Preliminary flight rating tests of the new engine for an improved tactical antisubmarine aircraft (S-3A) were 

successfully completed in April. The first flight of 

key avionics equipment of the S-3A in a flying test bed 

aircraft was accomplished in August. Development of 

carrier-based aircraft with the capability of an improved airborne warning system (E-2C) and with 

sophisticated electronics warfare capabilities (EA-GB) 

continued with the first flight of a prototype E-2C aircraft in January and the delivery and system evaluation 

testing of production EA-GB aircraft. The development 

of these aircraft is leading to an improved readiness of 

the fleet to operate in any warfare environment. The 

Air Force’s advanced tactical fighter (F-15) program 

continues on schedule and the first flight test aircraft 

is being fabricated. Delivery of F-111D and F-111F 

aircraft began in August and September, while the 

F-111 force passed the 100,000 flying hour mark in 

June. Development of the B-1 bomber is proceeding 

on schedule and completion of the aircraft preliminary 

design review and full-scale mock-up review were important steps leading toward construction of the first 

test aircraft. The Air Force initiated development of 

the A-X, a close air support aircraft, to be optimized 

for effective support of friendly ground forces. The 

A-X will be a single-place twin-engine aircraft with a 

short take-off and landing capability. Two competitive 
radar systems for the AWACS aircraft (E-3A) were 

delivered in December and will be flight tested next 

year. The E-3A will provide command and control for 

interceptor forces and for sustained air operations such 

as close air support. A program was initiated to develop a heavy lift helicopter (HLH) to complement 

current lift capabilities. The HLH will be a tandum 

rotor helicopter and will have the capability to transport a 22% ton payload. Development of the utility 

tactical transport aircraft system (UTTAS) began 

in June. The UTTAS helicopter will carry a combat 

infantry squad and the design will stress improved 

maintainability, reliability, survivability, safety and 

performance. 

Space Activities 

DOD Communications Satellite Program.-During 

the past year efforts began toward consolidating the 

DOD communications satellite endeavors into a single 

program to be named TRISAT. In the near term two 

satellite systems are planned : the Defense Satellite 

Communications System (DSCS-Phase 11) and the 

Fleet Satellite Communications System (Fleetsat) . These systems jointly will form a DOD space complex 

and provide complementary services. The FleetSat 

will provide multi-access service to many small terminal users such as airplanes and ships and later to 

mobile land vehicles operatirzg in a relatively undisciplined communications environment. The 

DSCS-Phase I1 will provide wideband communications service in the controlled network of the Defense 

Communications System. 

Defense Satellite Communications S y s t e m s 

(DSCS).-The mission of the DSCS is to provide 

secure communications in support of critical command, control, intelligence and warning needs and to 

satisfy requirements of the President and other special 

users. 

The DSCS is evolutionary by nature, thus ability 

of the system to satisfy its objectives will increase as it 

progresses through each successive phase. Phase I, the 

Initial Defense Satellite Communications System, has 

continued to perform satisfactorily during the past 

year. It now consists of 21 operational satellites and 29 

earth terminals. These small near-synchronous satellites are low in power output and limited in bandwidth. They are designed to turn off automatically 

during the period 1972-1974. 

The Phase I system continues to satisfy unique and 

vital communications requirements in accordance 

with the DSCS mission. For example, it continued to 

transmit high resolution photographs during the past 

year and in mid-1971 the transmission of secure voice 

service was inaugurated. 

Procurement of equipment for Phase I1 of the 

DSCS continued. The objectives of this phase are to 

provide significantly increased capabilities through the 

addition of new satellites, to improve the existing earth 

terminals for use with the new satellites, and to develop concurrently new earth and shipboard terminals 

for future acquisition. Work on this phase began in 

early 1969 with the award of a contract for procurement of six high-power geostationary satellites 

equipped with both broad earth coverage as well as 

steerable narrow beam antennas. The higher power 

and wider bandwidth of these satellites and their synchronous orbits will offer significant improvements in 

performance and capability. The first two satellites 

were launched on a Titan IIIC space booster at 

the Air Force Eastern Test Range on November 2, 

197 1. Following system checkout, operational evaluation and geographical positioning of each satellite, 

existing earth terminals will start using these satellites 

for operational service in early 1972. 

Progress was made toward converting present earth 

terminals to permit their use with the new satellites 

and at the same time to improve their reliability and 

bandwidth. Some of these terminals were moved to 

new locations to meet changed requirements. These 

terminals will continue to be used with the Phase I 

satellites until the new satellites are committed to operational service. 

The Army and the Navy continued the development 

of new Phase I1 ground and shipboard terminals, including more efficient modulation equipment. The 

new terminals will offer high reliability and large communications capacity. 

The total numbers of new satellites and terminals 

needed for the Phase I1 system are being studied. 

Other government agencies and certain allied governments also will be provided service through the Phase 

I1 satellites, via their own earth terminals. 

Fleet Satellite Communications System.-The objective of the experimental program, TACSATCOM, 

was to investigate the use of spaceborne communications repeaters to satisfy selected communications 

needs of our mobile forces. The initial phase of this 

effort, using the Lincoln Experimental Satellite No. 6 

(LES-6), the TACSAT I satellite, and 65 terminals 

installed in aircraft, jeeps, trucks, ships, and submarines is complete. The data obtained during the 

test program confirmed the design concepts of both 

the satellites and terminals. The communication links 

established through these satellites have proven the 

value of satellite communications to mobile users 

throughout the world. The LES-6 and TACSAT-I 

satellites are currently positioned, in geostationary orbits, over the mid-Atlantic and mid-Pacific, respectively. The continued satisfactory orbital performance 

of the satellites has permitted the continued use of 

TACSATCOM assets in an interim operational status 

and for certain selected testing of techniques and 

hardware. 

47 
The development of the Fleet Satellite Communications System was initiated. This system, an outgrowth of the TACSATCOM program, is intended 

to provide improved communications for Navy ships 

all over the world and, in addition, satisfy important 

Air Force communications requirements. 

International Cooperation.-The United States, 

through negotiated agreements, has developed, procured and launched several advanced communications 

satellites for the United Kingdom and NATO, the 

latest being the United Kingdom SKYNET satellites launched in November 1969 and August 1970. 

Since that time the United Kingdom has implemented 

full operation of their SKYNET space and ground 

communications system. A new Memorandum of 

Understanding regarding the follow-on SKYNET I1 

system of two satellites has been implemented. These 

satellites are being produced by the United Kingdom 

with the assistance of the United States. The satellites 

will be launched by the United States, with the first 

launch expected in mid-1973. In accordance with the 

Memorandum of Understanding, an investigation was 

undertaken to determine the desirability of implementing a joint US-UK military communications satellite 

system for the post 1976 era. It is expected that a decision will be reached early next year. 

The second NATO Phase I1 communications satellite, the in-orbit spare, war, successfully launched by 

the United States in February 1971. The equipment 

for the 12 earth terminals is on site and undergoing 

acceptance testing. All terminals are expected to be 

operational by June 1972. 

A new Memorandum of Understanding is under 

review regarding development of a NATO Phase I11 

satellite system by the United States. 

Titan 111 Space Booster.-A new member is being 

added to the Titan I11 family of launch vehicles. Taking its place beside the DOD space launch vehicle 

“workhorses”, the Titan I11 B, C and D, is the Titan 

I11 E. This version is similar to the Titan I11 D but 

modified to launch a Centaur upper stage for the 

NASA Viking program. NASA also has two Titan 

IIIC’s on order to launch the Applied Technology 

Satellites ATS-F and G. So far there have been 53 

Titan I11 launches, and 58 additional vehicles are in 

production or on order for firm launch requirements. 

Geodetic SateZ2ites.-The mission of the Department 

of Defense Geodetic Satellite Program is to define 

more precisely by satellite the size and shape of the 

earth, develop a refined mathematical model of the 

earth‘s gravity field and provide highly accurate geodetic positions of world-wide sites on the earth surface. 

The final phase, data reduction and analysis, of the 

original Sequential Collation of Range (SECOR) geodetic satellite program was completed thus strengthen48 

ing the established equational network of precise 

reference stations for the World Geodetic System. The 

observation phase of the PAGEOS program wherein 

geodetic positions are determined by photographing 

satellites against a background of stars was completed. 

The data reduction phase has been initiated and is 

nearing completion. 

During 197 1 Navy’s Satellite Geophysics Program 

maintained 14 semipermanent tracking stations and 

occupied 12 sites with mobile tracking stations in support of the overall DOD Geodetic Satellite Program. 

Data was acquired from the Navy’s navigational satellites and NASA’s geodetic satellites: the harmonic 

coefficients defining the mathematical model of the 

earth’s gravity field have been determined to the nineteenth degree and order. Position of any site on the 

globe can be determined to an accuracy of 10 meters 

As a corollary effort, data acquired by the Navy 

Doppler Tracking Network (TRANET) is being used 

to evaluate precise national and international time 

standards as determined by astronomical observations. 

Polar coordinates derived by satellite geodesy are being 

furnished to the U.S. Naval Observatory which is the 

DOD facility responsible for precise time and time interval. In addition the Director of France’s Bureau 

International de l’Heure, the international time standards agency, has requested on a continuing basis polar 

motion coordinates derived from doppler satellites. 

These polar motion coordinates have made it possible 

to determine the instantaneous spin axis of the earth 

which moves in a five-meter circle with respect to the 

earth’s crust throughout the 400-day Chandler period. 

Analysis of the doppler satellite and astronomical results by the Bureau Internatiod de l’Heure has 

revealed small biases in the doppler results. Investigation is continuing to determine the nature of the 

biases. 

National Astronomical Observatories of Japan, 

Belgium, Italy, and Chile have requested stationing 

of Navy doppler satellite tracking stations at their 

observatories for data analysis and comparison with 

astronomical results. 

The Navy has continued to participate in NASA’s 

National Geodetic Satellite Program (NGSP) . TO 

date TRANET has positioned to a high degree of accuracy approximately 90% of the 45 sites comprising 

the NGSP. This effort represents the major DOD contribution to NASA’s National Geodetic Satellite 

Program. 

The Navy started procurement of highly accurate, 

state-of-the-art, man portable doppler satellite tracking stations identified as geoceivers (geodetic receivers) . Thirty-six of these geoceiver tracking stations 

are being procured to meet the requirements of the 

Army, Navy, and Air Force. Portability and automatic 

operation of the geoceiver provides a cost effective, 

(rms) 
readily deployable, and highly accurate mobile tracking station. 

Navigation SateZZite Activity.-The DOD Navigation Satellite Program is a multiservice effort designed 

to investigate the feasibility and desirability of developing a precise, worldwide, three-dimensional position and velocity capability in a common reference 

grid for use by passive users. The effort is coordinated 

by the DOD Navigation Satellite Executive Steering 

Group. A number of studies, experiments and analyses have been undertaken to validate system concepts 

and establish a basis for the determination of equipment performance and cost. For example, a joint 

Army-Navy-Air Force test program was recently established to use an experimental navigation satellite developed by the Navy and modified to include an Air 

Force navigation signal modulator. The joint tests will 

demonstrate a partial system capability with a. single 

satellite and will influence decisions on the future of 

this program. 

Space Ground Support 

DOD National Range and Tracking Facilities.-Department of Defense space activities are principally 

supported by the Air Force Eastern Test Range, the 

Space and Missile Test Center (which includes the 

Air Force Western Test Range), the Air Force Satellite Control Facility, the Navy Pacific Missile Range, 

and the Army White Sands Missile Range. Each is 

available to any Government user who may require 

its support. 

Eastern Test Range.-The Eastern Test Range 

(ETR) continued its basic support role of providing 

the necessary services to DOD space and missile programs. Support to NASA space programs such as 

Apollo also continued, but on a reimbursable basis 

as in the previous year. 

Resizing of the ETR to the configuration required 

to support the .basic DOD work load also continued 

throughout the year. Significant actions resulting in 

this regard included the deactivation of ETR instrumentation at Eleuthera Island, the subsequent transfer 

of certain facilities to the Navy on July 1, 1971, and 

the complete deactivation of the ETR station at 

Trinidad on October 1, 1971. 

Western Test Range.-The Western Test Range, operated by the Air Force Space and Missile Test Center 

(SAMTEC) at Vandenberg AFB, California, continued during 1971 to provide range support to all 

launches from Vandenberg. 

During 1971 many changes occurred in SAMTEC’s 

range support capability. The range instrumentation 

ship fleet was further reduced by the deactivation of 

the telemetry reception ship, the USNS SWORD 

KNOT, during the first quarter. Telemetry reception 

functions at Vandenberg have been consolidated at the 

new Oak Mountain site. Computerized telemetry processing functions have also been consolidated within the 

telemetry data center. During September, the range 

acquired an IBM 360165 computer for range safety 

purposes. This third generation machine will replace 

an older IBM 7044. The range hcas installed a precision C-Band tracking radar at Kaena Point, Oahu, 

Hawaii. This radar should be fully operational in early 

1972. Build-up of the new Pacific terminal instrumentation site is nearing completion and it should be fully 

operational in the spring of 1972. 

Satellite ControZ Facility.-During 1971 satellite support activities increased because of the greater complexity of satellite systems. Planning is underway to 

increase the data handling capability of the system. 

This improvement will allow faster handling of larger 

amounts of data. The first of three new *-foot antennas to replace the present 14-foot antennas was 

completed at the New Hampshire Station. Facilities 

work was completed at the Hawaiian Tracking Station 

for the second antenna. Studies and analyses continue 

to provide increased reliability and responsiveness of 

the overall system. 

Aeronautics Activities 

CJA Heavy Logistics Transport Aircraft.-The 

C-5A is a heavy logistics transport which provides a 

capability to airlift military forces world-wide under 

general war, limited war and peacetime conditions. It 

is capable of transporting and air-dropping troops 

and equipment. The C-5A is able to transport military equipment larger and heavier than any other aircraft in the free world. 

To date, 51 aircraft have been produced; 43 of these 

are assigned to the Military Airlift Command and 

have been performing strategic airlift missions on a 

world-wide basis. Six aircraft are in test and refurbishment programs, and two have been destroyed. Operational aircraft have achieved over 30,000 flying hours. 

The static and fatigue test programs have revealed 

certain weaknesses in the aircraft’s wing structure. 

Analysis of these incidents indicates that the aircraft 

have the static strength necessary to satisfy essential 

operational requirements. The aircraft can also be 

expected to operate free of fatigue damage for at 

least 6,000 hours, or over 5 years under normal usage, 

with relatively minor modification and repair programs. Additional modifications are under consideration to increase both the static and fatigue life expectancy of the wing. 

The results of the program to date indicate that 

the C-5A will meet the military operational 

requirements. 

F/FB-ZZZ Aircraft.-The FIFE1 11 program involves 

the production of four models of tactical aircraft, the 
F-1 11 A, F-11 lD, F-1 1 1E and F-1 1 lF, one strategic 

bomber, the FB-11 IA, and one model, the F-11 IC, 

for the Royal Australian Air Force. 

All of the F-111As, F-111Es and FB-111As have 

been delivered. Delivery of F-ll1D and F-l11F aircraft began in August and September 1971 and will 

be continued into 1973. A follow-on procurement of 

12 additional F-ll1Fs was approved and delivery of 

these aircraft is projected during 1973. Delivery of 

F-1 1 1C aircraft to the Australians is anticipated after 

completion of a modification program during 1972. 

Deployment of the last F-1 1 1E to USAFE occurred 

in July 1971. The Strategic Air Command continued 

crew training and operational mission qualification 

with the FB-111A and moved its combat crew training support activities from Carswell AFB, Texas, to 

Plattsburgh AFB, N.Y. The Tactical Air Command 

took delivery of its first F-111F at Mountain Home 

AFB, Idaho in September 1971. 

The extensive inspection program and cold proof 

test of the airframe, which was established after an 

F-111 accident in December 1969, has been completed and all operational aircraft have been returned 

to the using commands. 

A significant milestone was passed in June 1971 

when the F-111 force passed the 100,000-flying-hour 

mark. This represented approximately 39,500 flights. 

The contractor and the Air Force are continuing 

with the final phases of the F-111 development and 

test program which involves certification of the F-1 1 1 

to its full design maneuvering envelope and service life. 

The demonstration of performance specification requirements will be concluded in 1972 with completion 

of the static, fatigue and flight loads test programs. 

F-14 Carrier-Based Tactical Fighter.-Engineering 

development of the F-14, a new advanced carrierbased tactical fighter, was initiated on February 3, 

1969. The F-14A will utilize the TF30-P412 engine 

and the AWG-9 missile control system which will control Phoenix, Sparrow, and Sidewinder missiles and 

20 mm. guns. The F-14A will have an improved area 

air defense capdbility and will be superior to the F-4 

in other fighter roles. It will also have a significant airto-ground capability. First flight of the F-14A occurred 

on December 21, 1970. 

The number one F-14A crashed on its second flight 

as a result of a hydraulic failure. The cause of the 

failure was pinpointed and corrective fixes have been 

incorporated in subsequent aircraft. The flight test 

program resumed in May 1971 with the flight of the 

number two F-14A. Testing is proceeding on schedule 

with performance meeting or exceeding major design 

specifications. The first total system aircraft has been 

delivered to Pt. Mum, California, for installation of 

the AWG-9 weapons control system and avionics. 

F-15 Advanced Tactical Fighter.-The F-15 is programmed as an advanced tactical fighter for the air 

50 

. 

superiority mission. It is a twin engine, single crew, 

fixed sweep-wing aircraft and is characterized by design features providing maximum acceleration and 

maneuverability. The F-15 is being developed to 

counter the threat predicted for the late 1970s and 

early 1980s. 

The program continues to proceed on schedule. Design review of both the airframe and engine have been 

completed and the initial flight test aircraft is being 

fabricated. Progressive test programs for the engine, 

avionics and other major subsystems will culminate 

in first flight of the aircraft scheduled for July 1972. 

A-7 Attack Aircraft.-Delivery of the Air Force A-7D 

to the Tactical Air Command is continuing and will 

be completed in 1973. The first operational wing at 

Myrtle Beach AFB has achieved combat ready status. 

Pilot training has been moved from Luke AFB to 

Davis Monthan AFB where the second operational 

wing is being formed. The program has achieved 

marked success, meeting cost and schedule requirements as well as weapon system performance 

guarantees. 

B-1 Bomber.-The B-1 development program is proceeding on schedule and is within the projected cost 

estimate. Through improved management procedures 

the original development contract has been restructured 

to reduce the number of flight test aircraft from five 

to three. Recently proven practices of the aircraft industry for the structural testing of commercial airlines -de possible the elimination of one of the two 

static and fatigue test airframes. This contract modification significantly reduced the cost of the research 

and development phase of the program. In October 

1971, a plan for development of appropriate avionics 

was approved and requests for proposal issued for a 

contractor to integrate and test the avionics suite. Most 

of the avionics components will consist of off-the-shelf 

equipments with new developments planned only in 

the navigation and threat counter-measures areas. 

Program activities have concentrated on design 

validation and verification for the full release of engineering drawings and specifications. Two major milestones were completed in 1971, the preliminary design 

review and the full-scale mock-up review. Achievement of these milestones permits the contractor to 

proceed with the actual construction of the test aircraft; the first flight is scheduled for 1974. 

A one-year flight test program emphasizing airframe 

and engine performance will precede the B-1 production decision point and allow the Air Force to confidently make a timely and logical decision on 

production. 

Carrier-Based Antisubmarine Warfare Aircraft 

(&‘-,?).--In 1971, the Navy continued engineering development of the S-3A. A second major program review was held in September 1971. A significant engine 
milestone was passed ahead of schedule in April 1971 

when the TF-34 engine successfully completed the 

Preliminary Flight Rating Test. By the end of the 

year a total of over 8,000 hours of running time, both 

in the air (test-bed drcraft) and on the ground, had 

been completed. This advanced turbofan engine will 

give the speed, range and high-altitude capability to 

the S-3A, while still enabling it to operate economically 

at lower altitudes necessary to complete the various 

anti-submarine warfare tasks. The S-3A with its crew 

of four will be equipped with the latest ASW sensors 

which are integrated for optimum effectiveness by a 

digital computer. A flying test bed (P-3 aircraft) is 

being utilized to test the various components and total 

avionics system to recognize and correct any developmental problems prior to S-3A testing. First flight with 

selected avionics was accomplished by the flying test 

bed in August 1971 and follow-on flights are 

continuing. 

E-2C Development.-The E-2C is an all-weather, 

carrier based combat information center aircraft which 

extends task force defense perimeters by providing 

early warning of approaching enemy units and vectoring interceptors into attack position. Additionally, it 

provides command and control in air-to-surface strikes, 

search and rescue operations and general air traffic 

control . Continued development and procurement of the 

E-2C, the latest of the E-2 family of airborne early 

warning (AEW) systems, will result in increased op 

erational reliability and availability, improved radar 

performance and will alleviate quantitative AEW aircraft shortages. 

Two prototype E-2C aircraft have been flying and 

undergoing tests since January 1971. Testing is proceeding on schedule with performance meeting or 

exceeding design specifications. Initiation of production was approved on 15 September 197 1. 

EA-GB Development.-The EA-GB aircraft system 

development will be a tactical airborne electronic jammer aircraft which will provide support for carrier and 

advanced base strike aircraft. The EA-GB system will 

use the basic A4 airframe, modified for a four-man 

crew, with new powerful jamming devices. 

Several production aircraft have been delivered and 

are engaged in systems evaluation and tactics development prior to an impending overseas deployment 

aboard an aircraft carrier. Flights to date have been 

most successful in validating the program concept, and 

in some areas have showed ,the system to exceed specifications. A recent decision has been made to provide 

the basic EA-GB with an expanded capability against 

additional threats. Testing is scheduled to begin soon. 

A-X (A-9/A-10) Aircraft.-The Air Force has 

initiated development of the A-X, a new close air support aircraft optimized for effective support of friendly 

ground forces. The A-X will be a single-place twinturbofan aircraft providing STOL characteristics, 

excellent maneuverability, long loiter, large payloads, 

and ease of maintenance. Firm-fixed-price contracts 

for the competitive prototype phase were awarded in 

December 1970. First flights are scheduled for June 

1972 with the Air Force competitive fly-off evaluation scheduled for October-December 1972. Award 

of full scale development contract to the winning contractor is scheduled for February 1973. 

E3A Airborne Warning and Control Systems 

(AWACS).-The E-3A radar development program, 

continued throughout 1971, resulted in the delivery 

of two competitive radar systems during December 

1971. Both competing radar designs are characterized 

by the ability to detect low flying targets in the presence of severe ground clutter. The radar systems will 

provide extended low-altitude surveillance over both 

land and water. A competitive radar flight test program will be initiated in 1972 utilizing a modified 

commercial Boeing 707 aircraft as the airborne 

platform. 

The E-3A system will provide an airborne surveillance capability and associated command, control and 

communications functions in a military version of the 

Boeing 707 aircraft. Tactical forces will use the E-3A 

for command and control during the movement of a 

Composite Air Strike Force, while achieving and 

maintaining air superiority in a battle area and for 

rescue and airlift missions. Defense forces will use the 

E-3A to provide detection and tracking of enemy aircraft and for battle management of interceptors. The 

E-3A will provide a long-endurance on-station capability that will be enhanced with in-flight refueling. 

Helicopter Research.-The Army seeks to improve the 

response efficiency, economy, and utility of rotary 

wing aircraft by focusing on the aerodynamics and 

dynamics of lifting rotors, drcraft structures, and the 

control and stabilization of rotary wing aircraft. Advanced rotor concepts being investigated are coaxial 

mounted rotors and the tilt prop/rotors. The use of 

advanced armor concepts to reduce vulnerability is 

being pursued to determine the feasibility of forming 

helicopter structures from armor. In the area of flight 

controls, new anti-torque devices for helicopters are 

being analyzed with the objective of reducing tail rotor 

blade strikes and providing more responsive pilot control. Additionally, fluidics have progressed to the advanced development phase for the design, fabrication 

and flight testing of a complete hydrofluidic control 

system for a helicopter. 

The Advanced Research Projects Agency completed 

a program under the technical direction of the Army 

which demonstrated that helicopters can be significantly quieted. The noise emitted by the test vehicle 

was reduced to less than one-tenth of its original level. 

51 
This achievement is expected to have a major impact 

on the future design of military helicopters. Since low 

altitude flight over populated areas would be virtually 

unnoticeable from the ground, a quieted helicopter 

may also have important implications in the civil and 

commercial sectors. 

Heavy Lift Helicopter.-To complement current lift 

capability, a joint Army-Navy program for a Heavy 

Lift Helicopter development has been initiated. Competition was completed in June 1971 and a 36-month 

contract was awarded to design, fabricate, and test the 

critical components of a tandem rotor HLH. The 

Heavy Lift Helicopter will have a design gross weight 

uf 118,000 pounds when transporting a 22fi-ton payload. Prior to initiation of full engineering develop 

ment, the advanced technology rotor/drive system, 

cargo handling and flight control systems will be 

demonstrated. 

Utility T a c t i c a 1 Transport Aircraft System 

(UTTAS).-The utility tactical transport aircraft 

system (UTTAS) is to be the Army’s first true infantry squad carrier. It is designed specifically to lift 

and infantry squad (1 1 combat equipped troops) with 

its normal attachments in tactical troop assault and 

related missions now performed by the UH-1 series 

helicopter. The UTTAS provides a follow-on helicopter with increased payload and substantially improved maintainability, reliability, survivability, safety, 

and performance. Full-scale development was approved in June 1971. The Army is following the new 

Department of Defense weapons system acquisition 

policy of competitive prototyping and fly-off prior to 

the award of a production contract. The UTTAS 

engine engineering development contract was awarded 

in December 1971. Contract award for the prototyping phase of the airframe development is scheduled 

for June-July 1972. 

AHJ6A (CHEYENNE) .-The Cheyenne is being 

developed to fulfill the Army’s requirement for an advanced attack helicopter with a day/night and adverse 

weather antimechanizedfantitank capability which 

can also perform the missions of direct aerial fire support and.armed aerial escort. Cheyenne prototype aircraft have completed over 1,200 flight hours. Flight 

evaluations by Army test pilots, initiated in early 1971, 

are progressing satisfactorily. The weapons and navigation subsystems have equaled or bettered contract 

accuracy specifications. The integrated TOW missile/ 

night vision subsystem is now undergoing flight and 

firing tests and has scored a number of direct hits at 

extended ranges. Flight testing with the improved 

rotor control system is progressing satisfactorily with 

no evidence of the previously encountered rotor instability. In 1972 the Cheyenne is scheduled to complete its developmental tests. 

Supporting Research and Technology 

Advanced Liquid Rocket Technology.-The Air 

Force advanced liquid rocket technology program has 

been established to develop and demonstrate critical 

propulsion technology neded for future space vehicle 

systems. 

During 1971 the liquid rocket engine technology 

development program emphasized fabrication and test 

of critical components of a lightweight aerospike engine and conduct of system design analyses of advanced 

aerospike and bell nozzle engines optimized for future 

high energy upper stage and reusable orbit-to-orbit 

stage applications. Specific task objectives of this project are continuously coordinated with NASA as well 

as DOD program needs through the joint Advanced 

Chemical Rocket Engine (ACRE) working group. 

Upper Atmosphere Investigation.-A sounding rocket 

experimental program was conducted at Eglin 

Air Force Base, Florida, in January and February 

197 1 to study the characteristics of high-altitude ionized barium clouds. As a result of this program, 

ambient ionospheric electron density profiles were obtained for seven rocket firings for those parts of the 

trajectories where the radio signal did not pass through 

the clouds. The results will contribute to the general 

understanding of the ionization phenomonology of the 

ionosphere with significant applications in the fields 

of communications and radar tracking. 

Solar Radiation (SOLRAD) Monitoring Satellite 

Program.-The SOLRAD-10 satellite, launched 8 

July 1971 into a 235 by 340 nautical-mile orbit, together with SOLRAD-9, are measuring solar 

emissions. 

Information gained by the satellites is contributing 

to better understanding of the physical processes involved in solar flares and other solar activity. This 

knowledge is being utilized in the development of improved techniques for predicting and assessing space 

environment disturbances that are required for support of systems which operate in, or are affected by, 

that environment. Operationally, the SOLRAD-9/ 10 

satellite output continues to be routinely used by the 

Navy, Air Force and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to support the operation of 

communication and surveillance systems and the 

APOLLO lunar landing missions. 

The launch of SOLRAD-10 marked the beginning 

of the transition of the SOLRAD program from a 

single, low altitude, research satellite to a system of 

high altitude satellites, designated SOLRAD-HI. The 

SOLRAD-HI system now under development, consists of a replaceable satellite constellation deployed in 

a circular orbit 70,000 nautical miles high. This system, when fully implemented, will provide continuous, 

real-time monitoring, alerts and predictions of space 

52 
environment disturbances to operational users to 

qualify the performance of or determine alternative 

action for communication, navigation, surveillance and 

space systems affected by solar disturbance. 

Space Vehic2e Subsystems Technology Program.- 

The space vehicle subsystems technology program is 

an advanced development program to develop and 

demonstrate satellite subsystems technology essential 

for a spectrum of DOD space missions in the 1975- 

1985 time period. To meet advanced mission requirements, development efforts are under way to reduce 

the volume and weight of satellite subsystems and to 

increase subsystem performance, survivability and lifetime. 

Over the past year project activity included development of advanced space guidance, power supply and 

satellite secondary propulsion systems components and 

initiation of a project to develop and demonstrate the 

capabilities of a laser space communications subsystem. In October, a flight demonstration of the 1.5 

kilowatt flexible, roll-up type solar array was successfully accomplished on a Space Test Program satellite 

launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The 

demonstration of this high performance array provides the technology base to enable a 50 percent reduction in the weight and volume over existing solar 

cell array subsystems. Electric colloid thruster technology development was continued to provide a high 

performance secondary propulsion system to perform 

satellite attitude control and station keeping functions. 

The colloid thruster will operate in the millipound 

thrust range and will have a specific impulse which is 

at least four times higher than current state-of-the-art 

thrusters. Development of a laser communications subsystem was initiated in 1971 with emphasis on critical 

component development. This device, scheduled for 

launch in 1976, will feature very high data transmission rates and a narrow beam carrier. The technology 

to be demonstrated includes the transmission, modulation, and alignment techniques associated with this 

advanced concept communications subsystem. 

Space Test Program.-The DOD Space Test Program successfully conducted three primary missions in 

earth orbit this year. The program provides the means 

to conduct flight tests of advanced development payloads in space and to evaluate their contribution to new 

or improved DOD space systems. A refurbished Thor 

booster with a Burner I1 upper stage launched an 

infrared celestial mapping sensor system on 8 June 

1971. On 6 August 1971, a refurbished Atlas F booster 

placed two Orbiting Vehicle (OV-1) satellites into 

orbit carrying nine DOD experimental payloads. A 

Thor-Agena was launched on 17 October 1971 to test 

a closed cycle cryogenically cooled infrared sensor system to conduct celestial mapping. In addition to the 

celestial mapping sensor, a 1500 watt roll-up solar array 

was demonstrated and is undergoing life tests on orbit, 

the BATSON command system was successfully demonstrated, and an experiment was completed which investigated energetic particle interaction with the ionosphere. The Space Test Program is the only substantial 

DOD spaceflight test bed capability available to flybefore-you-buy advanced and exploratory development designs and concepts for the military services and 

other government agencies. 

Advanced Turbine Engine Gas Generator 

(ATEGG).-The ATEGG program is an Air Force 

advanced development program in which new technology and advanced design concepts are tested in a 

turbine engine environment. It is based on the fact that 

new technical approaches which appear attractive in 

laboratory or isolated component tests may not be 

representative of that component’s operation when installed in a high-performance engine. A secondary objective is to maintain a strong competitive industrial 

base from which to procure advanced engines for 

future weapon systems. 

Advances in propulsion have depended on the verification of new technology and engine design philosophy 

in representative engine conditions. This demonstration provides that verification and an accurate assessment of the capability to build future aeronautical 

systems. 

The five participating engine contractors in the past 

year have demonstrated continuing improvements in 

the engine performance parameters of thrust-toweight, thrust-to-volume and fuel consumption by increased thermal efficiency, higher operating temperatures and higher pressure ratios per compressor stage. 

Advanced Propulsion S u b s y s t e m Integration 

(APSZ) .-This Air Force advanced development program evolved in 1967 from the need to more effectively define and substantiate the integrated pmpdsion system performance of future weapon systems 

prior to a vast commitment of engineering funds. Initial program efforts were directed toward providing 

improved development procedures, techniques and criteria for assessing inlet engine compatability as a baseline for the F-15 and B-1 propulsion system evaluation and development. The continuing efforts in this 

area provide the critical technology baseline for future 

system development and are an important data source 

for insuring the early resolution of any integration 

problems encountered during system development programs. The current progrm is closely coordinated 

with the ATEGG program to assure substantiation of 

the turbine engine performance and propulsion system integration technology required for future advanced aircraft. 

The scope of this program encompasses the total 

propulsion system from the inlet through the nozzle. 

This includes the development of the advanced engine 
components necessary to adapt the ATEGG core gas 

generator into a complete engine to meet specific systems requirements. 

Current programs in the turbine engine component 

development area include the application of advanced 

high temperature and composite materials in future 

engine designs. The APSI program is also developing 

components sized to be compatible with the ATEGG 

hardware. The integration of APSI components with 

the ATEGG gas generators will establish a flex?ble 

turbine engine technology base for meeting the propulsion system requirements of future aircraft. 

Turbine Engine Development.-The Army completed 

the advanced development of two 1500-shp demonstrator gas tupbine engines in July 1971. The technology demonstration of this program provided the 

basis for a decision to initiate engineering development 

of the 1500-shp UTTAS engine. Significant reductions in engine weight and fuel consumption were 

demonstrated in this program. Advanced development 

of a small turbine advanced gas generator (STAGG) 

was initiated in June 1971 with competitive solicitations. Contracts were awarded to four engine manufacturers in November 1971. This advanced development will provide for the integration of turbine engine 

components investigated in the exploratory development program and will provide the nucleus for demonstrator or development engines oriented towards 

future Army aircraft and APU power plants. STAGG 

is directed toward engines with 3500 to 1000 shp 

outputs. 

Survivable Flight Control System Development Program (SFCS).-The objective of this program is to 

develop technology to increase the tactical survivability of future aircraft by reduction in vulnerability 

of present complex hydro-mechanical flight control 

systems. Flight tests will demonstrate the principles of 

component separation, redundancy, and hardening as 

applied to aircraft primary flight control systems by 

use of an all-electronic control system and integrated 

hydraulic servo-actuator package. Thc all-electronic 

system will decrease vulnerability of the control linkages from the pilot’s control stick to the surface actuators, while the integrated servo-actuator package will 

decrease vulnerability of the power source for the control actuators. The integration of both normal and 

backup operation into a single unit permits keeping 

the weight to a minimum while increasing survivability 

and reliability. 

The first of a series of flight tests was made in April 

1970 and demonstrated the integrated actuator package portion of the system which provides for emergency control for a “get-home-and-land” capability 

in the event normal hydraulic power to the stabilator 

is lost or rendered inoperative from battle damage. 

The actuator exceeded performance expectations 

54 

beyond the required emergency flight envelope. This 

demonstration represents a significant step in the development of the complete fly-by-electrical-wire control system. 

Phase I performance testing was continued in 1971. 

The emergency get-home-and-land capability of the 

Simplex integrated actuator package in the longitudinal flight control control system of the F-4 test 

aircraft exceeded design predictions. 

Phase I1 flight testing of a three-axis, quadruplyredundant fly-by-wire system is scheduled to begin in 

early 1972. 

Aircrajt Component Development Crash-Resistant 

Fuel System.-To reduce post crash fire casualties 

significantly, a new crash-resistant fuel system for 

Army helicopters has been developed. First tanks were 

installed beginning in 1970 and the program will be 

completed by 1975. Accident data for helicopters 

equipped with the system clearly depict its effectiveness. To date there have been no thermal injuries or 

fatalities recorded in a survivable crash in which the 

crash-resistant fuel system was installed. 

Fly-by- Wire Contro1.-The advanced development 

program continues on the Tactical Aircraft Guidance 

System (TAGS) which is designed to replace all 

mechanical controls, stability augmenting systems, and 

navigation systems with highly reliable, redundant 

electronic controls to improve all-weather mission 

reliability and reduce pilot training time. A joint US. 

ArmyiCanadian government test program using CH47B helicopters is now in progress. 

Circulation Control Rotor.-The Navy has performed 

two-dimensional wind-tunnel tests of the Circulation 

Control Rotor (CCR) concept which demonstrated 

good correlation with theory. Substantial increases in 

blade section lift coefficient at zero angle of attack are 

possible with consequently improved lift capability 

over standard rotor configurations. An improvement 

in helicopter operational speeds appears to be feasible 

using this concept. A six-foot CCR model has been 

built for wind tunnel and hover testing for proof of 

the concept. This test will be followed by more refined 

and optimized test models and investigations of structural, dynamic and manufacturing characteristics of 

the CCR for ultimate application to full-scale flight 

vehicles. 

Medical Projects.-The Naval Aerospace Medical 

Research Laboratory (NAMRL) at Pensacola, 

Florida, continued to conduct aeronautics and spacerelated medical tasks. A study on the physiological 

effects of long term exposure of mice to low magnetic 

fields was completed with normal findings. Vestibular 

studies included the calibration of susceptibility to motion sickness, adaptation, and training at normal grav;ty 

to overcome motion sickness in the weightless condi- 
tion, and the development of hardware to test vestibular function in flight. The effects of radiation are being 

measured for the Apollo 14 flight, for flight at SST 

altitudes, and for flight at commerical altitudes. 

Methods for evaluating the vector cardiogram under 

weightless conditions for SKY LAB, the effects of enhancing tolerance to gravitational forces through use 

of lower body negative pressure, and the preflight study 

of primates in long duration weightlessness are continuing. The NAMRL detachment at New Orleans has 

started an investigation to determine the dynamic 

response of humans to impact acceleration. 

Aerodynamics.-The Services are conducting aerodynamic investigations in several areas which appear to 

have potentially high payoffs in improved aircraft 

performance. These include an improved family of 

airfoils, conformal carriage of external stores and the 

canard configuration. Full-scale flight tests of the supercritical wing have been encouraging. Analytical and 

experimental work on this new class of airfoils is continuing. Analysis and wind-tunnel tests of conformal 

carriage of weapons have indicated potential decreases 

in drag and impmvement in aircraft range. An F-4 

aircraft is being configured for full-scale flight tests of 

the concept. Wind-tunnel tests of a generalized 

canard/wing/fuselage research model have been conducted at subsonic and supersonic speeds. Results indicate improvements in lift and buffet. This work is 

continuing in an attempt to develop a rational theory 

of canard/wing interference. 

Relationship With Other Government Agencies 

The Department of Defense continued clwe coordination and cooperation with ather Government agencies. 

Four military officers (two Air Force, one Navy, and 

one Army) are assigned to the National Aeronautics 

and Space Council in the Executive Office of the President and 132 military personnel assigned to NASA 

(69 Air Force, 22 Navy, 38 Army, and 3 Marine 

Corps). Other areas of cooperation and coordination 

are described below. 

Aeronautics and Astronautics Coordinating Board 

(AACB) .-The AACB met four times during the past 

calendar year. In performing its functions as the 

principal coordinating mechanism between the DOD 

and NASA in space and aeronautics, the Board gave 

special consideration to a number of items. The Board 

continued to examine the NASA Space Shuttle activities and the implications to DOD for the future 

operational use of the Shuttle. The Board recognized 

that, while knowledgeable DOD and NASA elements 

are convinced of the need for large new aeronautical 

facilities (Large Engine Test Facility, Full Scale Subsonic Tunnel, and High Reynolds Number Tunnel). 

there are important segments of the aeronautics industry, educational institutions and the government that 

are not convinced of this need. Other items that received attention during the year include the current 

family of launch vehicles for space, the general area of 

communications and data relay satellites, and navigation and air traffic control satellites. Through its 

Aeronautics Panel, the Board has stimulated coordinating efforts within the Army, Navy, and the Air 

Force and NASA on the problem of spin and stall 

research. 

Aerospace Feeding Systems.-Extensive storage test 

and periodic evaluations for texture and flavor are in 

progress on a variety of dehydrated foods used aboard 

the different space flights. Nutritional analysis of these 

and other space foods before and after storage is also 

being conducted. Four flexibly packaged, thermally 

stabilized meat products were produced in-house and 

supplied for Apollo 14. Two new flex?bly packaged 

meat products, hamburgers and beef steak, were added 

to Apollo 15. Technical assistance has been provided 

to NASA on draft SKYLAB specifications for microbiological inspection procedures and is continuing in 

proposed food specifications. 

Apollo Mission Support.-The U.S. Army Engineer 

Waterways Experiment Station developed and provided information to NASA and its contractors concerning the mobility of the Lunar Roving Vehicle. This 

information provided the principal basis for the design 

of the vehicle and plans for its deployment on the lunar 

surface on the recent Apollo 15 mission. 

Remote Sensing Oceanography (RTOC) Project.- 

The Navy established under the Oceanographer of 

the Navy a Remote Sensing Oceanography (RSOC) 

Project to provide focus for related efforts under way 

at various Navy laboratories, and to promote applications of aihorne and spaceborne sensing techniques 

developed under the NASA Earth Resources Survey 

Program to Navy oceanographic environmental-dataacquisition problems. The Navy participates in the 

NASA Earth Resources Survey Program by representation on the Earth Resources Survey Program 

Review Committee and through program support p’y~. 

vided by the RSOC Project. Navy consultants assisted 

NASA in reviewing proposals submitted for Earth Resources Technology (ERTS) and Earth Resources 

Experiment Package (SKYLAB) experiments direoted 

toward oceanographic applications, and provided 

membership for the Earth Observatory Satellite Mission Review Group. 

Other cooperative experiments in the RSOC Project 

include a joint Navy/NASA/National Marine Fisheries Service experiment conducted over the Gulf of 

California in early 1971 to refine techniques of extracting sea-surface temperature data from satellite infrared imaging and a Navy/NASA/NOAA airborne 

microwave experiment to derive sea surface roughness 

data under all-weather conditions. 

55 
V Atomic Energy Commission 

Introduction 

Effort continued during 1971 on the development of 

nuclear power systems for future space applications 

both for propulsion and for on-board electrical power. 

Highlight events include the following : 

Nuclear Space Power-Two more SNAP-27 radioisotope generators were placed in operation oq the 

moon by Apollo-14 and -15 astronauts. The SNAP-27 

deployed during the Apollo-12 mission in November 

1969 has performed exceptionally well ,beyond its 1 

year design life objective. 

All the isotope power units in space continued to 

operate beyond their design life goals with the first 

nuclear space power unit (SNAP-3A) passing its tenth 

anniversary in orbit. 

The flight generator for use on the Navy’s advanced 

Transit navigation satellite was accepted by the AEC. 

Modified SNAP-19 generators were delivered to 

NASA for use on the Pioneer F Jupiter Fly-by mission 

scheduled for an early 1972 launch. 

Requests were received and accepted by the Commission to provide the modular multi-hundred watt 

isotope generator for use on the DOD’s experimental 

communication satellites (LES-8 and -9) and for 

NASA’s Grand Tour missions to the outer planets 

starting in 1976. 

A study was completed, jointly with the Air Force, 

concerning the use of a multi-kilowatt reactorthermoelectric system on an unmanned military satellite mission. Such a system is potenttially much lower 

in costs than competitive power systems. 

Nuclear Rockets.-Although funding restrictions have 

slowed progress in the development of the nuclear 

rocket propulsion (NERVA) system, technical progress continues and a capability has been retained for 

future resumption of the full development program. 

Space Electric Power 

The objective of the joint AEC-NASA space electric 

power program is to provide operational systems and 

advanced technology development which will satisfy 

the need for nuclear electric power in space applications. During 1971, the major emphasis was on operational systems for the near-term national space 

program. Some effort was also continued on several 

56 

other technology areas which are candidate systems 

for future space missions. 

Space Radioisotope Power Systems 

Operating Systems in Space.-Two additional 

SNAP-27 units were deployed on the moon during 

1971 by the Apollo-14 and -15 astronauts. These two 

units joined the earlier SNAP-27 unit placed on the 

moon by the Apollo-12 astronauts and are providing 

the electrical power for a network of three scientific 

stations at different locations on the surface of the 

moon. Each station has a design life of 1 year, but the 

first SNAP-27-deployed on the moon in November 1969-is still exceeding its design power (63 watts) 

after over 2 years of operation, enabling the experiment 

station to continue operation. The network of three 

stations makes it possible to pin-point the origin of 

seismic events, and to obtain more accurate data on 

magnetic and charged-particle fields. Additional 

SNAP-27 generators have been delivered to NASA 

for use on the planned Apollo-16 and -17 missions 

in 1972. 

Three other isotope generator systems launched during the 1960’s, i.e., SNAP-JA, SNAP-SA, and SNAP19 still continue to operate though at significantly 

reduced power levels. The grapefruit-sized SNAP-3A, 

the first isotope generator to be orbited in space, passed 

its tenth anniversary of continuous operation aboard 

a navigational satellite during 197 1. 

Transit Generator.-Fabrication and testing of the 

5-year-life Transit generator for the Navy’s advanced 

navigational satellite was continued. The first complete, electrically heated unit was delivered to the 

Navy for spacecraft integration efforts early in 1971. 

A complete plutonium-238 fueled ground-test unit 

was tested at mid-year, and the flight generator was 

fabricated and accepted by the AEC late in 1971. 

Pioneer Generator.-Modified SNAP-19 generators 

are being developed for use as the sole electrical power 

source of NASA’s Pioneer Jupiter Flyby missions scheduled for launching in early 1972 and 1973. Fabrication 

of four isotopically fueled prototype generators for 

NASA spacecraft integration efforts was completed 

and the generators were delivered to NASA early in 

1971. 
While undergoing testing with the spacecraft, the 

generators exhibited more power degradation than was 

expected, The generators were returned to the AEC 

where the refractory metal components in the heat 

source were found to be embrittled and, in some cases, 

cracked. Corrections were made and new generators 

with new heat sources were fabricated and delivered to 

NASA. late in 1971. 

Viking Generator.-Modified SNAP-19 generators 

are also planned for use with the NASA Viking Mars 

Lander missions scheduled for launch in 1975. Two 

electrically heated generators were fabricated and were 

delivered to NASA in May 1971 for early spacecraft 

integration tests. Further Viking efforts were deferred 

during the last half of 1971 until the Pioneer problems 

could be solved. 

Multi-Hundred Watt Generator.-A modular multihundred watt (MHW) generator is under development as a basic building block for space power systems in the 100 to 1,000 watts of electricity range. 

This generator technology program has been underway 

since 1969. In 1971, the AEC accepted a requirement 

from the Department of Defense (DOD) to deliver 

MHW generators for use on the Lincoln Laboratories 

Experimental Communications Satellites, LES8 and 

-9. With the approval of the Grand Tour missions to 

the outer planets, NASA also requested the AEC to 

support those missions by developing the MHW generator to meet the stringent lifetime (10 years) and 

weight constraints of the Grand Tour missions. The 

first Grand Tour mission is scheduled for launch in 

1976. 

Extensive testing of the MHW generator and heat 

source materials and components was conducted during 1971. The first electrically heated MHW test-bed 

generator, employing siliwn-germanium ( SiGe) 

thermoelectric materials and high-temperature, vacuum foil-type thermal insulation, was fabricated and 

tested during 1971. 

Space Zsotopic Fuel Development.-Efforts in 1971 

were concentrated on the plutonium-molybdenum 

cermet fuel form for the Pioneer, Transit, and Viking 

programs and a pressed plutonium-oxide fuel form for 

possible use with future generators. Investigations continued, at a reduced level, on Curium-244, an alternate space fuel which potentially offers significantly 

reduced fuel wsts. 

Space Reactor Power Systems 

Zirconium-Hydride R e a c t o r.-The ZirconiumHydride reactor can be used with several conversion 

systems. The AEC is pursuing the development of 

the compact thermoelectric conversion system. The 

reactor-thermoelectric system provides a long-lived 

power system of high reliability and simplicity from a 

few kilowatts up to around 35 kilowatts of electricity. 

This makes a reactor system which is cost effective and 

very attractive for high-powered unmanned satellite 

applications such as military and communications 

satellites. A similar, but heavier, shielded version of 

this reactor-thermoelectric system is also of interest for 

the manned space missions of the 1980's. 

During 1971, the AEC, jointly with the Air Force, 

studied the use of a multi-kilowatt reactor-thermoelectric system for an unmanned military satellite. This 

study showed the potential usefulness of a reactor 

power system for operational satellites of this type, but 

final selection of the power system must await results 

of further flight tests of various spacecraft components 

in the near future. 

The AEC will also provide NASA a larger zirwnium-hydride reactor for use in a combined systems 

test at the NASA Plumbrook facility in the mid-1970's. 

This reactor will be operated under space-simulated 

conditions in conjunction with a dynamic Brayton 

(closed gas cycle) conversion system currently being 

developed by NASA. 

Thermionic Reactor.-Progress continued on the development of the thermionic fuel element and fabrication of an experimental reactor to be operated in the 

late 1970's. This reactor will convert heat to electricity 

within the reactor core and be capable of long endurance operation. Emphasis is currently directed toward 

demonstration of a full-length thermionic fuel element, 

the first of which was tested in a reactor during 1971. 

The in-core thermionic reactor power system is a highperformance source of power which can provide an 

electrical propulsion capability for missions to the outer 

planets or to perform comet rendezvous missions, e.g., 

with Halley's Comet (which would require a launch 

in 1983). When developed, the thermionic concept 

may also be used for high-power requirements for 

manned space laboratories and advanced unmanned 

satellites. 

Nuclear Rocket Program 

The major objective of the joint AEC-NASA space 

nuclear propulsion program is the development of the 

NERVA (Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application) flight-rated engine for a variety of space flight 

missions. This flight engine development is based on 

technology stemming from many years of research and 

experimental investigations. The program also includes 

a variety of advanced research and technology activities conducted to support the NERVA development 

effort and to explore novel concepts for applying both 

fission and fusion to propulsion. 

NERVA Development.-NERVA development progress during 1971 was marked by the completion and 

review of the NERVA engine and nuclear subsystem 

baseline design and the initiation of engine and reactor 

component detailed design and development activities. 

57 
The original plan for this period called for the completion of the detailed engine design and the initiation 

of the detailed design of all engine components. However, fiscal year (FY) 1972 (ending June 30, 1972) 

funding restrictions became known at the beginning 

of the calendar year which necessitated the deferral of 

this design approach and a reduction of NERVA development activities to the design and development of 

selected critical engine and reactor hardware. By 

adapting this approach, technical progress continued 

and a capability was retained which would permit 

future resumption of the full development program. 

Nuclear subsystem design and development activities consisted primarily of work on the reactor fuel 

elements, core support structure and periphery components ; and, materials research and analysis. 

Fuel element development activities continued to be 

directed toward achieving the 10-hour, multiple-cycle 

performance goal established for the NERVA engine. 

It had been planned to test two of the prime NERVA 

fuel element candidates in the Los Alamos Scientific 

Laboratory (LASL) Pewee-2 reactor during 197 1. 

However, the funding restrictions forced the cancellation of the Pewee-2 reactor test program. Laboratory 

work on those elements was continued, and it is now 

planned to test representative samples in the LASL 

Nuclear Furnace early in 1972. 

In addition to the fuel element development activities, work is continuing on materials and fabrication 

processes. 

Advanced Research and Development.-AX- funded 

activities in space propulsion advanced research 

and technology activities were directed toward 

increasing the performance level of solid-core nuclear 

rocket engines and the investigation of advanced nuclear propulsion concepts. LASL is the principal contributor to advanced research and technology. During 

1971, the emphasis of the LASL effort was on the development of graphite-carbide composite materials 

along with work on advanced carbide fuel materials 

for possible use in advanced solid-core reactors. In addition to solid-core nuclear rocket reactor technology 

activities during 1971, work also continued at LASL 

on advanced propulsion concepts. Most of this effort 

was devoted to pulsed-propulsion studies and laser 

research. 

SATELLITE-BASED DETECTION OF NUCLEAR 

EXPLOSIONS IN SPACE AND THE ATMOSPHERE 

Vela satellites (carrying neutron, gamma ray, x-ray, 

optical and electromagnetic pulse detection systems) 

continued to perform a monitoring function for possible clandestine nuclear testing in the atmosphere and 

in space during 1971. They also are continuing to provide valuable information to scientists on the nature of 

solar x-rays, the solar wind, and other natural 

phenomena. 

The joint AEC-DOD satellite based detection program began in 1963 with subsequent launches in 1964, 

1965, 1967, 1969 and the last launch in 1970. Each 

launch successfully placed AEC-instrumented twin 

satellites into near-circular orbits about the earth at 

an altitude of approximately 65,000 nautical miles. 

VI Department of State 

Introduction 

Expansion of international space cooperation in support of foreign policy objectives and the National 

Aeronautics and Space Act was again a matter of 

high priority to the Department of State during 1971. 

Attention continued to be focused during the year both 

on expanded cooperation with individual countries and 

on space endeavors with multilateral and international 

organizations. 

Progress in international space affairs during 1971 

included continued discussions with foreign officials on 

participation in major new US space programs in the 

'70s and '8Os, increased possibilities for cooperative 

activities with the Soviet Union, significant developments in international cooperation in communication 

satellite systems, several new bilateral space cooperation agreements, and expansion of interest and activities in earth resources survey satellite programs. 

Activities Within the United Nations.-The Legal 

Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on 

the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space reached agreement 

in June 1971 on a draft international convention on 

58 
liability for damage caused by objects launched into 

outer space. The convention was subsequently adopted 

by the parent committee and received the endorsement 

of the General Assembly at its 26th session. It is expected that the convention will be opened for signature by UN members early in 1972. 

These actions culminated eight years of difficult negotiations. In the US view the convention establishes 

an international legal basis for the prompt and reasonable settlement of claims for damage caused by returning space objects or fragments and represents a 

significant advance in the development of space law. 

Also during 1971 the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the Outer Space Committee agreed on 

the establishment of a Working Group on the Remote 

Sensing of the Earth by Satellites. The Working Group 

held an organizational meeting in September. Its substantive work will be keyed to the availability of appropriate data from the NASA experimental Earth 

Resources Technology Satellite ERTS-A, scheduled 

for launch early in 1972. 

In response to the growing international interest in 

the possible applications of earth resource surveys, 

the United States was host in May to the first UN 

Panel on Remote Sensing. The panel visited the University of Michigan, Purdue University, the NASA 

Manned Spacecraft Center at Houston and the Goddard Space Flight Center near Washington. The 

Panel was a project of the UN Expert on Space Applications in his program of promoting the study of 

possible applications of space technology, in particular 

as they may be relevant for developing countries. An 

expanded 1972 program for the Expert was supported 

by the United States and approved by the Outer Space 

Committee and the General Assembly in late 1971. 

Cooperation With Europe.-Discussions undertaken in 

1970 with European space officials regarding possible 

participation in the US post-Apollo program continued during 1971. Questions on possible arrangements for European participation in the development and use of a new space transportation system 

and several variations of Research Application 

Modules were explored with representatives of the 

European Space Conference at a meeting in Washington in February hosted by the Under Secretary 

of State for Political Affairs. Additional meetings 

of technical experts were held in October in 

Paris and December in Washington to further 

define possible areas for European participation in 

the whole range of NASA programs throughout the 

rest of the 1970s. The Department also continued to 

facilitate the participation of European firms in study 

efforts on post-Apollo programs by US industries. 

The Western European Union Committee on 

Scientific, Technological and Aerospace Questions 

initiated a study in 1971 of European participation 

in the US post-Apollo program. In support d the 

study, and at the request of the Committee, the Department made arrangements for Committee members to discuss the subject with US officials and visit 

space installations during a one-week visit in October. 

At the request of NASA, in October the Department instructed our Embassy in Rome to open discussions with Italian authorities on a renewal of the 

bilateral agreement for launchings of NASA satellites 

by Italian crews from the San Marco platform off the 

coast of Kenya. In view of the highly successful launch 

operations to date from the San Marco facility and 

with the next NASA satellite to be launched from the 

site now scheduled for late 1972, an extension of the 

bilateral beyond its December 31, 1971, expiration 

date was requested. As the year ended, agreement in 

principle for a renewal had been reached with the 

Italian government and an exchange of diplomatic 

notes was expected momentarily. 

At the initiative of British space officials, discussions 

with NASA during 1971 produced an understanding 

on arrangements for launchings of Britis'h satellites by 

NASA on a reimbursable basis. An exchange of diplomatic notes to confirm the provisions of a Memorandum of Understanding between NASA and the 

British Department of Trade and Industry is expected 

early in 1972. 

Cooperative sounding rocket activities with European countries continued in 1971. The Department 

provided assistance as NASA concluded two new arrangements with the Norwegian Council for Scientific 

and Industrial Research and the French National 

Center for Space Studies for additional scientific 

sounding rocket projects. 

Cooperation With Canada.-Discussions with Canadian officials begun in 1970 and continued in 1971 

culminated in May in the conclusion of a ]bilateral 

agreement with Canada for a cooperative Communications Technology Satellite (CTS) project. The 

CTS project is designed to advance the level of technology in telecommunications via satellites by developing new equipment and conducting experiments with 

a Canadian-built satellite launched by NASA. 

Another significant development in the long history 

of fruitful cooperation in space activities with Canada 

took place in April when a bilateral agreement covering a joint program in the field of experimental remote 

sensing from satellites and aircraft was concluded. 

Under the agreement Canada will build ground stations in Canada to receive data from NASA's Earth 

Resources Technology Satellites (ERTS) as part of 

a joint program to study the application of remote 

sensing to the detection of environmental conditions 

at and near the surface of the earth. 

In December agreement was reached on an exchange 

of diplomatic notes with the Canadian Government to 

confirm provisions for the establishment and operation 

of a tracking and communications facility near St. 

462-3l6 0-72-5 59 
John’s, Newfoundland, in support of NASA’s Skylab 

project operations now scheduled for 1973. The facility 

will consist mainly of transportable equipment which 

will be removed at the conclusion of Skylab operations. 

Other NASA activities in Canada in 1971 arranged 

by the Department included geological training for 

Apollo astronauts at Sud,bury Crater in July and a 

series of sounding rocket launches during the year 

from the Fox-Main Dewline station in northern 

Canada. 

Cooperation With Japan.-Space cooperation between 

the United States and Japan during 1971 was dominated by an increased flow of space technology to 

Japan, as authorized under terms of the 1969 US/ 

Japanese Space Cooperation Agreement. This technology, being transferred under US/ Japanese industry 

arrangements subject to approval of the Department’s 

Office of Munitions Control, is to be used in Japanese 

efforts to develop a space launch vehicle and a number 

of scientific and practical applications satellites. 

As a matter of maintaining close coordination with 

Japan on its launch vehicle and satellite development 

programs, the Department hosted a meeting in July 

of US space officials and the President of the Japanese 

National Space Development Agency. 

The Department also participated with NASA in 

meetings with a special committee of the Japanese 

Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren) , which visited the United States in July to gather information on possible participation in the post-Apollo 

program by Japan. The report and recommendations 

of ,the special committee will contribute to decisions 

by the Japanese government with respect to postApollo and other long range plans for space cooperation with the United States and other nations. 

Cooperation With the Soviet Union.-Our long standing efforts to engage the Soviet Union in a significant 

measure of cooperation in space activities proved unusually fruitful in 1971. Of particular note was the 

exchange between NASA and the Soviet Academy of 

Sciences of samples of lunar soil obtained in US and 

Soviet lunar exploration missions. 

In January, officials of NASA and the Soviet Academy of Sciences met in Moscow and agreed to establish 

joint working groups to examine the possibilities for 

collaboration in specific space tasks in such areas as 

space meteorology, biology and medicine, the study of 

the natural environment, and the exploration of the 

moon and planets. Subsequent meetings of these working groups in August and October further developed 

subjects and tasks in these areas for more concentrated 

consideration. 

In late 1970 the US and the Soviet Union agreed to 

discuss the possibilities of defining the means and 

equipment which would at some time in the future 

enable US and Soviet manned spacecraft to rendezvous and dock during space operations. These discussions continued in 1971 as groups of US and Soviet 

experts met in June and November to more clearly 

define compatible rendemus and docking systems, 

techniques and equipment. The group of experts also 

made significant progress in describing a possible 

demonstration in orbit of these compatible systems 

using US Apollo and Skylab and Soviet Soyuz and 

Salyut equipment. Such a demonstration could be 

conducted in the next few years. 

Communications Satellites.-The negotiations of the 

Definitive Agreements for the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Intelsat) which 

were begun in February, 1969, were successfully concluded in May. The Definitive Agreements will replace 

the Interim Arrangements negotiated in 1964 by eleven 

countries, including the United States, and which 

eighty-one countries have now signed. The Definitive 

Agreements consist of an Intergovernmental Agreement to be signed by governments of participating 

countries, and an Operating Agreement to be signed by 

the governments themselves or by the telecommunications entities designated by the member governments. 

The United States has signed the Intergovernmental 

Agreement and the Communications Satellite Corporation was designated to sign the Operating Agreement 

for the United States. These Agreements will come into 

force when they have been signed and ratified by twothirds of the signatories to the Interim Arrangements 

holding two-thirds of the investment in the system. It is 

expected this will occur after mid-1972. 

During 1971 four countries acceded to the Interim 

Arrangements bringing the total membership to 

eighty-one countries. The new members are Mauritania, Malagasy Republic, Gabon and Ghana. 

In March the first satellite of the Intelsat IV series 

was put into commercial service over the Atlantic 

Ocean. It has a capacity of 3,000 to 9,000 telephone 

circuits depending upon antenna configuration, or 12 

television channels, or certain combinations of telephone, television, data and other forms of communications traffic. Tshe Intelsat IV series will augment the 

global circuit capacity now provided by Intelsat I11 

satellites in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean 

basins. 

Access to the Intelsat satellites increased as the result of the construction of nine new antennas during 

1971. It is estimated that at the end of 1971 there will 

be 62 antennas at 51 ground stations in 38 countries. 

Worldwide usage of the Intelsat system was stimulated during 1971 by a 25% reduction on the first of 

January of the charge for full-time and occasional use 

(except television) of an Intelsat circuit. A further 

reduction of at least 13% is planned to go into effect 

January 1, 1972. The total number of full-time circuits using Intelsat statellites at the end of October 
represented an increase of 38% over those in use at the 

end of October 1970. 

The World Administrative Radio Conference for 

Space Telecommunications (WARC-ST) was held at 

Geneva in June and July under the auspices of the 

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) , to 

revise the International Radio Regulations as they 

apply to space telecommunications. The new provisions, which take into account recent and anticipated 

technological advances, will come into force on January 1, 1973, superseding those adopted in 1963. 

The US objectives in the Conference were, in general, either achieved or acceptable compromises were 

worked out. While broadcasting satellites proved to be 

the most contentious issue of the Conference, in the 

end, besides adopting radio frequency allocations ior 

broadcasting satellites, the Conference passed a resolution calling for a World and/or Regional Broadcasting 

Satellite Planning Conference. Technical coordination 

procedures were also adopted permitting the establishment of such satellites until that Conference is held, 

which will probably not be until 1975 at the earliest. 

New provisions were also established in respect to 

other space telecommunication requirements, such as 

additional frequency allocations for communication 

satellites, space research, and radio astronomy; new 

allocations for earth exploration satellites; and new 

procedures for the coordination and use of radio frequencies and the geostationary orbit. 

ApoZlo Program Support.-The Department and its 

posts overseas continued their support during 1971 of 

the Apollo program by arranging for basing of recovery, tracking and other support forces at foreign 

installations for Apollo 14 and 15 missions. Apollo contingency recovery procedures in the event of an emergency landing were also again activated for the two 

missions. 

Facilities of the Department and its overseas posts 

continued to support NASA’s lunar samples investigation program by transporting and handling lunar 

samples consigned to foreign scientists for experiments 

and lunar material being returned to NASA after completion of analysis abroad. 

Aeronautical Service Satellites.-Exploratory meetings were held during 1971 between the United States, 

and member countries of the European Space Research 

Organization (ESRO) , and Australia, Canada, Ireland, Japan, the Philippines and Portugal to consider 

an experimental program to test the feasibility of using 

aeronautical satellites for air traffic control and related 

civil aviation purposes in the Atlantic and Pacific 

Ocean basins. Because air traffic control technologies 

and procedures must be integrated and coordinated on 

a global basis to ensure the safety of life and property, 

a major objective of the United States in these meetings has been to establish the basis for a program with 

broad international participation in the pre-operational 

test and evaluation. Such participation would facilitate 

the emergence and widespread acceptance of standards 

for use of aeronautical satellites beyond the experimental period. 

Earth Resources Survey Programs.-As part of our 

pledge to the United Nations, the Department of State 

co-sponsored with other US government agencies a 

ten-day workshop on remote sensing at the University 

of Michigan Ann Arbor campus in May. The workshop was designed to meet in particular the needs of 

the small countries. Invitations. to the workshop were 

extended through the offices of the United Nations, 

with representatives from forty foreign countries and 

sixteen international organizations attending the 

sessions. 

The US was also represented at a seminar on remote 

sensing held in November in Ankara, Turkey, under 

the auspices of the Central Treaty Organization 

(CENTO) . In addition to the bilateral agreement with Canada 

on remote sensing from aircraft and satellites, reported 

above, the agreement with Brazil on earth resources 

survey projects was extended for an additional two 

years in February. Extension of a similar bilateral with 

Mexico was being considered at year’s end with a 

formal extension expected early in 1972. 

Technology Transfer.-The Department of State’s 

Office of Munitions Control continued its efforts aimed 

at reducing the number of space-related items covered 

by export controls in the International Traffic in Arms 

Regulations. The increased number of license requests 

processed by the Office of Munitions Control in 1971 

for export of space-related hardware and technology 

to foreign space programs included technical assistance 

and equipment for the Japanese Launch Vehicle and 

Satellite Development Program, the NASA-German 

Helios satellite, the United Kingdom Defense Communication Satellite (Skynet 11) , and most recently 

the NATO Satellite Communications (Phase 111) 

System. In addition, during 1971 an increasing number of applications for technical cooperation between 

foreign industry and US industry were processed in 

conjunction with studies on post-Apollo programs, including the proposed Space Transportation System 

program. 

Cooperation With the Department of Defense.-The 

Department of State continued to work closely with 

the Department of Defense throughout 1971 on military related space activities having international implications. Improvements in the NATO Satellite Communications System continued with earth terminals in 

Belgium, Italy, and Germany having conducted satellite communications tests during the year. The terminal 

at Norfolk, Virginia is now scheduled to be operational 
in February 1972. The NATO Satellite Communications (Phase 11) System is expected to be operational 

by mid-1972. 

Cooperation with the United Kingdom on the development of the Skynet space communication system 

Continued throughout the year. Despite the malfunction of some components shortly after launch in 1970, 

the back-up Skynet I satellite remains operational. 

Work on the design and construction of the second 

generation Skynet satellite proceeded normally during 

the past year with the initial Skynet I1 launch planned 

for mid-1973. 

VI1 mi Department of Transportation 

c, srAns 4 

Introduction 

During the past year the Department of Transportation made considerable progress in its research programs relating to operations and utilization of 

techniques and hardware generated by the aeronautics 

and space activities. There. are notable successes and 

one significant disappointment. A major advantage 

derived from the establishment of the Department is 

evident from the manner in which research and engineering activities sponsored, coordinated and conducted by the various elements of the Department 

are combined in an effective effort toward solution of 

transportation problems. The great disappointment 

was the cancellation of the US. SST program which 

is considered a major setback in aeronautical development progress. 

Within the Department, the Assistant Secretary for 

Systems Development and Technology has the function of leading the research and development efforts of 

all DOT elements in addition to conducting a research 

program under his own direction. A Research and Development Management Council, established last year 

to facilitate the coordination efforts between the organizational elements of DOT, continued its role to assure 

that the intermodal aspects of any research project are 

fully considered, that no unnecessary duplication 

exists, and that effective utilization is made of the 

Transportation Systems Center and other departmental research and development facilities. 

Through such mechanisms, and by bringing the Secretary’s broader perspective to bear on the Department’s research and development budgets, significant 

improvements are underway in the management of 

all of DOT’S research and development effort, including aeronautical R&D. 

The Civil Aviation Research and Development 

Policy Study (CARD) mentioned in last year’s report, sponsored jointly by the Office of the Secretary 

of Transportation, the National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration was completed in March 1971 and has 

been characterized as the most comprehensive, inhouse interagency aviation activity that has been 

undertaken in recent years. The study was collaborated 

in and supported by the DOD, as well as by the CAB. 

Industry, academia, and local government organizations participated by both direct involved contribution and by top management advice. 

In the 25 years since the end of World War 11, the 

growth of the air transport system has been spectacular, 

and has had a major impact on the way of life in the 

United States. This rapid growth has generated major 

problems which restrain continued increases in commercial aviation. Allowing constraints to continue 

would not only result in a deterioration in service to 

the public, but would limit the potential growth of 

the economy and even the freedom of choice. 

The problems that have beset the air transportation 

industry are not exclusive to that mode. One of the 

earliest of the systematic studies to develop solutions 

for the new decade was the Northeast Corridor Transportation Project (NECTP) , which in essence, focused 

upon implementation and current technology. It considered the near-term opportunities for new technical 

applications during the period between now and 1976 

and utilization for the rest of the decade. The CARD 

Policy Study focused on development and particularly 

on new technical developments which could be 

achieved and implemented by the mid-70’s or ,beyond. 

Therefore, the conclusions of the NECTP Report emphasized implementation in the near-term transportation technology and identified new options to be 

evaluated. 

Both studies concluded that substantial effort was 

required in the air and ground systems to improve the 

62 
environmental quality of the transportation, to relieve 

congestion, and to improve short-haul efficiency. 

There were new aerospace technology applications 

identified. As a clear example of the commonness of 

purpose, in the area of access and egress to an airport, 

the desirability of implementing high-speed ground 

service between a major center's central business district and an airport serving long-haul operations was 

emphasized by the CARD Policy Study. Such a system is certainly compatible with the recommendations 

of the NECTP, whether it is an ancillary service provided by a high density corridor operation or the local 

service Drovided by a metroDolitan district. 

Basic recommendations of the CARD Policy Study 

include: 

Noise Abatement.-Because the problem is severe, 

noise abatement has been identified as the highest 

priority for aeronautical research and development. 

The research programs are addressed at the reduction of noise at the source, the optimization of aircraft 

flight path in terms of noise abatement, and identification of compatible land use in the vicinity of airports. 

Air Pollution.-Although aviation has not been the 

major contributor to air pollution, as the number of 

aircraft increases and the quantity of pollutants contributed from other sources is curbed, aviation must 

minimize the amount of pollutants emitted. Improved 

aviation fuels and engines will consider pollutant emissions a fundamental design parameter. 

Congestion.-Congestion at various points in the air 

transportation system is a complex problem and has 

several elements. Congestion in the terminal air traffic 

control and air navigation system has caused quotas 

to be placed on air traffic activity at major terminals. 

Planned near-term development efforts, and longterm R&D efforts will produce a high capacity air 

traffic control system. Terminal congestion is usually 

expressed in terms of aircraft in the holding pattern, 

or aircraft awaiting takeoff. Airport congestion arises 

in the process of movement of goods and serviecs within 

the airport, as well as in access to the airport and in 

the efficient processing of passengers, cargo, and baggage. 

Low-Density Short-Haul.-The CARD Policy Study 

concluded that while noise and congestion constitute 

a most urgent problem, solutions to the problem of lowdensity short-haul, or regional service are important 

to the future growth of civil aviation and can play a 

major role in satisfying the national goal of balanced 

economic growth. 

Other R&D Requirements.-The long-haul market 

has been the .backbone of the air transport system. A 

continued effort in advancing the technology of efficient operations is required in order to maintain a 

growing productivity for commercial aircraft. 

Regulatory Actions.-The CARD report suggested 

that the government examine its regulatory role in several areas to be sure that current regulatory policies 

are not inhibiting innovation by industry. 

System-Wide Actions.-It was recognized that most 

development activities have been oriented almost entirely toward the physical sciences technologies. It is 

in the national interest to devise a set of indicators 

which can provide assessment of social impacts resulting from changes in service. 

A joint DOT/NASA CARD policy implementation 

group was formed to develop a plan for implementing 

the recommendations of the Study. A draft of the plan 

was completed. 

Increased emphasis has been added to the FAA's 

airport development and system engineering and development activities. This effort has been supported 

by a rapidly increasing capability at the Transportation System Center (TSC) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This organization is taking the lead responsibility 

for the long-range development program leading to a 

very high capacity traffic control system and several 

aerospace-related new activities. The Office of the Secretary is also assuring an integrated effort of the Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Highway Administration and the Urban Mass Tranport Administration in support of aviation interests. These activities 

utilized much aerospace developed technology in the 

form of control mechanisms, data processing, sensors 

and vehicle systems. 

Although the SST prototype development effort 

was terminated as a result of Congressional action in 

March 1971, certain key technology efforts were continued. These advanced technology projects were identified by a multi-agency review panel and represented 

carefully selected R&D projects. The Department recommended that they should be completed and documented to make the technology available in useful 

form to current and future air transportation designers. Passage of enabling legislation by Congress 

late in the year has assured the continuation of this 

vital effort. 

Regulation and Noise Abatement.-Accomplishments were made toward the completion and implementation of a noise certification regulation for all civil 

aircraft. Benefits accrued to residents near airports 

as the new civil transports were certified, meeting the 

new stringent Part 36 noise regulations. In addition, 

new regulations are being developed for existing aircraft, for supersonic aircdt, and for other special 

category aircraft. Demonstration programs have been 

initiated for the development of hardware to help sup63 
press existing jet engine noise. Contracts have been 

awarded and flight tests will .be conducted next year. 

A joint DOT/NASA noise abatement function has 

been established to provide overall leadership and to 

act as a focal point for a national program to solve 

the noise problems associated with current and planned 

transportation systems. 

Environmental planning guides for airports have 

been prepared and several areas of legislation have 

been developed. 

Aviation Safety-En Route Operations.-The following program areas typify efforts during the year by the 

Federal Aviation Administration to reduce or eliminate 

in-flight hazards: 

(a) Wake turbulence.-The program to reduce this hazard continued during the year and 

its progress included: (1) Completion of several 

milestones on laboratory testing using laser and 

acoustic devices; (2) beginning of field testing 

of two related but not identical acoustic devices, 

and initiation of a scale study of airport environment modification. 

(b) Aircraft piracy and sabotage.-A new 

weapon-detecting magnetometer and computer 

were installed and tested at Washington’s Dulles 

International Airport to screen passengers and 

luggage before boarding of the aircraft. Work 

was also continued on a concealed-weapon detector using X-rays, which thus far has been 

unacceptable on two counts-high radiation 

emission and poor image quality. 

(c) Midair-collision avoidance.-Efforts wntinued in the two basic areas of this problem, the 

collision-avoidance systems (CAS) and the pilotwarning indicator (PWI) . This included reviewing preliminary specifications for a family of 

PWI’s, conducting detailed flight testing, and 

establishing separation criteria. In the CAS area, 

efforts have been concentrated on evaluating collision-avoidance systems developed by private 

industry. 

(d) Head-up display.-Work continued on the 

problem of pilots flying VFR (visual flight rules) 

who sometinies lose visual reference and the 

ability to orient themselves. During the year, two 

types of simple head-up displays were tested. Additional tests are required before system certification can be made. 

Takeoff and Landing Operations.-Efforts to reduce 

hazards attending these phases of flying were directed 

notably to the following: 

(a) Wet-runway stopping distance.-A series 

of wet- and dry-runway tests were conducted to 

obtain better information on which to base runway-length requirements for airplanes on wet 

runways. Variable-slip runway friction tester and 

an instrumented nonflying test aircraft were used. 

Further studies will be conducted before standards 

may be issued. 

(b) Fog dispersal.-Fog, like other adverse 

weather conditions, can result in flight delays and 

reduce airline revenues. A study was completed 

which determined the effects of airport terrain 

featur’es on the design and cost of thermal fog 

dispersal systems. The conclusion reached was 

that no cost-benefit analysis pertaining to installation of a thermal fog dispersal system can be relied on unless specific terrain effects are taken into 

consideration. Two major programs were initiated to evaluate such installations in a systematic 

way. 

Post Crash Safety.-Significant results were obtained 

in the following areas: 

(a) Gelled fuels.-Effort in testing gelled 

fuels to reduce post crash fire hazards continued. 

Results have shown that a number of gelled fuels 

have excellent fire-reducing qualities, but the high 

Viscosity of these fuels makes them incompatible 

with the fuel systems of modern jets. This inwmpatibility between gelled fuel and jet fuel systems 

has been evaluated and it has been determined 

that several gels represent the best compromise 

between fire-reducing ability and fuel-system 

compatibility. Further extensive tests are planned. 

(b) Crashworthiness of general aviation aircraft.-Statistics show the survival rate for passengers in automobile crashes to be much greater 

than the rate for passengers in crashes of general 

aviation aircraft involving G-forces in the same 

range. The conclusions of a study by the Civil 

Aeromedical Institute showed that the crash safety 

design in light aircraft had fallen far behind that 

for equivalent automobile accidents. Many aircraft were found to have rigid instrument panels 

studded with heavy instruments, protruding 

knobs, and sharp edges, and lack adequate restraint equipment and slow-return padding on 

instrument panels. Fatal or serious head injuries 

were inflicted during airplane crash decelerations 

as low as 3 or 4 G‘s, whereas a single square inch 

of human forehead can withstand 80 G’s without 

fracture if the force is evenly distributed over the 

area impacted. 

Air Traffic Control 

Upgraded Third Generation Air Trafic Control System.-A technical Development Plan for the Discrete 

Address Beacon System (DABS) has been developed 

and a contract effort is being prepared. The DABS 

systems constitutes an element in the upgraded Third 

Generation ATC. Increased automation in data pm- 
essing and display being the primary functional 

improvements. 

Microwave instrument landing system.-A national 

plan for the development of new microwave-scmingbeam instrument landing system (ILS) for civil-military common use was published and implemented. 

This is the system recommended earlier by DOT’S Air 

Traffic Control Advisory Committee, and by a special 

committee of the Radio Technical Commission for 

Aeronautics. 

Fourth Generation Air Trafic Control Systm.- 

Draft reports of two in-depth technical studies, including conclusions and recommendations, were completed 

and submitted for DOT review. These reports are 

major milestones in a program of concept formulation 

and system definition to systematically arrive at a substantially higher capacity air traffic control system. 

Navigation and Communication 

Aeronautical Satellite Policy.--On January 7, 197 1 , the Office of Telecommunications Policy of the Executive Office of the President issued a Statement of Governmental Policy on Satellite Communications for International Civil Aviation Operations which designated 

DOT/FAA as the lead management agency. It recoinmended the implementation of a preoperational capability for test and evaluation in both the Pacific and 

Atlantic ocean areas. It also stated that the Government should utilize commercial telecommunication facilities and services to the maximum extent feasible 

in both preoperational and operational systems. There 

is general agreement that an operational system will 

be required in both the Atlantic and the Pacific by 

1980; therefore, the policy statement directed that a 

preoperational capability be established in a timely 

fashion. The proposed satellite system, which would 

employ an ultra-high-frequency (UHF) band of near 

1,600 megahertz (one MHz is a million cycles per second) , would provide the increased communications 

capability necessary in view of the increase in air 

traffic projected by 1980. Extensive activity has been 

expended in exploration and definition of a feasible 

basis for international cooperation to provide the 

needed oceanic preoperational capability. 

Area Navigation.-Four ,transcontinental high altitude area navigation routes were established in April 

between New York City and Los Angeles and Oakland, California. These four transcontinental routes, 

forerunners of a nationwide area navigation network, 

constitute the first major expansion of the airway system since the introduction of omnidirectional navigational radio transmitters in the early 1950’s and permits 

new flight paths to be established without deployment 

of ground-based navigation aids along each path. Approximately 89 high-altitude area navigation mute 

segments are now available for use. 

Applications of Space Technology 

The U.S. Coast Guard continued the development 

and application of space technology suitable to the 

operational needs of the maritime community. Primary emphasis has focused on the use of communication satellites for relay of safety and operational 

messages, including position determination for vessels 

at sea. A long series of experiments in these areas continues, using satellites from the National Aeronautics 

and Space Administration (NASA) Applications 

Technology Satellites (ATS) series. 

The Coast Guard, the President’s Office of Telecommunications Policy (OTP) and the Maritime 

Administration, contracted for a special analytical 

study to examine technical criteria and frequency requirements for a maritime satellite system to serve the 

needs of world shipping. Data from this study were 

used heavily in the United States’ preparation for the 

World Administrative Radio Conference for Space 

Telecommunications (WARC-ST) . The study provides vital planning documentation for future efforts. 

Efforts were continued to attempt to find a reliable 

method of automatically locating and identifying the 

position of vehicles in distress at sea. It has been concluded that satellite relay of this information offers the 

potential of worldwide satisfaction of the requirement. 

A frequency allocation for this purpose has been proposed by the United States at the WARCST with 

approval of all the participating nations. A developmental effort was initiated in coordination with NASA 

and the Navy Department, leading to an operational 

system. 

In order to facilitate international experience in 

maritime satellite techniques, the Coast Guard loaned 

sets of shipboard satellite communications terminals to 

The Netherlands and England. These were installed on 

merchant vessels of those countries, which then conducted extensive experiments using the ATS satellites. 

Much of their work necessarily duplicated results 

achieved in earlier US. tests, but new information was 

obtained on modulation methods and reliability of 

selective signalling. 

65 
VI11 Arms Control and 

Disarmament Agency I I 

Introduction 

The Arms Control and Disarmament Agency continues to have a strong interest in space programs, 

both international and national. The Agency maintains 

an active research effort on arms control aspects of 

international space programs, participates in pmparing U.S. positions on international space policy issues 

and joins with other agencies in formulating and implementing bilateral and multilateral space agreements. In such activities the Agency seeks to direct 

space programs toward peaceful rather than military 

goals. Regarding U.S. national space activities, ACDA 

continues to study the capabilities of existing and potential satellite-borne sensors for verifying arms control agreements. An example of the use of such sensors 

is provided by the DOD’s VELA satellites that currently monitor compliance with the Limited Test Ban 

Treaty. In addition, ACDA is interested in the use 

of satellite communication systems to reduce the risk 

of war by providing secure, reliable communications 

channels between nations for use in potential crises. 

The improved “hot line” agreement, negotiated at 

SALT and signed in Washington on September 30, 

1971, provides for such channels between the U.S. 

and the USSR. 

Zntmational Space Progratns.-Space programs in 

many countries can provide prestigious outlets for national ambitions that might otherwise be channeled 

into the development of sophisticated weapon systems. 

These programs focus national energies on peaceful 

rather than military uses of space. When carried out 

on a multilateral basis, such programs also set precedents for effective cooperation between nations in 

other constructive endeavors. In this way they materially improve the climate for dealing with arms control issues and other problems on an international basis. 

The type of rocket system that a nation employs to 

launch satellites is often adaptable to a ballistic missile 

configuration. ACDA has studied this problem for 

some time and believes that, under certain conditions, 

this risk can be minimized through cooperative efforts 

with particular attention to hardware design and application control. Along with other US government 

agencies, ACDA takes an active interest in implementing international space cooperation in a creative way, 

seeking to minimize the proliferation of missile technology while considering the legitimate needs of other 

nations as they develop space launch vehicles and 

satellites. 

The Outer Space Treaty.-The Outer Space Treaty 

serves three major purposes. First, it seeks to ensure 

that space exploration and development will be carried out in accordance with international law and for 

peaceful purposes only. By banning the emplacement 

of “weapons of mass destruction” in space, on celestial 

bodies or in earth orbit, it closes off the largest of man’s 

new environments to the strategic arms race. Second, 

the treaty establishes a desirable precedent for generality in am control agreements by banning all such 

weapons, not just nuclear weapons. Along with the 

Antarctica Treaty and the Seabed Arms Control 

Treaty it has provided impetus for closing off other 

frontiers on earth to the arms race. Third, the treaty 

has contributed to steadily increasing confidence 

among nations that the arms race can be controlled. 

The spirit of optimism and dedication that underlies 

SALT and other current arms control negotiations can 

be traced in part to the success of earlier negotiations 

that produced agreements such as the outer space 

treaty. 

In 1971, the Federal Republic of Germany and 

Greece both ratified the outer space treaty, bringing 

to 64 the number of states that are parties to the 

treaty. 

The Zmproved “Hot Line” Agreement.-The improved “hot line” agreement, on which negotiation 

was concluded at SALT in 1971, is intended to help 

preserve stability in possible future crises. Under the 

agreement, satellite communications systems will allow 

the U.S. and Soviet governments to communicate directly without depending on radio relays or land lines 

in other countries. 

66 
IX 

I I 

Department of the Interior 

Introduction 

The Department of the Interior is responsible for the 

management of the nation’s natural and cultural resources. In order to meet this responsibility the Department utilizes aircraft operationally and in research 

projects. It is also actively involved in space operations 

and research through its Earth Resources Observation Systems program and through the support of several Bureaus to lunar exploration and Martian mapping. International cooperation in aerospace activities 

exists both in departmental operations, primarily in 

support of treaty commitments, and in departmental 

research programs. 

Aeronautics 

Operations.-The Bureaus of the Department made 

the following operational use of aircraft during 1971 : 

The Bonneville Power Administration operated 

their own helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, for aerial 

reconnaissance, site location, and maintenance of 

transmission lines, and for transportation of personnel 

to remote sites. Contract aircraft were used in a cooperative program with the Bureau of Reclamation to 

maintain remote controlled and cloud seeding equipment in a network in the Hungry Horse Basin, 

Montana. 

The Bureau of Indian Affairs used governmentowned and contract aircraft for obtaining aerial 

photography and for visual observation in wildlife 

management research and operations as well as for 

forest insect detection and control. Mineral surveys 

and evaluation of road and highway design and construction were also accomplished with use of aerial 

photography. 

The Bureau of Land Management continued to 

operate its own helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft as 

well as those of private contractors for forest fire control, cadastral surveys, seeding of storm clouds to induce rainfall over newly formed forest fires primarily 

in Alaska, for forest and soils inventory work, and to 

locate hot spots in the heavy smoke of forest fires using 

an infrared scanner. High-altitude aerial photography 

was obtained for both forest inventory work and for the 

preparation of managerial photomaps. Photography 

already obtained represents approximately the first 

1 percent of what is to be complete coverage of the 

public domain in the conterminous US. 

The Bureau of Mines utilized both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters for transport of supplies and personnel involved in the evaluation of mineral resources 

in wilderness and primitive areas, and for reconnaissance of rugged terrain. Aerial photography was used 

to monitor mine fire control operations and progress 

of surface mine reclamation projects. 

The Bureau of Reclamation, as in the past, used aircraft and helicopters to transport control survey parties to remote areas; for inspection, construction, and 

repair of transmission lines and communication facilities; and for other project planning and operation activities. Contract aircraft continued to be used to obtain aerial photography for controlled mosaics to 

facilitate location of waterways, structures, and other 

features and to assist in project management and operation. Gross land characteristics, such as topography, 

drainage, soil, and vegetation, continue to be interpreted from aerial photography as basic information 

for water and land resource development planning. 

The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife maintains a fleet of about 40 small aircraft for use in its 

aerial wildlife surveys. The data gathered are for research and for the development of annual hunting 

regulations for those species over which the Federal 

Government has primary jurisdiction. These surveys 

are conducted in the appropriate seasons from the 

Arctic south through Mexico and from coast to coast. 

Another use of the Bureau’s aircraft is to aid in the 

enforcement of Federal game laws. 

The Geological Survey used aircraft to acquire 

standard mapping photography for more than 205,000 

square miles and high-altitude photography of approximately 16,000 square miles of the conterminous U.S. 

for the national topographic mapping program. The 

US. Air Force USQ-28 system in operation over 

Alaska obtained additionally approximately 20,000 

square miles of aerial photography, which is being 

evaluated for its usefulness to the mapping program. 

The Geological Survey operated aircraft on loan from 

other US. agencies and its own aircraft, both equipped 

with a variety of remote sensors, to monitor oil spills 

and seepages, to conduct photo and other sensor reconnaissance of proposed reservoir and damsites, to determine previous hydrologic conditions at archeological 

sites, to conduct water sampling, wetland delineation, 

and water circulation studies of .bays, for algae and 

67 
phreatophyte studies, and for snowpack studies. Aircraft were also used in 1971 for environmental impact 

studies of the proposed Alaskan pipeline. Both fixedwing aircraft and helicopters were used in support of 

geological and geophysical research in reconnaissance 

geologic mapping, appraisal of mineral resources, and 

evaluation of wilderness areas. Many of the studies 

were conducted using one or a combination of the 

following-aeromagnetic, electric, gamma ray, infrared, aerial photography, and geochemical (mercury) 

instrumentation. Aircraft continued to be used in the 

management of Federal Outer Continental Shelf mineral resources, mostly in the Gulf of Mexico, for transportation of personnel to operation sites, for inspection 

purposes, and for locating and monitoring sources of 

oil spills. 

Research.-Research is conducted to improve techniques and develop new methods for fulfilling the 

Department's mission of natural and cultural resources 

management. The following are Bureau research projects in which aircraft have been used. 

The Bureau of Reclamation project in atmospheric 

water resources research is using aircraft as platforms 

for cloud seeding and for collection and relay of meteorological and hydrological data. To augment research capabilities, the Bureau has obtained a set of 

four cameras for use in aircraft, balloons, and on the 

surface for acquiring multispectral imagery on 70mm 

film. 

The Geological Survey developed a surface sampling technique from a light aircraft for reconnaissance 

geologic studies. A study of Yellowstone National Park 

was completed to identify cool-water aquifers that 

may be suitable for potable water in park expansion, 

through use of thermal imagery, radiometric studies, 

and interpretation of snow melt patterns, readily identified on aerial photography. 

The Office of Water Resources Research funded 

research in several subject areas: to develop a ,broad 

spectrum microwave system for remote measurement 

of soil moisture; to determine applicability of remotesensing techniques for monitoring the quality of lake 

water; to test the ability to map land use categories by 

airborne 'multispectral sensing using the technique 

of spectrum matching; to investigate the values of 

thermal mapping and aerial multispectral photography 

to identify flow patterns and transverse differences in 

water quality of lakes and streams; to conduct radar 

investigations of summertime land and lake rainfall 

variations over Lake Michigan; and to appraise aeromagnetics, microwave reflectivity, multispectral photography, and other remote-sensing techniques for 

measuring ground-water resources. 

The National Park Service has undertaken to correlate high-altitude photography of Cape Lookout 

National Seashore with lower altitude photography 

and ground observations in order to study shoreline 

processes and to relate the present nature of these barriers to the conditions described in historical records. 

This is part of a larger study of the east coast barrier 

islands, the purpose of which is to establish management abjectives for all National Park holdings within 

this environment. Analysis of the spectral reflectance 

of shade tree leaves in the urban environment is continuing with one emphasis of this study being the 

detection of diseased shade trees using remote-sensing 

techniques. 

Space 

Research.-EROS (Earth Resources Observation Systems) is the Department of the Interior program to itcquire, process, utilize, and disseminate remote-sensor 

data collected from aircraft and spacecraft of natural 

and manmade features of the Earth. It works directly 

with NASA to coordinate and develop Interior Department programs in research of the applications of 

aircraft and spacecraft as platforms for observations, 

and of remote sensors as information gathering devices 

to support resources mapping, evaluation, and management. 

The EROS Program has initiated Regional Ecological Test Sites in Arizona (ARETS) and in the Central Atlantic (CARETS) area to consolidate research 

efforts designed to test and evaluate air and spaceborne 

remote-sensor methods and their application to environmental and resource problems such as the relationships between changing land use and its environmental 

impact. The projects are open to Federal, State, and 

local organizations, universities, and resource industries willing to participate in the free exchange of information, and contribute their findings to 

comprehensive project reports. A similar effort is being 

made in the Pacific where several Bureaus of the Department have identified their information requirements, collection of multiband photography is 

underway by Naval aircraft, and training and data 

collection centers have been established. 

In the process of developing useful applications of 

space remote-sensing systems, the Department, 

through the EROS Program, submitted 68 Earth 

Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS) experiment 

proposals, 16 of which have been accepted and 29 of 

which are still to be negotiated. There were 24 Skylab experiment proposals submitted by the Department, of which 8 have been accepted. The proposals 

reflect the wide range of interests within the Department and should be very helpful in evaluating the 

usefulness of satellite data to Department functions. 

The EROS Data Center began operations at an 

interim facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in October 1971. The Center is to provide access to ERTS 

imagery for the general public, industry, educational 

institutions, and foreign and domestic government 
agencies at all levels. In addition to the ERTS imagery, 

the Center also holds NASA aircraft imagery and 

photography, and current Geological Survey aerial 

photography. 

Under the aegis of the EROS Program and in cooperation with NASA the Department is conducting 

research on the development and evaluation of new 

techniques to specific departmental applications, and 

for the development of new instruments and equipment. 

Aircraft are used as data gathering platforms for this 

research that is contributing to the understanding of 

the potential of space-acquired data and has led to the 

ERTS experiment. Such departmental research for 

197 1 has been as follows : 

The Bonneville Power Administration is a participant with the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Geological Survey in a contract research program to 

develop techniques for determining estimates of precipitation from meteorological satellite images and to 

apply this information to the operation of hydroelectric systems. 

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is conducting a study 

of the use of remote sensing in making a soil and range 

inventory of Indian lands in South Dakota using aerial 

multispectral imagery. These inventories are to be used 

to help make land management decisions. The Bureau 

has completed a comparative study of the use of 

Apollo 9, multispectral high-altitude, and low-altitude 

photography and aeromagnetics in mineral resource 

evaluation of the Papago Indian Reservation. The 

study correlates the space and high-altitude photography to mineral exploration and to location of mineralized zones which might contain economic ore 

deposits. The economic potential of a circular structure on the San Carlos Indian Reservation, first identified from an Apollo 9 photograph, continued to be 

studied by the Geological Survey at the request of the 

Bureau. 

The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of 

Land Management contracted for the design of a Natural Resources Information System to store, process, 

and display a variety of natural resources and land use 

data in both graphic and tabular form. Emphasis is 

placed upon the use of air and space-acquired remotesensing data as the main input to the system. A demonstration of the system will be performed utilizing 

data from southeastern Arizona. 

The Bureau of Land Management used infrared 

imagery together with conventional aerial photography 

in a research project to determine the feasibility of 

using such imagery for cadastral surveys in heavily 

wooded areas. 

The Bureau of Mines is conducting research into 

the use of various types of photography, thermal infrared imagery, and side-looking radar imagery together with surface and subsurface data to guide well 

placement in oilfields to attain maximum oil and gas 

recovery, to aid in the selection of natural gas storage 

sites, and to assist in the detection of potential for roof 

falls in coal mine fields. Aerial infrared imagery is 

being used in an investigation of both burning areas 

and moisture concentrations within coal refuse banks 

in the Anthracite Region to develop heat flow equations and to generate models of each burning area, and 

to update statistics on burning refuse banks there and 

in part of the bituminous coal mining area in Pennsylvania. The Bureau of Mines is also investigating the 

possibility of detecting underground fires in coal beds 

and abandoned mines with high-altitude aerial and 

satellite multispectral photography, by identifying a 

unique spectral signature of effected flora. The Bureau 

studied space and high-altitude photography of the 

Twin Buttes, Arizona, copper mining district and continues to study high-altitude photography of Black 

Mesa in Arizona to assess the potential of satellite 

photography as an aid in solid waste inventory, in 

monitoring progress of strip mining and evaluating its 

impact on the semi-arid environment, and in evaluation of reclamation measures. Research was begun in 

197 1 on applications of remote-sensing techniques for 

monitoring and inventorying surface mining of coal 

in Appalachia and other eastern States, and two 

studies are in progress, one in Farmington, New Mexico, and the other in Pennsylvania, to investigate the 

utility of remote-sensing data and imagery for monitoring the environmental effects of air pollution discharged from large coal-fired electric powerplants. 

The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation is evaluating 

various sensors and imagery interpretation techniques 

for their capability to generate essential recreation 

planning data at the required level of detail. A second 

project underway is evaluating aerial remote-sensing 

techniques for measuring use of outdoor recreation 

resources. 

The Bureau of Reclamation is investigating the 

feasibility of using data from aircraft and satellite 

overflights to aid in the management of undesirable 

vegetation on Bureau water projects. A research project has been completed to develop techniques for using 

multispectral data from aircraft and satellites in detection of wetlands, ascertaining the severity of the 

wetness, and evaluating the effectiveness of subsurface 

drainage in irrigation regions afTected by rising groundwater levels. The technique has only limited application on existing irrigated land, but shows more potential for detecting wet areas on undeveloped land or for 

detecting seepage from canals. The Bureau has undertaken the development of a monocyclic radar system 

to measure the depth and water content of snowpack, 

currently from stationary and moving ground-based 

platforms, but with expected adaptability to aircraft. 

The Bureau of Sports Fisheries and Wildlife is preparing for its participation in ERTS experiments in 

Alaska, Hawaii and the conterminous U.S. These in- 
clude studies of: waterfowl production habitat in the 

northern United States and Canada; ice leads in bays 

and general hydrology of wetlands in Alaska; thermal 

sensing of the Porcupine caribou herd ; spectral characteristics of arid lands vegetation in Arizona; and pollution of bays and infestations of the predacious starfish 

(Acanthaster) in Hawaii. 

The Geological Survey produced an experimental 

photomap of the Phoenix quadrangle with the published conventional line map on one side and space 

photo-image on the reverse side; a photomap covering 

the Atlanta, Ga., quadrangle from Apollo 9 photography, reproduced photographically in various color 

tones; and photo-image maps of the Mesa, Arizona, 

area from very high altitude aerial photographs taken 

by U-2 aircraft. Tests and studies were conducted on 

the resolution of space and aerial photographic systems, and on characteristics of precision mapping 

photographs using various film and filter combinations. 

A universal thematic mapping system is being developed and currently involves experimentation on the 

automatic extraction of the distribution of snow, open 

water, vegetation, and the massed works of man. Basic 

data for this system will come from all types of remote 

sensors carried on both space and aircraft platforms. 

A space photograph simulation program has been produced that mathematically simulates different camera 

systems in different orbits and evaluates the photographs as maps on four different projections. In addition, a data bank of photoidentifiable ground images is 

being compiled to relate ERTS and other space 

imagery to a specified map projection. The EROS Program is cooperating with NASA and RCA in a geometric calibration of the Return Beam Vidicon system 

for ERTS. Calibration is essential for register and 

cartographic referencing of photo-image data and is 

required by the NASA Data Processing Facility. The 

Geological Survey is investigating distortion patterns 

and methods of applying corrections to RBV systems. 

Preparation of ground and satellite data relay systems for use in the ERTS experiments is underway, including successful testing of a seismic event counter 

and borehole tiltmeter; the existing Water Resources 

stream gaging network is available for integration into 

the system. Relay of temperature data from thermal 

probes installed in steam vents near the summit of Mt. 

Rainier has been performed via the Nimbus satellite. 

In continuing research to develop ecological prediction models for a given hydrologic condition a mosaic 

of three, high-altitude, near-infrared photographs of 

the Shark River Slough in Everglades National Park 

was prepared. This work revealed the presence of a 

previously unknown hydraulic flow barrier and an area 

of ground-water upwelling in the Slough. Continuing 

research in data processing of multispectral, opticalmechanical scanner data demonstrated the feasibility 

of delineating benthic and on-shore vegetation species 

in Biscayne Bay and of detecting some contamination 

effects on vegetation along the Alafia and Peace 

Rivers. Film density analysis of aerial photography of 

the karst terrain near Tampa revealed lineations believed to reflect fracture zones related to underground 

water flow. A study is underway to determine the 

source, movement, and fate of sediment and other pollutants discharging into Long Island Sound using 

high-altitude aircraft data obtained over the northern 

part of the Sound by NASA. An investigation is being 

made of the application of computer-processed 

thermal infrared scanner data to the determination 

of the thermal regime of a reach of the Missouri River. 

A study on the Sabine estuarine system indicated film 

and filter preferences for enhancement of certain industrial wastes and indicated the importance of the 

background water effects in pollution detection. And 

a study of the Raritan River attempted to identify a 

known exothermic reaction of industrial effluents by 

use of thermal imagery. Although the exothermic reaction was not evident, the thermal patterns of industrial wastes could be identified. Aerial photography 

was used to provide surficial thermal information on 

Barnegat Bay prior to the operation of a nuclear 

powerplant, and shortly after the plant became operational. A research project in South Dakota is being 

conducted to determine by analysis of vegetation cover 

and condition the availability of soil moisture. The 

relationship of surficial thermal patterns to identification of shallow aquifers is also being investigated. 

These projects are utilizing aircraft-acquired data in 

the development of techniques leading to better water 

resources management. High- and low-altitude photography over sites in the Great Plains, Lake Ontario, 

southern Florida, Long Island Sound, and the regional 

ecological test sites were obtained for simulation studies of ERTS. These data provide a means of calibration of the forthcoming data from space. 

The Geological Survey in cooperation with the University of Michigan and the Air Force Cambridge 

Research Laboratories completed a thermographic 

mosaic for most of Yellowstone National Park which 

depicts the thermal characteristics of a large area and 

the relationship of active geothermal phenomena to 

topographic, hydrologic, and other geologic features. 

An airborne scanning technique was used successfully to permit selective imaging of quartz sand and 

quartz sandstone versus dolomitic limestone. A study 

of thermal contrast on infrared imagery of limestone, 

dolomite, and granite showed image density to have 

good agreement with values predicted from mathematical models of such rock properties as thermal 

inertia, albedo, and emissivity. An analysis of satellite 

photographs of the southwestern U.S. revealed striking parallelism between major fracture trends and adjoining boundaries of the copper belt. 
The Geographic Applications Program of the 

Geological Survey focused its major efforts on the use 

of aircraft and satellite-acquired data in the development of land use information systems and environmental changes which are national or regional in scope, 

thus providing the overview of national conditions 

and the means of integrating the results of state and 

local studies that differ in date, scale, category of information and objectives. Pilot studies are 'king carried out to develop cost effective techniques for mapping and computerizing data pertaining to land use 

changes. In 1971, efforts were concentrated on Washington, D.C., Boston, Phoenix, San Francisco, and the 

surrounding regions. 

The National Park Service investigation of archeological sites in the southwest using infrared photography is continuing. 

The Office of Saline Water-NASA sponsored research on porous glass for recovery of powble water 

from urine was discontinued when it became evident 

to OSW that there were more promising approaches 

than reverse osmosis. However, development of systems for wash water recovery was continued. At 

present there is a joint NASA-OSW research program 

on the development of new reverse osmosis membranes 

capable of renovating wash water in a space vehicle. 

The key requirement of the membranes is the capability 

of rejecting components of wash water (detergent, 

lactic acid, sodium chloride, etc.) at a sterilization 

temperature of 165'F for an extended period of time. 

Membranes which have shown promise for this application are a cross-linked cellulose acetate methacrylate and a polyphenylene oxide sulfonate. 

Operations.-Investigations were made in Bureau of 

Mines Research Centers on the utilization of lunar 

resources. Simulated lunar materials were tested in 

simulated lunar environments to develop systems and 

methods of utilization of extra-terrestrial resources on 

future space missions. The Bureau also made infrared 

and Raman spectroscopy analyses of moon rock samples from Apollo Missions 11, 12, and 14. This research seeks to determine mineral and chemical 

properties of lunar samples. 

The Geological Survey provided support to NASA 

in the form of astronaut training, mission planning, and 

post-mission analysis for the Apollo 14 and 15 missions. 

Geologic mapping of the frontside of the moon culminated in publication of a summary map at a scale of 

1 : 5,000,000. Additional geologic mapping of the moon 

concentrated on the limbs and fmide and made use 

of photography taken by the orbiting Apollo spacecraft. The first geologic maps of Mars were constructed 

from Mariner 6 and 7 photography and analysis of 

photographs returned by Mariner 9 was started. 

International Cooperation 

The EROS Program was a co-sponsor of the International Workshop on Earth Resources Survey Systems 

held in May 1971 to provide other nations with knowledge of the latest techniques for acquiring earth resources information by use of aerial and satellite 

remote-sensor systems. Tutorial papers on applications 

as well as papers on remote-sensing program concepts, 

organization, and operational aspects were presented 

by Departmental personnel. The workshop was attended by about 250 scientists from 40 nations and 16 

international organizations. The EROS Program cooperated with the Central Treaty Organization in the 

presentation of a seminar, Application of Remote 

Sensors in the Determination of Natural Resources, 

in Ankara, Turkey, in November 1971, providing coordination and leadership in seminar planning. Turkey, 

Iran, Pakistan, and @he US. participated. U.S. delegates presented papers describing aerial and space 

flight remote-sensing systems being developed to support resources exploration, evaluation and management functions. EROS and the Geological Survey are 

participating with Canada in the International Field 

Year for the Great Lakes (IFYGL) which is developing studies of lake meteorology, energy balance, terrestrial water balance, and water movement, using the 

Lake Ontario Basin as the test site. Intensive data 

collection is set for 1972 to coincide wirh ERTS-A 

and to utilize the potential of this data source. Current 

research by the Geological Survey involves analysis of 

infrared imagery and multispectral aerial photography 

in the study of the dynamics of heat plumes, delineation 

of ground-water discharge for inference of adjoining 

areas underlain by high-yielding underdeveloped 

aquifers ; sedimentation dynamics; and application of 

ERTS analog data to limnological problems. 

The Geological Survey is cooperating with the Government of Jamaica, the United Nations Development 

Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization, 

and NASA to develop and demonstrate remote sensing 

for resources planning and development. Aerial 

imagery and photography were obtained during the 

summer of 1971 and Geological Survey hydrologists 

are assisting in the hydrogeologic interpretation of these 

data. As part of a UNESCO-sponsored study of the 

hydrogeology of the Canary Islands, aerial thermographic surveys were made by contract aircraft and 

interpreted by a consultant from the Geological Survey 

during 1971. Research into the usefulness of color infrared aerial photography in the identification of archeological sites was undertaken with permission of the 

Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History and using NASA photography of Tehuacan 

Valley, Mexico. It was determined that visibility of 

sites depends primarily on their environmental situation 

and that the delineation of such environments and 

71 
microenvironments is especially easy with this type of 

film. The Geological Survey has provided advisory assistance to the Government of Brazil on the interpretation of Brazilian-acquired radar imagery and aeromagnetic surveys for their Amazon Basin development 

program and is cooperating with the Colombian Institute of Geological Mining Investigations in interpreting radar imagery as a major source for geologic 

mapping in a deep tropical environment. 

In a cooperative geologic-geophysical-geographic 

mapping and minerals exploration program with the 

Republic of Liberia, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters 

are providing the only feasible means of rapid regional 

geologic reconnaissance, ground checking of photo, 

magnetic, and radiometric data interpretation, and 

river-trail traverse field party support. Survey scientists and their Peruvian counterparts engaged in natural disaster reconstruction work are utilizing fixed-wing 

aircraft and helicopters in observing debris and geological effects of earthquakes. The Geological Survey 

carried out tests from fixed-wing aircraft over known 

copper deposits in Panama in the process of studying 

the use of infrared reflectance of vegetation in mineral 

exploration. In cooperation with the U.S. Department of State and the Government of Saudi Arabia, 

airborne photographic and radiometric surveys were 

made in support of a geologic mapping program to aid 

in definition of the mineral resource base of Saudi 

Arabia. In addition, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters werefrequently used for logistic support of ground 

parties. With the Agency for International Development (AID) and the Government of Indonesia, a continuing study of the resource base of Indonesia is making use of a broad spectrum of aircraft-collected data, 

particularly photograph and magnetic surveys. Of particular interest has been a study of potential geothermal power sources in central Java. The Geological 

Survey is involved in joint planning with Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Peru in preparation for the use of 

ERTS data in geological interpretation and resource 

studies. Personnel also served on an AID-NASA investigational team in Mali to determine specific applications of ERTS data in the interpretation of geology, 

exploration for mineral and water resources, and better 

utilization of grasslands and areas of heavier vegetation 

cover. 

X Department of Agriculture 

Introduction 

Helping to establish sound public policies for the 

use of agricultural, forestry and wildland resources, as 

well as aiding farmers in the efficient conduct of their 

work, are primary responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) . To meet these responsibilities, the Department is constantly concerned with 

improving the efficiency of its activities concerning 

agricultural crops, soil surveys, watershed management, 

forests, range and wildlife management, land use management and classification, environmental protection, 

and outdoor recreation. 

In 1971, as part of these efforts, USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and Forest Service continued 

to collaborate with NASA in remote sensing research 

investigations. The Department also continued its 

preparation for the anticipated 1972 ERTS-A satellite program. Ten technical proposals for investigations 

to utilize data from the ERTS-A and Skylab satellites, 

were submitted to NASA for consideration as potential 

72 

experiments in its space flight investigations program. 

Among the proposals were experiments to utilize spaceacquired data for potentially more comprehensive and 

timely collection of agriculture, forestry, and range 

data, and the dissemination of these data for rapid 

interpretation into meaningful information required by 

various components of the agricultural community. 

The Department also participated in an intensive 

simultaneous coordinated effort with NASA, and other 

Federal agencies, to evaluate and prioritize some 700 

domestic and foreign ERTS-A and Skylab flight experiment proposals. 

Remote Sensing Activity 

Research and Development.-The Department’s objectives in developing remote sensing technology are 

to study, develop, and utilize the unique multispectral 

characteristics of aerospace-acquired data. These data 

will improve the use of agricultural, forestry, and range 

resources and will develop greater efficiency in the in- 
ventory, protection, and management of these resources as a major part of man’s critical environment. 

The research is devoted to both software and hardware development, including updating the state-of-theart, and developing systems and methods. This approach is made from ground, aerial, and space vehicles 

and makes use of multispectral photographic, multipoint scanner, and thermal infrared technology, as well 

as through various biophysical and biochemical techniques. Computer processing and analysis techniques 

are used to solve the data handling problems. 

Such R&D approaches prove new capabilities for: 

(1) detecting and assessing disease, insect and weed 

infestation, salinity and moisture stress, drought, and 

fire; (2) assessing crop and timber stand vigor to predict yield; (3) determining soil characteristics; (4) 

identifying, mapping, and measuring agricultural, 

forestry, and rangeland use; and (5) assessing environmental and ecological conditions, and man-environmental interactions. 

Advances made during 1971 include the following: 

Agricultural Research Service: 

1. Development of a better understanding of the 

interaction of diffuse light with leaves, and the effect 

of variations in leaf structure on reflectance and 

transmittance. 

2. Publication of the following: effective optical 

constants of field grown leaves over the range of 0.5 

to 2.5 microns; a generalized plate model of leaves; 

and a 5-parameter system for specifying plant canopy 

reflectance. These are essential in predicting reflectance 

as sensed by aircraft or spacecraft. 

3. Initiation of studies in crop species discrimination, 

utilizing film optical density differences. 

4. Determination of the usefulness of aerial photography for ascertaining citrus fruit yield estimates. 

5. Establishment of the feasibility of using aerial 

thermal scanner data for monitoring frost distribution 

and as a basis for scheduling crop irrigation. 

6. Improvements in the estimates of parameters 

affecting watershed runoff. 

7. Determination of space imagery usefulness to 

soil scientists in preparing county soil surveys. 

Forest Service: 

1. Development of microdensitometer techniques 

for interpreting and quantifying aerial photography. 

2. Establishment of the feasibility of utilizing space 

photography for classifying forest and non-forest land 

and for detecting forest disturbances. 

3. Continuation of work in establishing the feasibility of employing imagery that is both low and high 

altitude and small and large scale to detect forest and 

wildland vegetation stress due to insects, pathogens, 

and other agents. 

4. Development of a multi-stage probability sampling theory for single parameters, and its successful 

implementation in a pilot timber inventory covering 

10 million acres. Utilized in making the inventory 

were space photography, three scales of aircraft photography, and ground measurements. 

5. Completion of systems analysis and accessory 

computer programs for testing the effects of photo 

rotations and image matching procedures. These 

will be used in the automatic mapping d wildland 

resources with digitized stereopairs of aerial 

photography. 

6. Use of Apollo 9 photos to develop optical density 

signatures for high altitude photography and for 13 

land-use classes. 

7. Classification and mapping of specific rangeland ecosystems through aircraft and spacecraft 

photography, for use in photo interpretation testing. 

8. Demonstration of the need for-and the advantage of-multiseasonal and multispectral imagery in 

the remote sensing of native vegetational resources. 

Southem Corn Leaf Blight Watch Experimsnt: 

A preliminary investigation, begun in late 1970, explored the potential for using remote sensing technology to detect southern corn leaf blight. During 

1971, as joint USDA/NASA/States experimental 

operations and management plan was undertaken to 

evaluate further the use of these techniques and concepts to: 

1. Detect the development and spread of corn 

blight during the growing season across the Corn 

Belt region; 

2. Assess different levels of infection present in 

the Corn Belt; 

3. Amplify information acquired by ground 

visits in order to better assess current blight status 

and the prdbable impact on crop production by 

blight; and 

4. Estimate through extrapolation the applicability of these techniques to similar situations 

that may occur in the future. 

The Southern Corn Leaf Blight Watch Experiment 

was conducted over a seven state region, including 

approximately 64 percent of the total U.S. corn acreage, or about 41,388,000 acres. The sample area included 210 segments, each approximately one mile 

wide and eight miles long. Thirty of the segments 

were concentrated in an intensive study area in western Indiana to allow a more detailed study of the 

various modes of data collection. Low and high altitude aircraft flew over these segments, obtaining data 

that was analyzed and interped on a biweekly basis. 

The size of the area monitored was determined by 

resources available for the experiment, i.e., suitable 

instrumented aircraft, numbers of data analysts and 

73 
photo-interpreters, computer processing, amount of 

ground data which could be collected, etc. The area 

under study was the largest possible with available 

resources. 

This experiment involved the resources and personnel of 26 Federal and State agencies and organizations. 

Participating were the Agricultural Research Service, 

Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service 

(ASCS) , Cooperative State Research Service, Economic Research Service, and the Statistical Reporting 

Service; NASA; the Department of Commerce; seven 

Agricultural Experiment Stations; Cooperative Extension Services of the States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, 

Missouri, Nebraska and Ohio; Purdue University 

(Laboratory for Applications of Remote Sensing) ; 

and the University of Michigan (Willow Run Laboratories). NASA made available an RB-57F aircraft to 

collect high-altitude photography and a C-47 aircraft 

with a multispectral scanner to dbtain data over an 

intensive study area. NASA also provided research 

effort funding, photography and photographic support, 

photo-interpreters, and other technical assistance. The 

Department of Commerce's Agricultural Climatological Office monitored the weather through its various' 

stations and exploited the data through its EPIMAY 

project. 

Corn Blight Watch activities were divided into three 

phases. Baseline information was obtained during 

Phase I. High-altitude black and white photographs 

of the selected segments, obtained in late April and 

early May, were used by county ASCS personnel while 

interviewing farm operators within each segment. 

Fields were identified on the photographs, and basic 

information about crops and land use was obtained. 

The purpose of Phase I1 was to obtain soil background information. In early May, high-altitude color 

infrared photographs were taken over all segments 

and multispectral scanner data were obtained over 

the intensive study area segments. These data were 

analyzed to identify soil patterns. 

The flight portions of Phase I11 began June 14 

and continued through October 3, 1971. During this 

phase, the incidence and severity of southern corn 

leaf blight were mapped in the sample segments and 

inferences drawn for the total area. High-altitude 

color-infrared photographs were taken biweekly, and 

multispectral data were collected over the intensive 

study area segments on the same schedule. 

A sample of corn fields, stratified by cytoplasm, was 

selected before the start of Phase 111. These fields were 

visited at two-week intervals by Extension and ASCS 

personnel, who abtained data on the general condition of the crop, and particularly on the severity of 

southern corn leaf blight. The ground sampling scheme 

was designed to provide data throughout the large 

area (seven-state region) and in the intensive study 

area (western third of Indiana). A sampling model 

allowed inferences to be made concerning the degrees 

of blight present over all of these areas. The field 

observation data was also used as training data in 

analyzing the remote sensing data. 

Results of the experiment have been encouraging. 

While very early detection of southern corn leaf blight 

has not been accomplished, fields suffering medium 

to severe levels of infection were found to be identifiable. The ability to delineate different species and 

to identify crops and land uses has also .been extremely 

encouraging. A framework has been established for 

continuing efforts to solve problems in crop identification, acreage measurements, and land use inventories. 

One important benefit from the experiment was 

the development of guide lines for similar research in 

the future. Key problem areas have already been identified and efforts are being made to find solutions. 

The experiment is providing investigators with an 

opportunity to evaluate more fully how well remote 

sensing techniques can be used to identify different 

crop species at various stages of maturity over a very 

large geographic region. 

The Watch has also provided a real world eqwironment in which to make evaluations. Much was gained 

through learning the mechanics required to operate 

a large information system that makes use of remote 

sensing on a scheduled basis. The experiment has 

also given participants from all of the cooperating institutions a better .basic understanding of remote sensing and a greater appreciation for its applicability to 

blight detection and other agricultural problems. These 

people are now considered to be better qualified to 

support future research and development programs 

involving remote sensing. 

The effectiveness of the Federal, State, and University interagency cooperative effort was outstanding. This cooperation could well serve as a model for 

future large-scale investigations involving remote 

sensing. 

International Cooperation 

In view of the recognized potential for international 

cooperation and benefit from Earth remote sensing 

surveys, USDA is participating with other Federal 

agencies in programs to inform the international community about program developments, to provide orientation and training, and to give technical assistance 

in cooperative projects involving remote sensing. 

USDA and other Government agencies sponsored a 

two-week International Workshop on Earth Resources 

Survey Systems at the University of Michigan in May 

1971. USDA also participated in the Seventh International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment held in May 1971 at the University of Michigan. 

'14 
In order to apprise FA0 of recent remote sensing 

developments that could be useful to UN member 

nations which do not have facilities in remote sensing 

technology, USDA participated in the FA0 Technical Consultation on the Applications of Remote Sensing to the Management of Food and Agricultural 

Resources held in Rome, Italy, September 1971. 

USDA also participated in the Remote Sensing 

Symposium sponsored by the Inter American Geodetic 

Survey held in the Canal Zone, November 30-December 2, 1971. Nineteen Latin American countries were 

informed of the potential for using remote sensing 

techniques in inventorying, protecting, and managing 

their national resources. 

XI Department of Commerce 

Introduction 

Department of Commerce activities that contribute 

directly to the national aeronautics and space program are concentrated within four major organizational elements. These are the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration, the National Bureau of 

Standards, the Maritime Administration, and the Office of Telecommunications. Other elements contribute to the national program through indirect efforts. 

Among these latter units are the U.S. Patent Office, 

which issues patents on inventions with aeronautical 

and space application, and the National Technical 

Information Service, which collects and distributes 

scientific and technical information produced through 

the national program. 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fulfills the Department of Commerce 

responsibilities for improving man’s comprehension and 

uses of the physical environment and its oceanic life. 

These responsibilities stress exploring, mapping, and 

charting the global oceans, their basins, their geophysical forces and fields, and their mineral and living 

resources ; monitoring and predicting the characteristics of the physical environment in real time to warn 

against impending environmental hazards ; and monitoring and predicting gradual changes such as those 

of climate, seismicity, marine-life distribution, earth 

tides, continental position, the planet’s internal circulations, and the effects of human civilization and 

industry on the environment and oceanic life. Six 

major subelements of NOAA provide direct contributions to the aeronautics and space program. These are 

the National Environmental Satellite Service, the National Weather Service, the Environmental Data Service, the Environmental Research Laboratories, the 

National Ocean Survey, and the National Marine 

Fisheries Service. 

National Environmental Satellite Service.-The National Environmental Satellite Service (NESS) has 

the responsibility for establishing, operating, and improving the nation’s system of operational environmental satellites. To satisfy the operating requirement 

NESS commands and controls satellites in orbit, acquires and processes data from satellites, arranges for 

dissemination of both processed and unprocessed data, 

and works with the NOAA Environmental Data Service to maintain an archival system for making data 

available for research and application to specific environmental problems. The NESS maintains and improves current ground and data handling systems, 

plans for future spacecraft systems, and coordinates 

with the NASA in the development of new and improved sensors and spacecraft systems. Major research 

and development efforts are devoted to the analysis 

and application of satellite data, and the development 

of new sensor systems for use on or with spacecraft. 

Operation of NOAA Satellites.-As the year began, 

NESS was controlling four polar-orbiting spacecraft. 

Two of these were the primary source of data used 

operationally; the other two spacecraft were controlled 

in orbit as backup data sources in the event of failure 

in the primary operational system. The primary spacecraft were the ITOS 1 (TIROS My a NASA funded 

prototype), and NOAA 1 (ITOS A), the first operational NOAA spacecraft of the ITOS series. The 

ITOS spacecraft provide two services, global observations for centralized application, and direct readout 

for immediate local use. Day and night observations 

of the earth and its cloud cover are stored on the 

satellite, read out at one of two command and data 

75 
acquisition stations (CDA) , and transmitted to central 

processing centers for operational use on a global scale. 

In addition, day and night observations are broadcast 

continously for reception by relatively simple and inexpensive direct readout stations for realtime application in local or regional environmental service 

programs. Measurements of the solar proton flux are 

recorded over the polar regions, acquired at the CDA 

stations, and relayed to NOAA’s Space Environment 

Laboratory at Boulder, Colorado for use in national 

and international space environment advisory services. 

All data transmissions from the ITOS spacecraft 

ended in mid-year as a result of spacecraft malfunctions associated with the stabilization and control assembly. The replacement spacecraft, ITOS B, was 

launched October 21 but failed to orbit due to problems associated with the second sfage of the launch 

vehicle. This failure necessitated “calling up” the two 

stored in orbit backup spacecraft. These two, the older 

TOS series ESSA 8 and 9, continued to provide useful 

information through the remainder of the year. These 

spacecraft differ from the later ITOS series in that 

each is limited to a specific service and that only daytime observations are obtained. ESSA 8 is the Automatic Picture Transmission (AFT) satellite and 

provides direct local readout. ESSA 9 pmvides the 

stored data (global) service. 

Applications Technology Satellites (ATS) .-NESS, 

with the cooperation of NASA, continues to acquire 

and use the data from the NASA research and development geostationary satellites ATS 1 and 3. ATS daytime pictures, which cover most of the Western 

Hemisphere, can be acquired at 15 to 30 minute intervals. A time-lapse movie sequence technique has been 

applied to show development and motion of large and 

small scale cloud systems during daylight hours. Movement of cloud elements is used to estimate low and 

upper level wind speed and direction; these wind estimates are used in the numerical weather prediction 

program. The animated cloud sequence also is used 

in diagnosis of hurricane and severe local storm 

situations. 

Technical difficulties prevented picture taking by 

the ATS 3 from July 30 through September 1. The 

difficulty was corrected so that pictures were available 

for use in September, the busiest tropical storm period 

in 1971. 

Nimbus ZV.-The NASA research and development 

satellite, Nimbus IV, continues to provide environmental information which is used daily in operational 

programs. The Satellite InfraRed Spectrometer 

(SIRS B) provides data which is converted to a description of the vertical temperature distribution in the 

atmosphere. These data are used daily in objective 

weather analysis techniques. 

76 

Ojmational Applications.-During this year the operational environmental satellite system completed five 

years of uninterrupted service. As part of an on-going 

program to assess the value of the satellite system in 

terms of practical benefits, the wide range of satellite 

data applications was reviewed. A number of applications with practical benefits were reported by users of 

the satellite system. Among the benefits cited were the 

use of these data in forecasting weather conditions 

which endanger livestock in western ranching regions; 

specialized forecasts for harvest conditions; use in public news media; marine advisories; sea and lake ice 

forecasts; public weather forecasts; and in forecasting 

east coast winter weather. The satellite data are applied 

routinely as basic guidance information by the National Meteorological Center (NMC) . One of the 

more important and well known applications is the use 

of satellite data in tracking and forecasting movement 

and intensity of severe storms and hurricanes. 

An operational technique has been introduced for 

deriving quantitative heights of constant pressure surfaces using satellite observed cloud patterns. This 

technique known as Satellite Input to Numerical 

Analysis and Prediction (SINAP) , is applied routinely 

to the northeast North Pacific Ocean weather analysis. 

SINAP separates the 12-hour 500 millibar (about 5.6 

kiIometers) height field forecast into short- and longwavelength components. Satellite data are used to 

modify the short-wavelength components. Statistical 

techniques have been developed to derive the magnitude of the deviations where spiral cloud centers occur. 

Addition of the long-wavelength and the modified 

short-wavelength components produces the 500 millibar height field. 

In cooperation with the USAF Air Weather Service, 

a global climatology of relative cloud cover was prepared. Data from the period 1967-1970 were used as 

the base for computing the relative cloud cover 

statistics. 

Research and Development Programs of the National 

Environmental Satellite Service.-Research efforts 

during the year continued to emphasize the development of more objective, quantitative methods of incorporating environmental satellite data in the daily 

routine of numerical analysis and prediction of meteorological fields. Satellite data are being studied to enhance our knowledge of the behavior of circulations 

and energetics, particularly in areas where conventional data are incomplete or do not exist. 

Studies of satellite visual and infrared observations 

over several years, have shown that most tropical 

cloudiness and intense cloud development is confined 

to South America, Africa, and Indonesia southeastward to French Polynesia. Relatively cloud free areas 

extend for great distances along the equator between 

these three areas. 
Satellite pictures have revealed that tropical storms 

sometimes have an extensive cloud band extending 

northeastward into middle latitudes. Studies of data 

over the North Pacific show that this feature is the 

source of major heat injection from the tropics into 

the middle latitudes. Thus this feature may have some 

important part to play in the resulting middle latitude 

circulation and weather. 

Techniques for producing 12,24 and 36 hour cloud 

cover forecasts using satellite pictures as the initial 

cloud data were perfected in time to use these forecasts experimentally in support of the Apollo 15 

mission. 

Data analysis techniques were developed to assist 

in determining distributions of sea surface temperature 

and sea ice. Methods for correcting scanning radiometer data for atmospheric attenuation and for filtering 

system noise were tested and experimental global maps 

of sea surface temperature produced. 

Methods of monitoring polar ice packs have been 

improved by displaying composite minimum brightness 

charts in five gray tones which correspond to five categories of ice concentration and condition ranging from 

compact, snow-covered pack to very open pack or ice 

free. 

Near-infrared imagery obtained from Nimbus 3 high 

resolution data shows that thawing ice packs have little 

or no reflectivity in this spectral interval. Early detection of melt periods of sea or lake ice could result from 

monitoring in the vis?ble and near-infrared bands. 

Thermal infrared measurements are being evaluated 

to determine their usefulness for snow mapping and for 

determining snow surface temperatures. A means has 

been found for detecting thaw conditions of snow 

fields. When the snow cover is dry, it is bright in both 

the visible and the near-infrared parts of the spectrum. 

When the snow cover is wet, the reflectivity drops to 

low levels in the near-infrared but remains fairly high 

in the visible band. 

International Cooperation.-Worldwide availability 

of Automatic Picture Transmission (APT) pictures 

and the experimental semioperational transmission of 

a variety of satellite products through the ATS spacecraft continued throughout the year. There are now 

about 500 APT stations located in 94 countries and 

trust territories. 

The NESS provided training and study facilities for 

Brazilian meteorologists and briefings for many other 

foreign scientists. Through the auspices of the World 

Meteorological Organization’s ( WMO) Voluntary Assistance Program, the NESS furnished a training mission to Thailand, Nepal, Zambia, and Somali. The 

NESS also participated as part of the US. delegation 

to the Sixth Congress of the WMO. 

The NESS participated in the US.-U.S.S.R. bilateral negotiations on peaceful uses of outer space. As 

an outgrowth of the US.-U.S.S.R. agreement for cooperation in space science and applications, the NESS 

was actively represented in the negotiation of the basic 

bilateral agreement, and on the Joint Working Group 

on Meteorological Satellites and the Joint Working 

Group on the Natural Environment. These groups 

developed tentative cooperative experiments using 

satellites and other facilities of both countries, including acquisition and exchange of data.. 

Washington-Moscow Data Exchange.-The U.S. and 

U.S.S.R. have exchanged satellite data routinely over 

a direct circuit since September 1966. In 1971, this 

flow of information was virtually uninterrupted except 

for brief periods when the circuit was not operational 

for technical reasons. The U.S. began transmission of 

direct readout and stored scanning radiometer data for 

the first time during the middle of the year. The 

U.S.S.R. continues to provide television and infrared 

data from the Meteor series of satellites. Meteors 7, 8, 

and 9 were launched this year. At year end, data were 

being received from Meteors 8 and 9 and from Meteor 

5 launched in a prior year. 

National Weather Service.-The National Weather 

Service (NWS) both serves and is served by the aeronautics and space program. Through its widespread 

observations and forecasting network it provides direct 

services to civil and military aviation, and through its 

Space Operations Support Division it provides specific 

weather services to the space program. The NWS research programs are aimed at improvement and enlargement of all these services. The aeronautics and 

space program provides benefits to the NWS with data 

gathered by aircraft and spacecraft, and by rapid data 

relay through spacecraft. The NWS participates in 

the planning of spacecraft data gathering and dissemination systems, and in the enhancement of the usefulness of weather data gathered by satellites. 

Snow Mapping by Satellites,--NOAA satellite photographs of snow fields were used by the River Forecast 

Centers in the preparation of river and flood forecasts. 

The products provided by the National Environmental 

Satellite Service permits more timely and accurate 

analysis of the areal extent of snow cover. This 

information when augmented by ground reports of 

water equivalent of snow is important to accurate 

predictions of potential fldi and water supply 

forecasting. 

Collection and Rekay of Data by Satellites.-Data relay equipment on the ATS 1 satellite permits collection of information from instrumented, unmanned 

observation sites. Because this pilot program has 

proven successful, sites have been selected for hydrologic data collection platforms (DCP) of river and 

rainfall stations to be used with the Geostationary 

Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) S~S77 
tem to be initiated in 1973. The Columbia Basin of 

the Pacific Northwest was chosen as the location for 

the 15-20 prototype DCP’s because of extensive interagency prediction and monitoirng activities. 

Special efforts toward full use of geostationary 

weather satellite pictures have been made at the National Hurricane Center, Miami, and the National 

Severe Storms Forecast Center, Kansas City. The 

system has been in operation for a full year during 

which time procedures have been developed to incorporate the new pictures into analysis and forecasting techniques. The photographing satellite was placed 

at the most favorable positions for viewing mid-continent severe storms during the spring, and then moved 

to look at hurricane areas during the summer and fall. 

The temporary malfunction of this satellite during the 

hurricane season served to point up our dependence 

on this new observation tool. 

Satellite Zmagety Distributed by Facsimile Circuit.- 

Pictures, of cloud systems over the earth, taken by 

polar-orbiting weather satellites, are distributed to 

NWS forecast offices over NWS facsimile communications systems. These include pictures made by the 

Automatic Picture Transmission (APT) system, which 

can be received directly from the satellite when necessary, and the Advanced Vidicon Camera System 

(AVCS) and large area mosaics of cloud imagery. 

A different kind of “look” at the earth cloud cover is 

supplied by infra-red sensors on the weather satellites, 

and during 1971 NWS initiated real-time communication of this additional analysis tool to our forecast 

offices. 

Remote Sensing of the Water Equivalent of Snow.- 

Techniques for remote measurements of the water 

equivalent of snow cover from sensors aboard aircraft 

have shown great promise in initial testing. The sensing technique is based on change in attentuation of 

natural earth-emitted gamma radation due to variations in the water equivalent of snow. The method 

was used on a limited operational basis in the winter 

of 1971. The feasibility of wide operational application in river forecasting is presently being determined 

from research results. 

Meteorological Support to Space Operations and Test 

Facilities.-The NWS through its space operation sup. 

port division continued its guidance to several NASA 

Programs. In the manned space flight area the 1971 

support covered two lunar flights. Weather was of real 

concern at the time of the Apollo 14 launch on January 31, since the Kennedy Space Center was experiencing rapidly moving clouds and numerous showers. 

On the basis of a short-range forecast the space vehicle successfully passed between the thick clouds, 

avoiding the danger that it might trigger a damaging 

lightning discharge. There were no serious forecasting 

difficulties for the launch and North Pacific Ocean 

landing of the Apollo 15 flight, on July 26 and August 7, respectively, but there was an unusually high 

frequency of thunderstorms in the Kennedy Space 

Center area during the 2-month checkout period. As 

a result of their forecasting and warning assistance, 

the NWS team at the Kennedy Space Center received 

a NASA Group Achievement Award “for exceptional 

performance of duty during the checkout and launching of Apollo 15.” 

Forecasting for Earth Observations Aircraft Flights.- 

The NWS Spaceflight Meteorology Group provided 

almost daily forecast support to the NASA Earth Observations Aircraft Program and has made studies of 

weather as it may affect future earth-viewing satellite 

programs. 

The NWS unit at the NASA Wallops Station supports a variety of space projects. One significant NASA 

test, the Planetary Atmospheric Experiment Test of 

June 20, required forecasts, meteorological rockets, 

and shipboard observations near Bermuda. Another 

major support effort of the Wallops team-that for 

the cooperative Germany-United States Barium Ion 

Cloud experiment, involved surface and upper air observations and forecasts for several sites in the Southwestern United States and in South America. A clear 

view of the 20,000 mile high cloud was successfully 

forecast for all primary observatory sites. 

Units of the NWS at San Nicolas Island, California, 

and Barking Sands, Hawaii, assisted in the weather 

support for the Navy Pacific Missile Range. Also the 

NWS furnished the full weather observing and forecasting service for the Army Safeguard System Command at the Kwajalen Missile Range. 

Support to World Meteorological Organization.- 

NWS technicians completed the installation of nine 

APT ground receiver stations in foreign countries and 

provided training in satellite picture interpretation 

as part of US. support to the World Meteorological 

Organization Voluntary Assistance Program. Additionally, APT systems were purchased and arrangements made for their installation in six more countries 

in 1972. 

Utilization of Aircraft.-Meteorologist-pilots of the 

quality control staffs at NWS Headquarters fly small 

single or twin-engine aircraft (either rented or privately owned) in connection with quality control 

duties. These flights permit in-flight monitoring and 

evaluation of NWS furnished aviation weather services; they also are used as a means of travel for station 

visits and on-station services evaluation. 

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 NWS products. 

Services to Aviation.-Specialized weather information is provided to pilots, controllers, and aircraft op- 
erators to promote efficiency in aviation activities. 

This information is in the form of observations, forecasts, warnings, and pilot briefings. In addition: 

weather consultation and guidance are provided to 

assist the efficient flow control of the Air Traffic Service. Observations are made at 954 locations; many by 

other Government agencies, airlines, and airport personnel. Terminal forecasts are made for 427 airports, 

generally every 6 hours. Area forecasts and in-flight 

advisories are also provided. Forecasts for international 

aviation covering all of the Northern Hemisphere and 

most of the Southern Hemisphere are also provided in 

facsimile and/or digital forms, the latter being used extensively in computer flight planning by the airlines. 

Pilot weather briefings are available through 269 

NWS offices, plus 327 FAA offices and 215 unmanned 

FAA facilities. About 2 million briefings are provided 

annually by the NWS and about 13 million by the 

FAA. 

Environmental Data Service (EDS) .-The Environmental Data Service collects, processes, archives, 

publishes, and disseminates environmental data and 

information gathered on a global scale, providing a 

single source service, readily accessible to specialized 

and general user groups. EDS maintains data centers 

for oceanographic, meteorological, aeronomic, geomagnetic, and seismological data, and provides administrative support for corresponding World Data 

Centers-A, which receive data from cooperative investigations and other international sources. In addition, it maintains an Environmental Science Information Center, the NOAA focus for scientfic and technical information, publications, and library services. 

EDS also sponsors and conducts research and development activities to improve its performance of those 

functions and coordinates with world scientific organizations our Nation’s international activities in the 

data and information management areas of NOAA 

responsibility. 

The National Climatic Center (NCC).-The NCC at 

Asheville, N.C. processes, publishes, distributes, and 

archives surface and upper air meteorological data, including certain satellite data. Both the raw and processed data from the National Weather Service and its 

cooperators-the National Envorinmental Satellite 

Service, the Air Weather Service of the US. Air Force, 

the Naval Weather Service Command and foreign 

meteorological serviceen- archived at the NCC. 

Accomplishments at the NCC relating to aeronautics and space activities during 1971 include: 

1. Computation of tropical cyclone strike probabilities for the NASA installations at Houston, Texas; 

Mississippi Test Facility at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi; 

Cape Kennedy, Florida ; and Wallops Island, Virginia. 

These data were published in NASA CR-61355, 

“Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Strike Probabilities (For 

Selected Stations and the Month of September)” 

which also include a statistical climatology of tropical 

cyclone movements in the North Atlantic Ocean, 

Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. 

2. Compilation of surface climatological information 

for 20 selected stations to aid in the site selection of 

the space shuttle launches. These data were published 

in NASA CR-61342, “Surface Climatological Information Twenty Selected Stations for Space Shuttle 

Studies.” 

3. The data summary and analysis programs designed to furnish up to date statistics on peak surface 

winds and thunderstoms at Cape Kennedy and serially 

complete upper air wind data for Cape Kennedy, 

Florida and Vandenberg AFB, California were 

continued. 

4. In cooperation with the Naval Weather Service 

Command, the second and final volume of upper air 

climatology of the Northern Hemisphere was published 

in NAVAIR 50-1C-59, “Selected Meridional Cross 

Sections of Heights, Temperature and Dew Points of 

the Northern Hemisphere.” 

5. Efforts to reduce the wind and thermodynamic 

data collected on the 150-meter instrumented tower at 

the Merritt Island Launch Area, Cape Kennedy, 

Florida were continued. 

6. Analysis of atmospheric conditions relating to the 

development of a method for interpreting measurements of aircraft flyover noise was carried out in a 

NASA-FAA cooperative effort. The analysis is in the 

process of publication. 

7. Cloud analyses from the facsimile charts transmitted on the National facsimile circuit are being coded 

and punched into cards for use in a cooperative 

NASA-NOAA research effort. Some of the results are 

published in “NASA-Technical Note D-563 1 .” 

8. The NCC continued its efforts in the processing, 

publication, and distribution of the High Altitude 

Meteorological Data received from the Meteorological 

Rocket Network (MRN) and the EXAMET Net and 

participating foreign countries. These data are published for the WDC-A for Meteorology and Nuclear 

Radiation. Data for the months May 1969 through 

February 1970 were published in 1971. 

9. The last three volumes on the Upper Air Climatology of the Southern Hemisphere were produced 

in cooperation with the Department of Defense and 

the National Center for Atmospheric Research 

(NCAR), and were published during 1971. The titles 

of these volumes are: Vol. I1 “Temperatures, Dew 

Points, and Heights at Selected Pressure Levels”; Vol. 

I11 “Vector Mean Geostrophic Winds (Isogon and 

Isotach Analysis) ” ; Vol. IV “Selected Meridional 

Cross Section of Temperature, Dew Point and Height 

(Cross Sections at 30” Intervals Around the 

Hemisphere) .” 

79 
In addition to the above, satellite data achieved at 

the NCC provide an important contribution to the 

global Basic Data Sets which have been organized for 

research purposes by the NCC. This program, under 

the auspices of the Global Atmospheric Research Program (GARP), has assembled the most complete 

meteorological collection in existence for one winter 

month (November 1969) and one summer month 

(June 1970). ATS cloud and wind data as well as 

SIRS data provide unique and otherwise unobtainable information over large ocean areas. 

The Aeronomy and Space Datu Center (ASDC).- 

This center archives monitoring type solar-terrestrial 

data recorded by satellites and space probes The 

Center is the primary source to scientists for the 

ionograms taken .by the topside ionosonde satellites. 

In addition, several solar parameters (protons, X-rays, 

and solar wind) measured by satellites and space 

probes are archived and also published monthly in 

Solar-Geophysical Data, to provide the international 

scientific and technical community with data values 

for understanding many solar-terrestrial relationships. 

These are the only such data published routinely on 

a reasonably rapid schedule, some even in the first 

month after observation. 

Analyses of satellite and space probe measurements 

are included in special data compilations for times of 

unusual solar-geophysical activity. These are published 

in the Upper Atmosphere Geophysics Report series 

of the collocated World Data Center A. The data 

catalog, also issued in this series, specifies which of the 

holdings in the field of solar-terrestrial physics are 

from satellite and space probes. 

Until July 1971 the ASDC had the responsibility 

for processing, scaling, and archiving of solar flare 

patrol films and solar radio noise data abtained at 

special patrol observatories at Boulder, Colorado, Carnarvon, Australia, and the Canary Islands. These sites 

are spaced in longitude to normally keep the sun 

under watch for a full twenty-four hours each day. 

Their operation was part of a contract program between the NASA, Manned Spacecraft Center and the 

Space Environment Laboratory of the NOAA Research Laboratories. The program produces a highly 

homogeneous set of quality controlled data in support 

of the Apollo space missions for the detection of hazardous solar particles. 

The National Geophysical Datu Center.-NGDC 

digitizes many magnetograms for use by NASA scientists; in particular, for comparison with their satellite magnetic field measurements. These digitized 

magnetograms are also used to prepare indices which 

are, in turn, most valuable in correlation studies with 

satellite magnetic field data and in interdisciplinary 

space studies. Hundreds of observatory years of data 

are furnished annually to space researchers throughout the world. 

The National Geophysical Data Center also maintains a file of magnetic survey data which it uses to 

provide magnetic declination information for the 

hundreds, of U.S. aeronautical and airport charts 

which are printed or revised each year. Mathematical 

models of the earth‘s magnetic field have also been 

distributed by NGDC to numerous airlines, airports, 

and other groups concerned with using automated 

techniques for deriving magnetic declination 

information. 

The National Oceanographic Data Center.-NODC 

is actively involved with three types of oceanographic 

data collected by aircraft and satellites: aircraft expendable bathythermograms ( AXBT) and sea surface 

temperature determined by airborne radiation thermometry (ART) or by satellites. 

NODC has completed development of a processing 

system for certain types of AXBT’s and has begun 

digitization of the approximately 5,000 observations 

presently in the archives. 

Storage and retrieval criteria for ART’S have been 

established by the NODC, but at present no data are 

available in the required digitized mode. 

A format and accessions system for NOAA satellitesensed sea surface temperature data has been established. Routine storage at EDS’ National Climatic 

Center of daily global sea surface temperature data 

should begin by mid 1972. 

The Laboratory for Environmental Data Research.- 

LEDR is’ exploring climatological applications of 

meteorological satellite data as follows : 

1. Monthly cloud cover amounts are being estimated from meteorological satellite data for tropical 

areas of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Long period 

variations in cloud amount in these Ocean areas, and 

the interocean cloud cover variations, are being 

studied because the amount of cloud cover is closely 

related to the characteristics of the general atmospheric circulation. 

2. Standing waves in the atmosphere induced by 

orographic features are being studied with seasonally 

averaged pressure-heights derived from meteorological 

satellite radiometric data. The standing waves contribute significantly to observed mean vertical pressureheight distributions and therefore are probably closely 

related to weather variations in persistent areas of 

cyclogenesis. A better understanding of standing 

waves in the atmosphere will probably lead to a better 

understanding of the general atmospheric circulation. 

Environmental Research Laboratories.-The Environmental Research Laboratories, (ERL) , with 

headquarters in Boulder, Colorado, conduct the fundamental investigations needed to improve man’s understanding of the physical environment. Ten laboratories 
and two centers conduct research in the various scientific disciplines required in support of NOAA missions. 

Space Environment Laboratory (Boulder) .-The 

NOAA Space Environment Laboratory (SEL) provides services and conducts research in solar-terrestrial 

physics to develop technology required to monitor the 

state. of the earth's environment and to forecast geophysical effects produced by solar disturbances. Experimental, observational and theoretical research is 

directed towards the understanding of the physics of 

solar flare development and other solar activity, and 

the manner by which the solar produced electromagnetic and particle radiations affect the magnetosphere 

and ionosphere of the earth. 

Services performed for NASA and other agencies 

include : 

-The operation of SPAN (Solar Proton Alert 

Network), a network of four sttitions spaced 

around the world to permit continuous solar 

observations by optical and radio methods. 

-Support of the Apollo 14 and 15 missions, with 

respect to solar disturbances, was provided by 

SEL personnel who manned the Space Radiation Console at the Manned Spacecraft Center 

in Houston, Texas, and by special forecast and 

monitoring efforts. 

-Operation of the Boulder Telemetry Station to 

obtain data from the ionospheric sounding 

satellites Alouette 1, Alouette 11, ISIS 1, and 

ISIS 2. 

-Development of techniques for forecasting the 

position on the sun, and time, of solar flare 

eruptions to support the Advanced Telescope 

Mission (ATM) of Skylab. These predictions, 

if successful, will enable astronauts to point 

high resolution optical instrumentation in 

order to record the early development of flare 

activity. 

A number of experimental programs make use of 

--Observations of energetic charged particles by 

a rocket launched at high latitudes suggest 

these particles were accelerated close to the 

earth by an electrostatic field directed along a 

geomagnetic field line. This result has implications for theories of charged particle behavior 

in the geomagnetic field. 

-Low energy particle data from the satellite 

OGO F-15 are under analysis with improved 

time resolution. These results will improve 

understanding of aurorally associated charged 

particle behavior. 

-Particle and magnetic field data are also obtained on an operational basis from the geostationary satellite ATS-1. 

The SEL is responsible for the design and construction of the ATS-F and -G radio beacon receiving stasatellite and rocketborne measurements. 

tion and for design specifications for the spacecraft 

transmitter. This system will provide improved measurement of electron density, integrated over the path, 

in the ionosphere and magnetosphere. A prototype 

version of the ground receiver has been constructed 

and is under test. Final design plans will be made 

available, internationally, to those groups desiring to 

participate in cooperative studies using the ATS radio 

beacons. 

A special report on effects of solar disturbances on 

high latitude aeronautical communications was compiled for the SST panel of the International Civil 

Aviation Organization. In this report the state of present knowledge on the subject was assembled in order 

to estimate the extent of communication problems 

that may arise during periods of high solar activity. 

Low energy solar protons, detected by particle detectors on the NOAA meteorological satellites, were 

found to occur at latitudes lower than anticipated by 

present theories of particle behavior in the earth's 

magnetic field. An explanation for the observation of 

these particles was made suggesting a diffusion process 

during magnetic storms to be a plausible mechanism. 

The SEL is developing instrumentation for a number of space experiments to be launched at future 

dates. These include: 

-Particle and radiometric instrumentation for 

-Energetic particle experiments for IMP H 

-Particle, X-ray, and magnetic field sensors for 

operational space environment monitoring, 

and for research purposes, to be included in 

the geostationary meteorological satellites 

(SMS/GOES) under development for NOAA 

by NASA, 

-Particle instrumentation for ATS-F and 43. 

Theoretical studies were made of the earth's magnetosphere and its interaction with the solar wind (a 

continuous, but variable, stream of particles flowing 

away from the sun) in order to understand the manner in which solar flare energy produces the various 

geophysical effects observed at and near the earth. In 

one recent study, the shock wave produced by a flare, 

its propagation through the solar wind, and its interaction with the magnetosphere was modeled numerically. The complicated dynamical behavior was made 

visible by means of computer produced motion pictures. Plasma and magnetic field data from the 

spacecraft Pioneer 7 interplanetary shock observations, were used to compare with the theoretical 

computations. 

Model magnetospheres of several of the outer 

planet- Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and 

Pluto-were computed for NASA. These computations, which incorporated solar wind parameters, and 

rockets to be launched in Norway, 

and J, 
the best available data and theoretical deductions 

pertaining to the planets, will provide information for 

design of spacecraft for planetary exploration. 

Aeronomy Laboratory (Boulder).-Laboratory measurements of the rates of ion-molecule reactions relevant to the upper atmosphere have continued, with 

some emphasis on the complex clustering reactions that take place at altitudes below about 85 kilometers. Recent progress has included the first definitive 

measurement of the electron affinity of NO, believed 

to be the dominant species of negative ion in the lower 

ionosphere. The program is currently being extended 

to allow investigation of many free-radical reactions 

important in air-pollution episodes, exploiting new 

technology opened up by development of the sph-flip 

infrared laser. 

Further direct rocket measurements of atomicoxygen distribution in the upper atmosphere have been 

carried out, using a thin-fiIm detector developed in the 

Aeronomy Laboratory. The technique has aroused 

considerable interest, and programs involving its use 

are now being planned by several groups in this country 

and abroad. 

Radar studies of the small-scale structure of the ion-. 

osphere during auroral displays are being carried out in 

cooperation with the Space Environment Laboratory. 

These studies involve use of a 50-MHz radar located at 

Anchorage, Alaska, and a portable doppler spectrum 

analyzer with an on-line computer. Preliminary experiments have yielded much more insight into the mechanisms that give rise ,to auroral ‘turbulence’ in the ionosphere than has previously been obtainable. The results will have important practical consequences for 

radar and communications operations in the Arctic 

regions. 

The theory of plasma resonances is being advanced 

by results of a recent rocket experiment involving an 

improved ionospheric topside sounder. Analysis of the 

frequency spectrum of the received signal confirms the 

wave propagation characteristics of the resonant-like 

behavior. In addition to their contribution to basic 

plasma physics, the resonances may also be used as a 

tool for accurate measurement of magnetic field 

strength and electron density and, most importantly, 

electron temperature. 

Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry Laboratory 

(Boulder).-An analysis of the Apollo 12 lightning 

strike has shown that the launch vehicle itself triggered 

the lightning by causing sufficient concentration of the 

electrical field at its tip to initiate a lightning discharge. 

An investigation to determine the feasibility of triggering lightning by small rockets to dischar-ge electrified 

clouds immediately prior to Apollo or other space vehicle launch, has produced the following major 

results: 

82 

-A theory has been developed which predicts 

under what conditions lightning will be triggered by a specified rocket: 

-Field experiments have been carried out and 

20 lightning flashes have been triggered by a 

Folding Fin Aircraft (FFA) rocket; 

-New instruments developed for these field tests 

include a lightning triggering and field measuring payload for the FFA rocket, and airborne 

electric field measuring system, and a real time 

lightning plotter which plots the positions of 

lightning discharges occurring within a radius 

of about 48 kilometers. 

Outstanding results of the high altitude water vapor 

and radiometric measurements from jet aircraft platforms are as follows : 

-Flights around individual large thunderstorm 

anvils have shown that these storms may inject 

several times as much water vapor into the 

stratosphere as exists upstream from the storm. 

Further studies are needed to ascertain the residence time of this injected water vapor after 

storm decay. This problem is related directly 

to SST operations. 

-Contrails in heavy jet traffic corridors decrease 

the mean local surface temperature by only 

0.15C The global change is negligible. 

-Observations of changes in stratospheric water 

vapor content over extended jet aircraft traverses have been made from the NASA Convair 990 aircraft. These measurements permit 

an analysis of the spatial variations of water 

vapor which is not possible by balloon probes. 

A theoretical study has been completed on the problem of SST emissions and resultant modification of the 

stratosphere. 

Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratories (Miami, Flu.).-AOML conducts a broad research program in marine geology and geophysics, 

physical oceanography, sea-air interactions, and hurricane research and modification. 

Monitoring and analysis of the Gulf Stream and the 

Loop current in the Gulf of Mexico have been carried 

out using the high-resolution infrared imagery available from ITOS and Nimbus IV. These studies support and extend the classical surface and aircraft 

observations and give an overview of meanders and instabilities along the northwest edge of the Stream, an 

item of interest to fishing and shipping activities. 

A laser sea-surface profilometer has been flown into 

both tropical storms and northern disturbances aboard 

RFF aircraft, and ocean wave spectra obtained under 

dynamic, evolving wind conditions. An understanding 

of the generation of waves by high winds is required 

for oceanic and atmospheric monitoring and predic- 
tion, as well as for research into the nature of the 

interactions of these two fluid envelopes. 

Analyses of weather satellite data have revealed that 

solar energy input to tropical regions is considerably 

higher than thought earlier, thus stimulating a search 

for mechanisms that can transport this extra energy 

poleward. 

Earth Sciences Laboratories (Boulder) .-Construction began on a magnetometer to be used as a space 

environment monitor on the NOAA geostationary 

satellite SMS/GOES. In preparation for the measurement, automated geomagnetic data analysis techniques 

are under development in the Boulder Laboratories. 

In a joint effort with NASA, NOAA is using computers to process geomagnetic analog records from 

worldwide magnetic observatories, and geomagnetic 

data collected by satellites and space probes. 

Developmental work continued on modifications to 

the International Geomagnetic Reference Field. This 

mathematical model of the earth's magnetic field is 

used as a common base by scientists worldwide in 

studies of related atmospheric, ionospheric, and outer 

space parameters. In collaboration with NASA, synthesis programs for spherical harmonic models of the 

main geomagnetic field were tested. Studies were made 

to compare magnetic chart models developed from 

ground data with those developed from satellite data, 

and the feasibility of using satellite data in the production of world magnetic charts was evaluated. 

Plans were developed for broadcast of the NBS 

orginated time codes by the NOAA SMS/GOES gee 

stationary satellite as timing information for seismological observatories supported by NOAA. 

National Severe Storms Laboratory (Norman, 

Ok&.) .-In a cooperative program, NSSL, NASA, 

FAA, and USAF Air Weather Service have been studying the distribution of cloud tops extending above 

12 kilometers, the probability of Occurrence of turbulence above severe storms, and the horizontal temperature gradients above those storms. This study aims to 

improve safety of flight in the vicinity of thunderstorms. Satellite data are used to aid correlation of 

radar echo and weather characteristics, to identify 

cloud and storm systems in their incipient phases, and 

to estimate the role of meteorological parameters in 

storm development. Analyses of satellite cloud photographs indicate regions of vertical motion in the lower 

troposphere and are being increasingly used with 

NSSL surface network and radar data for the study 

of severe storms. 

Air Resources Laboratories (Silver Spring, Md.) .- 

Studies of the effects of the atmosphere on the sonic 

booms produced by supersonic aircraft have continued 

under the sponsorship of the FAA. Studies were made 

near Las Vegas, Nevada, and in central Idaho to define the structure of amplified booms resulting from 

slightly supersonic and transonic flight, and influence 

of atmospheric conditions on such booms. 

There has been a noticeable increase in the amount 

of high cloudiness at seven weather observing stations 

in the US. during the late 1960's. Many of these stations are located near major commercial jet-aircraft 

flight tracks and the increases in cloudiness correlate 

with the increased consumption of jet fuel. These data 

suggest that jet contrails may increase the amounts 

of high cloudiness. 

Research Flight Facility (Miami, Fla.).-In conjunction with the FAA and NHRL the RFF performed a 

contingency program to determine the Operational 

capability of the Omega navigation system for civil 

aviation. During the program the RFF recorded 

Omega phase data and processed these data for analysis of the phase variation of the Omega signal, and of 

the frequency difference as derived from the two basic 

frequencies. Additionally the RFF performed flights 

to evaluate the performance of the Omega system during periods of precipitation, and static conditions. 

National Ocean Survey.-The National Ocean Survey 

(NOS) plays a key role in the management and use 

of the national airspace through the publication of 

aeronautical charts. The basic programs of NOS include the operational use of satellites for geodesy and 

precise navigation, research to determine the feasibility 

for using satellite techniques to perform assigned tasks, 

and operational aerial photography for charting and 

coastal mapping. 

Aeronautical Charts.-Advancing technological developments for the management and use of the National 

Airspace System placed increasing demands on the 

NOS for aeronautical charts and navigational information. 

At the request of the Federal Aviation Administration, a Controller Chart Supplement was prepared for 

computer processing and 28-day updating. This contains an Airway Fix File listing each airway from terminal to terminal, and the geographic position of each 

fix along the airway. These data are an important aid 

to air traffic control and are the beginning of essential input to automation in the control tower and inflight navigation systems. 

This introduction of Area Navigation techniques 

required new chart graphics. A new series of High 

Altitude Enroute Area Navigation Charts was first 

published in April 1971. Instrument Approach Procedures based on Area Navigation were added to the 

chart inventory. 

A milestone of 1971 was the completion of the Sectional Aeronautical Chart series to common specifications for both civil and military aviation use. The last 

chart, Seattle, was published in July. 

83 
Geometric Satellite Triangulation.-Data acquisition 

for the North American Densification Program of 

satellite triangulation was completed at the following 

stations: Shemya, Cold Bay, and Pt. Barrow, Alaska; 

Moses Lake, Washington; Valkaria, Florida; Cambridge Bay and Whitehorse, Canada; Bermuda; and 

Puerto Rico. At yearend, field teams were conducting 

observations in the United States, Canada, and Greenland. This final phase of field operations will terminate 

in April 1972. 

Computation and analysis for the Worldwide Pre 

gram of Geometric Satellite Triangulation continued 

during the year. Publication of results is scheduled for 

mid-1972. International acceptance of this Program 

as a unified reference system relating all major land 

masses to & 10 meters is a primary goal. 

Investigations are being conducted into the use of 

Doppler satellite tracking methods that have a potential utilizaion within the NOS. As part of these studies, 

cooperative field operations with the Department of 

Defense are in progress to test the geodetic positioning 

capabilities of a new version of Doppler tracking instrumentation. Further evaluation of satellite navigation receivers was also made. 

National Data Buoy Project (NDBP) .-This project 

was established for the purpose of developing a national capability to deploy and operate networks of 

automatic buoys to retrieve useful information describing the marine environment on a reliable, real 

time basis. The basic concept of the National Data 

Buoy System involves the use of a number of buoys, 

of one or more types, moored or drifting in the deep 

Ocean in a systematic array. The buoys will be equipped 

with sensors to measure environmental parameters and 

will use direct or satellite radio links to transmit the 

coded data to shore stations for dissemination to data 

processors and users. 

In 1971, the NDBP progressed through the preliminary and contracting stages of procuring data buoys of 

various designs and with associated instrumentation 

for use in the Engineering Experimental Phase (EEP) 

of the program. The EEP will entail intensive critical analysis of the hardware under consideration for 

use in the resulting National Data Buoy System. This 

year was, primarily, a time of procuring hardware for 

test and evaluation, preparing for the deployment of 

developmental hardware, and the continued evaluation 

of data needs, uses and benefits. 

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) .-The 

National Marine Fisheries Service plays a major role 

in the development and utilization of national fishery 

resources. NMFS vessels, laboratories, and offices located throughout the nation are involved in this 

mission. The mission is to discover, describe, develop, and conserve the living resources of the oceans, 

particularly those that affect the economy, food sup84 

plies, and recreation of the United States. To this end 

the NMFS conducts biological and ecological research 

on the living marine resources and their environment 

and analyzes the economics-of both commercial and 

recreational aspects of fishing operations. It develops 

methods for improving catches and the products 

through technological products. NMFS is deeply involved in the environmental aspects of the oceans and 

estuaries through research on, and by reviewing the 

effects of, pollutants and development programs on 

marine resources. An extensive aquaculture program 

is carried out, particularly in salmon under the Columbia River Fishery Development Program. A joint 

enforcement and surveillance operation is conducted 

in conjunction with the Coast Guard both in territorial 

waters and in the high seas on both foreign and 

domestic fishing fleets. 

Remote Sensing Program.-The marine environment 

determines the activity and movement of Ocean creatures. In the past, measurements of the marine 

environment were of necessity limited to those that 

could be acquired by ships and shore stations. 

However, the development of remote sensors has 

made possible a more efficient and effective 

method of acquiring detailed, timely measurements of 

certain parameters over large areas of the ocean. The 

NMFS, through an agreement with NASA, is carrying 

out a program to assess the value of remote sensing 

to its mission. This is being done at the NMFS Remote 

Sensing Program at NASA’s Mississippi Test Facility. 

During this past year, the applicability of spectrometers and image intensifiers to fisheries has been extensively tested. A 25,000-gallon-live-fish test tank was 

built at MTF and various species and concentrations 

of fish were studied with the spectrometer. The instrument was then flown over schools of fish in the Gulf 

of Mexico and off California. Preliminary data is not 

encouraging, but the analysis is continuing. 

Low-light-level image intensifiers have been flown 

over calibration targets at MTF and over the Gulf of 

Mexico and waters off Oregon and Washington. The 

instrument, which magnifies the light given off by 

minute organisms in the presence of fish, has definite 

promise as a fisheries tool. Major drawbacks are its 

requirements for clear, dark nights. 

Airborne photography techniques are in a continuing state of development with present emphasis on 

selecting the proper types of films and filters for each 

need. Lasers will join the testing program during this 

coming spring. 

A joint program between NASA and NMFS related 

to the development of instrumentation and sensor systems to gather data from spacecraft during the proposed Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS) 

and Skylab (EREP) programs has been proceeding 

rapidly. Two NMFS proposals for ERTS/EREP were 
submitted and have been selected by NASA for funding. The experiments will study the Mississippi River 

plume and eddy currents associated with islands in the 

Caribbean. 

NMFS also is utilizing surface temperature patterns 

of the oceans from infrared data obtained by NOAA’s 

Environmental Survey Satellites as part of a general 

program relating space-acquired oceanic data to the 

NMFS requirements relating to assessing, monitoring, and managing marine resources and their 

environment. 

Office of Telecommunications 

The Office of Telecommunications is responsible for 

an extensive program of telecommunications services, 

economic and policy analyses, and technical and 

analytic support for the Office of Telecommunications 

Policy (OTP) in the Executive Office of the President. 

The Office of Telecommunications operates as a primary unit in the Office of Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Science and Technology. 

Office of Telecommunications studies have practical 

applications to aeronautic and space technology in 

areas of navigation, communication, remote sensing, 

and technical input to support policy considerations in 

frequency assignments. Work during 1971 included : 

Radio Navigation Systems.-Office of Telecommunications (OT) is evaluating features affecting the accuracy of Loran A, C, and D navigation systems. These 

systems operate primarily in the medium frequency 

band (1900 kHz for Loran A) and the low frequency 

band ( 100 kHz for Loran C and D) . They are pulsed 

systems, primarily using ground wave propagation. 

Over sea water accuracies of a few hundred feet are 

attainable. Over rough or irregular land however, the 

accuracies are greatly reduced and errors of a few 

thousand feet may be experienced. Evaluation of 

methods of predicting or reducing these errors is being 

continued. 

Compatibility of Aircraft Collision Avoidance and 

Radio Altimeter Systems.-OT has investigated the 

practicality of sharing the 1600 MHz aero navigation 

band between collision avoidance systems and radio 

altimeters. Radio altimeters operating in this band 

are very common. Collision avoidance systems, which 

offer great potential for avoiding mid-air collisions, are 

new and have, as yet, received little use. The investigation shows that there will be major problems in sharing the same band on the same aircraft since pulsed 

altimeters may prevent the collision avoidance system 

from giving the proper warnings when appropriate. 

The problem may also occur even when the two systems are on different aircraft in proximity to each 

other. 

Radio Channel Requirements for Air Trafic Control.-OT has examined air traffic control requirements for radio channels. The growth of air traffic in 

the last few years suggests that in the near future many 

more radio channels may be needed than are currently 

available. This projection is based on the assumption 

that each aircraft talks continuously to its controller 

and that the aircraft are located at the worst points 

from the view of causing interference to each other. 

The recent work attempts to take a more realistic view 

of the situation by considering the intermittent nature 

of the communication, and by taking account of the 

fact that the aircraft locations in the service volume are 

statistically distributed. Models. have been developed 

which show that these factors will somewhat reduce the 

need for more channels. 

Use of Microwave Line-of-Sight Links for Transmitting Air Trafic Control Radar Data.-OT has shown 

that outages which occur in the microwave links used 

to transmit air traffic surveillance radar data to controllers can be greatly reduced by using space (or frequency) diversity, without requiring higher transmitter 

power or more but shorter communication links. 

Improvement of Instrument Landing Systems.-Aircraft instrument landing systems are vital for allowing 

landings to occur in a fog or heavy rain when the strip 

cannot be seen. Existing and new systems can yield 

inferior results because of reflections from buildings 

and because of atmospheric effects. OT is working on 

methods to reduce reflection effects, and has examined 

some of the problems which are involved in going 

to frequencies as high as 15 GHz to obtain higher 

precision. The conclusions are that for greatest reliability in heavy rain, a frequency less than 6 GHz 

should be used, but within 1-2 miles of touchdown 

a frequency as high as 15 GHz could be used to provide 

precise runway alignment or flareout information. 

Satellite Communications.--OT is working on several 

problems associated with satellite communication sp 

tern. These involve interference between satellite and 

terrestrial systems sharing the same band, and questions 

concerning the use of very wide band digital transmission through the atmosphere. 

Work has been done in methods for estimating the 

interference caused (by rainfall occurring in a common 

volume visible from borh satellite earth stations and 

terrestrial stations. The work has been both experimental and analytical and was used as the basis for 

international regulation in this area. Other completed 

work has produced methods for estimating the interference between satellite and tropospheric scatter communication systems. 

Measuremen,& have also been made of the electromagnetic environment of proposed earth terminal locations near large metropolitan areas for the NOAA 

Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite 

(GOES) system. 

85 
lonospheric Modification.--OT has completed a very 

high power (2MW-CW) high frequency radio transmitter and directive antennas at Platteville, Colorado. 

These are being used to examine the effects of high 

power electromagnetic fields on the D, E, and F regions 

of the ionosphere. Experimental observations indicate 

that the transmissions cause major modification in the 

ionosphere. Electron density profiles and collision frequencies are changed and large irregularities are produced. Many of the results are totally unexpected and 

when explained will contribute significantly to ionospheric theory and the theory of plasmas. 

Znternational Cooperation.-OT staff participated in 

U.S. National Committees of the International Radio 

Consultative Committee (CCIR) and also provided 

the chairmen of three of these committees. Staff also 

contributed to the work of the International Telegraph 

and Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT) and 

the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research 

(SCAR). Contributions to the World Administrative 

Radio Conference held in 1971 were embodied in the 

revised regulations for space systems which are now 

being promulgated. Other international bodies that 

staff has participated on are the International Radio 

Scientific Union (URSI) ,. the International Union of 

Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) , the NATO Advisory Panel on Radiometeorology, and the International 

Committee on Solar Terrestrial Physics. 

Maritime Administration 

The Maritime Administration has completed the first 

phase of a program directed towards the use of 

synchronous satellites for improved navigation, communication and surveillance of commercial ship operations. The results of the initial phase indicate significant 

cost and operational advantages can be obtained by 

implementing this program. 

The recent allocation of the 1971 International Telecommunications Union World Administrative Radiofrequency Conference on Space Techniques of 15 MHz 

in the “L” band (1600 MHz) region for exclusive 

maritime mobile satellite application supports the direction of the Maritime Administration program. Experimental communications and position determination 

studies undertaken by the Maritime Administration 

have previously proven the technical feasibility of 

using “L” band systems for commercial maritime 

applications. 

The current second phase of the Maritime Administration program calls for the development and fabrication of ten shipboard transmitting and receiving 

systems to be operated by ships of opportunity in conjunction with a shore-based Maritime Coordination 

Center using current NASA ATS 1, 3, and 5 satellites. 

This Center will have the capability of providing 

86 

realistic data relating to maritime traffic advisory f 

control as well as facilitating accurate navigation and 

reliable communication services. 

National Bureau of Standards 

The goal of NBS is to strengthen and advance the 

Nation’s science and technology and to facilitate their 

effective application for public benefit. In working 

toward this goal, the Bureau pursues a wide range of 

activities, including many projects in space and aeronautics, in its three major institutes: the Institute for 

Basic Standards, the Institute for Materials Research, 

and the Institute for Applied Technology. 

Institute for Basic Standards 

Lunar Ranging Analysis.-Apollo 11 and 14 missions 

placed retroreflector packages on the moon for determination of the rotation, polar motion, and large scale 

crustal movements of the earth as well as data on the 

lunar orbit and its librations. NBS is participating in 

the Lunar Ranging Experiment Team which advises 

NASA on the conduct of the experiment and performs 

analysis of the ranging data. Major progress was made 

this year in analyzing the difference between calculated 

and observed ranging distances to the retroreflectors. 

Improvement in the models used in calculations has 

resulted in fits of 15 meters accuracy, compared with 

initial range uncertainties of roughly 300 meters. NBS 

work supplements the primary andysis being performed 

at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the University 

of Texas. 

Astrophysics of Stellur Atmospheres.-NBS scientists 

conduct theoretical studies of stellar atmospheres and 

particularly of the solar atmosphere. These studies 

are complemented by an observational program carried 

out jointly with the University of Colorado and Sacramento Peak Observatory. Specific efforts this year 

included solution of the radiative transfer problem in 

extended, spherical gaseous systems, a problem which 

has been outstanding since the early 1930’s. Application of this solution to Rayleigh scattering spherical 

systems has shown that the degree of polarization of the 

radiation escaping at large angles to the normal will 

be close to unity, a fact of considerable interest in the 

interpretation of certain eclipsing binary stars. Also 

solved this year was the problem of nonradiative transfer of energy by the drift of excited atoms which accompanies ordinary radiative transfer. NBS completed 

formulation of a new approach to the structure of 

stellar atmospheres, wherein nonequilibrium departures from the classical atmosphere are described in 

terms of population and transfer effects. In cooperation with scientists from Harvard and the California 

Institute of Technology, theoretical calculations are 

being compared with data from the 1970 solar eclipse 
in order to determine a new model for the solar 

chromosphere. 

Microwave SpectroscoW.-NBS work in microwave 

spectroscopy is used by radio astronomers in identifying observed emissions from molecules in interstellar 

space. This year NBS laboratory measurements led to 

positive identification of methyl alcohol, which had 

been observed and misinterpreted, formamide, and 

cyanoacetalene. The latter measurements were an order 

of magnitude better than previously available values, 

allowing identification of Doppler shifts for accurate 

location of the molecules in moving clouds; this will 

allow correlation with other molecules and investigation of the chemical dynamics of those clouds. Data 

on various isotopic forms of hydrogen cyanide have 

been accurately measured and are being used as references by radio astronomers. The NBS measurements on 

thioformaldehyde, published last year, were used to 

make astronomical searches for that molecule ; the 

fourth attempt, at the Parkes Observatory in Australia, 

was finally successful this year. 

A radio astronomy data center has been formed to 

critically evaluate both laboratory data and observations on all 20 molecules that have been detected in 

interstellar space. Formamide, formaldehyde, thioformaldehyde, and methyl alcohol were completed 

this year. 

Calculations of Energy Deposition.-NBS has developed computer programs, under NASA sponsorship, 

that use Monte Carlo techniques to calculate energy 

transport and deposition, Three dimensional luminosity 

patterns for natural and artificial auroras were calculated and corroborated by comparison with observations. The same calculation techniques were used to 

evaluate response functions of sodium iodide detectors 

carried on the Apollo 15 mission. NBS is participating 

in the analysis of the lunar gamma ray data obtained 

on that mission. 

Laboratory Astrophysics.-NBS conducts extensive 

research programs in atomic and molecular physics and 

the interaction of radiation with atomic and molecular 

systems. Much of this work is in direct support of 

investigations of stellar and planetary atmospheres. 

Integrated theoretical and experimental efforts include 

collisional excitation, dissociation, and ionization studies ; radiative transfer and radiative dissociation measurements; and spectroscopic work in the microwave, 

infrared, visible, and ultraviolet regions of the spectrum. 

Specific achievements included measurements of cross 

sections for dissociation of negative ions of oxygen 

molecules, cross sections for hydrogen ion dissociation, 

determination of excitation cross sections for the Fraunhaufer lines of sodium and calcium and line broadening 

parameters for the calcium H and K lines. Infrared, 

visible and ultraviolet spectroscopic studies included 

investigation of dimers of water and other molecules of 

possible importance in planetary atmospheres and 

measurement of parameters of molecules of importance 

in the sun and interstellar space such as water, carbon 

monoxide, and thioformaldehyde. 

Careful experimental determination of Stark shifts 

in the Balmer lines in hydrogen may modify the currently held theories of white dwarf stars. The new 

values are larger than previous measurements, reducing the amount of the observed red shifts that can be 

attributed to gravity. The magnitude of the red shift 

due to gravity is used to calculate the mass of these 

stars. 

Cryogenic Data and Engineering Support.-NBS 

provides basic data and engineering services to NASA, 

the Defense Department and aerospace contractors for 

cryogenic systems used in spacecraft for fuel cells and 

propulsion fuel storage. Work proceeds on thermodynamic, electromagnetic, and transport properties of 

cryogenic fluids, mechanical and thermal properties 

of materials at cryogenic temperatures, measurement 

techniques and instrumentation, and safety procedures 

and standards. For example, NBS is providing consultation and advisory services to the joint NASA-AEC 

Space Nuclear Systems Office and its contractors-the 

Aerojet General Corporation and General Dynamics/ 

Fort Worth Division-in support of the NERVA nuclear rocket engine program. Another NBS project is 

to develop, under NASA sponsorship, the technology 

for handling slush hydrogen as a space vehicle fuel. 

Calibration and Measurement Services.-NBS develops basic measurement techniques and provides 

calibration services for NASA, the Defense Department, and industry. Many of these services are in direct 

support of NASA and Defense Department aerospace 

activities in the areas of communications, optical SYStems, temperature measurements, and mechanical 

measurements. Specific services included antenna 

standards, electromagnetic radiation shielding tests, development of noise sources for microwave telecommunications and radar system calibrations, load cell 

calibrations for rocket engine thrust measurement, 

fatigue studies of sealing type aircraft fasteners, studies 

of mechanical properties of composite materials for 

aerospace applications, high temperature thermocouple evaluation and calibration, development of a 

wall stabilized arc for ultraviolet radiometric calibrations for the Apollo Telescope Mount Space Station 

( Skylab) , development of vacuum ultraviolet transfer 

standards, and far ultraviolet and x-ray calibrations of 

detectors for astronomical observations by balloon, 

rocket, and satellite. 

Institute for Materials Research 

Specular Spectral Refictance Standards.-NBS has 

developed a set of specular spectral reflectance standards for calibration of reflectometers used to evaluate 

87 
thermal radiation properties of materials. Knowledge 

of these reflection properties is essential to balancing 

spacecraft heat loads. 

Chemistry of the Stratosphere.-The possible chemical 

reactions between the exhaust gases of high flying aircraft and the natural constituents of the stratosphere 

have been surveyed by NBS. Photochemical processes 

control the composition of the stratosphere. They are 

responsible for formation of the ozone layer that filters 

out harmful ultraviolet radiation. Exhausts from high 

flying aircraft will introduce small quantities of chemicals, such as water, carbon dioxide and the nitrogen 

oxides, that might react with ozone and change the 

ozone shield. Data on speeds of these chemical processes 

are needed in models that can predict the chemical 

dynamics of the stratosphere. NBS is preparing a summary of the best available values for rates of these 

reactions, has identified systems on which experiments 

must be made, and is undertaking studies to obtain 

needed data not currently available. 

Thermodynamic Properties of HNS.-Results of NBS 

studies of thermodynamic properties of hexanitrostilbene (HNS) have found application on the Apollo 

missions. This explosive substance is used in the landing 

gear of the Apollo Lunar Lander and as a source of 

shock waves for seismic studies. It has very good keeping qualities for the hostile environment of the moon 

because of its stability and very low vapor pressure. 

The enthalpy of combustion and enthalpy of formation necessary for predicting its explosive properties 

were determined at NBS. 

Analysis of Apollo Lunar Samp&s.-Several specimens collected on the Apollo 12 and 14 missions were 

analyzed at NBS in cooperation with NASA-Goddard, 

using electron microprobe equipment and techniques 

specially developed at NBS. These procedures provided 

important information on the identity and distribution 

of mineral phases in the specimens. 

Analyses for some 12 elements on the same sample 

have been completed with precise and accurate isotopic 

ratios and assays having been obtained. Important 

results to date indicate that those elements which show 

constant isotopic ratios in terrestrial materials also do so 

in the lunar materials examined. Confirmation has 

been obtained of an older component in lunar soils 

which gives apparent lead-uranium ages of 4.88 billion 

years. As found previously, rubidium-strontium ages 

in the soil tend to be distinctly younger. 

Mossbauer spectroscopy was applied to the determination of site occupancy factors in certain lunar 

minerals through cooperative work by NBS and NASA 

Goddard. Apollo 12 powdered samples were separated 

into a variety of crystal phases and samples of orthopyroxenes and pigeonites were studied by Mossbauer 

spectroscopy. This technique appears to be the best 

available for determining site occupancy in this type 

of material. 

Metallic inclusions and other metal particles in 

Apollo 12 lunar soil were studied cooperatively by 

scientists from NBS, Lehigh University and NASA. 

The microstructure and chemical differences between 

metals of lunar and meteoritic origin found in Apollo 

11 and l,2 soil samples was investigated. Samples of 

meteorites from Meteor Crater, Arizona were included 

to compare their microstructure with that of meteorites 

found on the moon. A criterion for determining 

whether metal in the lunar soil was indigenous or of 

extra-lunar origin was developed. This criterion has 

been applied successfully to Apollo 12 and Apollo 14 

specimens. 

Eflect of Zero Gravity on Crystal Growth from 

Melt.-In zero gravity temperature gradients in a melt 

would not be expected to create convective flow. This 

condition may then make it possible to produce more 

perfect single crystals. NBS scientists have developed a 

method to study the degree of perfection in single 

crystals by means of dynamical diffraction of X-rays. 

At the request of NASA this method is being applied 

to melt grown single crystals to determine crystal perfection under various conditions of liquid flow in the 

melt. 

Institute for Applied Technology 

Evaluation of Battery Cell Separator Materials.-NBS 

is developing test procedures and techniques for NASA 

for evaluation of polymeric separator materials for 

nickel-cadmium batteries used as power sources in 

space applications. Some of these separator materials 

have failed 'in operation before completing their designated cycli'ng times. 

Aerospace Fire Safety.-NBS is charged with developing the fire safety portion of the NASA Aerospace 

Safety Research Data Institute on-line information 

storage and retrieval system. Reports, journal articles, 

and other documents related to aerospace fire safety 

and hazards have been evaluated, catalogued, abstracted, indexed, and reviewed. A state-of-the-art report is being prepared on fire extinguishment in oxygen 

enriched atmospheres under normal and reduced gravity and for both hyperbaric and hypobaric conditions. 

NBS has in the past performed experiments on fire 

growth in model enclosures and made extensive investigation of smoke and gases produced by aircraft 

interior materials. These data are helpful in evaluating 

potential hazards of various materials, but the complex 

phenomena of flashover as it might relate to aircraft 

cabins is not well defined. Flashover appears to involve 

gas phase combustion reactions from the products of 

thermal decomposition of solid organic materials within 

the cabin enclosure. NBS is using carefully designed 

laboratory models to analyze the flashover problem and 
to obtain precise quantitative data on combustion products and reactions. 

Tehtering-Transistor Wire Bond Reliability.- 

NASA-Marshall Space Flight Center recently requested 

NBS assistance in the identification and correction of 

the mechanism of wire bond failure in a transistor used 

in a telemetering application. Failures occurred after 

about ‘1000 operating cycles in many samples; some 

were not so affected. NBS investigations suggested that 

control of wire bond loop height should reduce the 

thermal and mechanical effects leading to the failures. 

Successful implementation of these controls by the device manufacturer has reduced the failure rates as 

shown by tests underway at NASA where, at last reporting, devices had passed 41,000 cycles without a failure. 

Semiconductor Nuclear Radiation Detectors.-NBS 

has assisted NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center in 

pre-flight testing of commercial semiconductor nuclear 

radiation detectors intended for experimental applications on IMP and Pioneer space packages. Studies of 

long-term damage effects on detectors by nuclear radiation of the type found in trapped planetary radiation 

belts and nuclear power sources have been performed 

for NASA Goddard. It has been shown that some types 

of damage effects can be minimized by keeping the 

detector constantly under an applied electric field. 

Measurements are also underway to determine the possible effects of chemical reaction products from spacecraft control thrusters on semiconductor performance 

and life characteristics. The end purpose of these various measurements is to improve existing methods of 

predicting long-term performance of semiconductor 

nuclear radiation detectors in space in order to aid in 

detector selection for the Grand Tour mission. 

Aircraft Landing Instrumentation.-Under support 

by the Naval Air Systems Command, NBS is developing and improving instrumentation to aid in aircraft 

landing : instrumentation for measuring and displaying 

wind speed and direction ‘to assist in the control of 

carrier-launched aircraft ; instruments for measuring 

atmospheric haze at airports by means of a pulsed-light 

backscattering principle; and a see-through sighting 

and indicating console to present the carrier-deck landing officer with simultaneous visual and digital information needed in his control of approaching aircraft. 

XI1 United States Information Agency 

Introduction 

The U.S. Information Agency maintained a high level 

of activity in projecting United States space operations 

and accomplishments during 1971. In carrying out 

NASA’s public information functions overseas, Agency 

officers noted that the demands of foreign audiences for 

information, which had slacked off somewhat in earlier 

Apollo missions, again rose to a peak with Apollo 15. 

USIA was already directing its efforts towards telling 

the story of Skylab and the space shuttle, the manned 

programs which would follow Apollo in the seventies. 

The practical benefits of space exploration, and the 

ways in which these afFect man on Earth continued 

to be stressed. So were NASA’s cooperative arrangements with the U.S.S.R. to develop a mutually cumpatible docking system. 

The Agency initiated and assisted in a five-country 

Presidential good-will tour of Europe, carried out November 6-21 by the Apollo 15 crew. Unlike previous 

astronaut tours, this one focused chiefly on the scientific results of the mission, which had been extraordinary. To convey these to the scientific community, 

round-table sessions with up to two dozen of the most 

eminent scientists from the disciplines supporting lunar 

exploration, were convened. After a slide presentation, 

the lunar explorers were questioned first-hand on their 

findings by geophysicists, cosmologists, physiologists, 

geologists, astronomers, and lunar rock experimenters 

who were seated with the crew. The astronauts gave 

such a presentation at Cambridge University and before 

the Royal Society in London, ‘before the Academy of 

Engineering in Stockholm, and before selected scientists in Munich, Milan, and Paris. The crew also addressed university audiences, held press conferences, 

and appead on national television in England, 

Sweden, Germany, Italy, and France. It was one of 

the most successful of astronaut tours, and the appearance of the crew before the membled scientific community of European countries was a measure of how 

far scientific exploration under Apollo had come. 

89 
Radio 

The 10th anniversary of the United States in space was 

commemorated in a special Voice of America documentary narrated by Alan Shepard. USIS posts in 

45 countries ordered the feature for placement with 

local radio stations. Another VOA English special, 

“The First ‘A’ in NASA,” reported on aviation research 

projects carried out by the Agency. 

English and language services broadcast and distributed for local placement a wealth of interviews with 

scientists and engineers involved in the space program. 

The Bulgarian Service interviewed a California physicist on Apollo 14 instrument design while VOA Mandarin invited five Chinese-American scientists to participate in its broadcasts. Professor Hermann Oberth, 

the distinguished pioneer rocket scientist of West Germany, commented on the importance of lunar exploration for a Romanian broadcast, and Dr. Wernher von 

Braun discussed space plans for the seventies in an 

English science series. 

The U.S.S.R. Division gave full play to the Lunar 

Science Conference in Houston and to developments in 

US.-Soviet space cooperation. Russian broadcasts in 

April offered comments by NASA Acting Administrator George Low, Manned Spacecraft Center Director Robert Gilruth and Astronaut Neil Armstrong. 

Astronaut Edwin Aldrin also joined VOA’s Russian 

language correspondent at the mike during Apollo 14 

to recall his pleasant association with Soviet cmonauts Nikolayev and Sevastyanov and to acknowledge 

the congratulatory message from Soviet cosmonauts. 

All VOA services carried world reaction to the 

tragedy of the Soyuz 11 cosmonauts and provided a 

constant flow of features and news reports on other 

significant space developments. The Mariner-9 voyage 

to Mars, the Earth Resources Technology Satellite, and 

Skylab were all treated by the Voice. 

The Voice provided fullest coverage of the Apollo 14 

and 15 missions to world audiences. This included preflight interviews with the astronauts and key members of mission control, live broadcast of the flights with 

commentary by Astronauts Edwin Aldrin and Fred 

Haise, and extensive follow-up on the scientific achievements of the missions. Special broadcasts in Chinese, 

Russian, Spanish and Portuguese reported live on major flight events while all 36 language services carried 

full news reports and features on flight progress along 

with on-the-csene news from VOA’s multi-lingual correspondent teams at Cape Kennedy and Houston. 

VOA Spanish and Portuguese broadcasts of the Apollo 

14 missions were relayed by 1,017 stations in 16 Latin 

American countries, reaching an estimated 35 million 

listeners. 

Press and Publications 

The two Apollo flights in 1971 received special attention from the Agency’s press and publications service. 

90 

Special feature packets of articles on the scientific importance of the missions, backgrounders on the 

astronauts, explanations of the ALSEP packages and 

Lunar Rover-all accompanied by appropriate photographs and drawings-were on the desks of editors, 

science writers and radio and television space specialists 

well before launch. USIA reporters filed wireless stories 

from Cape Kennedy and Houston during the flights 

and followed up with post-flight analyses of moon rocks 

and other data obtained by the missions. 

Responding to a need for material on US. space 

plans for the future, USIA writers produced a variety 

of stories on Skylab, the space shuttle and the planetary 

Grand Tour proposed for late in the decade. Mariner 9 

was the subject of numerous wireless file items and features, while the Agency expedited shipment of the pictures taken by the Mars orbiter to all posts as they 

became available. Other subjects treated included the 

INTELSAT Agreement, plans for educational TV 

satellites and the Earth Resources Technology 

Satellites. 

US.-Soviet cooperation in space was treated in 

stories based on talks at Moscow and Houston and 

interviews with the NASA officials involved. USIA 

press materials also noted many examples of cooperation between NASA and other countries, such as the 

distribution of lunar samples for investigation by foreign scientists, and NASA’s role in providing rocket 

boosters and other assistance for the Italian San Marco 

project. 

USIA’s Russian-language America Illustrated magazine caried a variety of features and photographs on 

space, including “The Giant Harvest from SpaceToday and Tomorrow,” “Moon rocks-What Scientists are Learning from Them,” “The Great Promise of 

Zero G” (on the potential for manufacturing in space), 

stories on Apollo 14 and 15, and a feature on TV coverage of lunar exploration. 

Articles on the future of the space program, the 

promise of space, lunar rocks and space-age communications appeared in Topic and A1 Majal, the Agency’s 

magazines for readers in Africa and the Arab world. 

These and other space stories were used by Agency 

periodicals in Britain, India, Pakistan, Iran, Yugoslavia 

and East Asia. 

In pamphlets, the Agency’s major effort was a 24- 

page, color-illustrated publication, “America in Space : 

The 1970’s,” which featured an interview with Wernher von Braun on space travel in the seventies. Soon 

after the missions USIS posts abroad were distributing 

leaflets on Apollo 14, and an Apollo 15 pamphlet, 

“Three Days on the Moon.” 

Motion Pictures and Television 

Overseas viewers continue to exhibit the greatest interest in new films and television programs on sp’lce. 
USIS posts requested 28 language versions and 491 

prints of the NASA Apollo 14 h,alf-hour color documentary adapted by USIA. The Apollo 15 film is 

meeting a similar response. Older space films including 

the Agency’s special film on the first moon landing, 

“The Infinite Journey,” and “Project Apollo,” and 

NASA films on Apollo 8-through-14 missions were 

used repeatedly during Apollo 15 on foreign TV and 

in direct projection screenings. A tally shows that space 

films provided by USIA have now been shown in 150 

countries. 

The number and type of USIA satellite-beamed television programs grew considerably. Twenty-three programs were transmitted abroad via satellite. The 

Agency initiated a monthly discussion series on various 

aspects of US.-Japanese relations that were seen 

widely in Japan. Two pilot programs, one featuring an 

interview with Dr. von Braun, were broadcast to Argentina. A test program was transmitted to the new 

receiving station in Morocco. A USIA special program inaugurated the Congo, Kinghasa, receiving station in June. The monthly satellite show to Brazil, 

“First Friday,” included interviews with Astronaut 

Edwin Aldrin and Dr. von Braun. 

The Agency continued to distribute NASA Aeronautic and Space Reports and film clips to USIS posts 

for use in telecasts and newsreels abroad. USIA’s Science Report, sent to 78 countries monthly for use on 

television and in schools, featured Apollo 14, the 

Lunar Science Conference, Manner ’71 and Apollo 15. 

A half-hour documentary “Windfall from Space,” describing the practical results of space exploration, was 

produced by USIA for Latin America but distributed 

world-wide to help meet the need for material on the 

benefits of space exploration. Another documentary, 

acquired from NASA, “Seeds of Discovery,” telling 

the story of various scientific discoveries that made the 

space program possible, has been adapted into four 

language verisions at the request of USIS posts overseas. In addition to acquiring and distributing NASA 

films, USIA maintains a film library in Rome stocked 

with NASA films for loan to universities, schools and 

television stations in Europe. 

During Apollo 14 and 15, representatives of the 

Agency’s motion picture and television division assisted 

foreign TV producers and newsmen from 19 countries at Cape Kennedy. Commentaries and interviews 

were filmed for use on the newsmen’s home TV stations. This Agency service is provided for those foreign 

medi,a who do not have camera and sound equipment 

at the scene. 

Information Centers and Exhibits 

USIA space exhibits continue to be in demand at 

fairs, museums, and universities and schools. With the 

cooperation of the Smithsonian Institution the Apollo 

10 and 12 Command Modules, the Gemini 12 spacecraft and other assorted space artifacts have been 

widely toured and displayed. Reports from USIS posts 

attest to the tremendous impact of flight-tested hardware as exhibit items. The six small moon rock specimens on loan to the Agency from NASA had been 

viewed by almost 7 million people in 14 countries during the first half of 1971 and were reserved for showings as much as six months in advance. 

The exhibit, “Man in Space,” at the Belgrade Cosmos Space Fair was the largest and most complete of 

the 1971 U.S. space exhibits, and possibly the finest 

space exhibit yet seen abroad. Featuring the Apollo 12 

Command Module, full-scale models of the Lunar 

Rover, the Skylab living quarters, and other space 

items, the exhibit used special design, lighting and 

sound to create a space-like environment which obviously fascinated viewers. The presence of Astronaut 

Thomas Stafford lent added interest. 

In late October the Apollo 10 Command Module 

completed a lO-city tour of rhe United Kingdom. Accompanied by display panels and a 40-frame exhibit 

of postage stamps issued by foreign countries in honor 

of the U.S. space program, the Command Module was 

viewed by more than 277,000 persons. 

The US. exhibit at the Kinshasa Trade Fair told 

the story of space satellite communications to some 

307,000 visitors. Full-scale mock-ups of the Lunar 

Rover and part of Skylab were displayed at the German Industries Fair in West Berlin and at the Budapest and Plovdiv International Trade Fairs. Staged on 

a somewhat smaller scale, eighteen Agency traveling 

space exhibits circulated among posts in five world 

areas. The exhibits included %-scale models of the 

Apollo Command and Lunar Modules, a life-size simulated space suit worn by a manikin, an 8-foot Saturn 

V model, space photos, it panel exhibit on “Space Benefits,” a Telstar satellite model and a stamp exhibit entitled, “Africa Honors Apollo.” 

On July 26, when Apollo 15 lifted off the pad, the 

Netherlands’ Minister of Education officially launched 

the “Moonrock Express,” a space exhibit train that was 

to tour 36 Dutch cities. The train, carrying a moon 

rock, numerous space artifacts, models and photographs, attracted visitors from all walks of life, but 

was particularly welcomed by teachers and their school 

classes. By the end of the year the Moonrock Express 

tour had been extended to German cities, and plans 

were in preparation for tours of parts of Italy and 

Switzerland. 

During 1971 USIA published translations of 11 

books on space, in Burmese, Spanish, Thai, Bengali 

and Portuguese, which totaled 46,000 copies. In response to world-wide field requests the Agency has distributed 15,000 copies of its space science reader “The 

Apollo Story: Footprints on the Moon,” used for 

English teaching. 

91 
XI11 National Science Foundation 

Introduction 

The National Science Foundation contributed to the 

support of aeronautics and space sciences through a 

number of its programs in 1971, principally individual 

research projects, the polar research proo;rams, and 

a variety of educational programs including institutes 

and fellowships. Most of the research work supported 

by the Foundation in the aeronautics and space 

sciences is carried out by investigators affiliated with 

US. colleges and universities, many of whom use the 

specialized facilities available at the national research 

centers or the unique facilities of the Antarctic 

continent. 

Solar-Terrestrial Research Program.-The outer 

reaches of the solar atmosphere, the interplanetary 

plasma, and the earth's mavetosphere are concerns 

of solar-terrestrial research. The normal sun continuously forces out from its surface a flow of charged 

particles-the Solar Wind. Intermittently, much 

smaller numbers of particles in disturbed solar reyions 

are accelerated to hiyh eneryies, by mechanisms not 

yet understood, and are spewed into space. A large 

part of the program is devoted to these particles and 

their interactions. Optical and radio studies of the 

dynamics of the atmosphere are supported. Investigations of the Solar Wind which use cosmic rays as a 

probinq tool are funded. Observational and theoretical 

research on the interaction of the Solar Wind with the 

earth's magnetosphere and the atmospheres of other 

planets are sponsored. Major attention is also devoted 

to the earth's ma<gnetosphere and particles in it. Trapping and release of particles, wave-particle interactions, currents and magnetic fields, are all associated 

with spectacular aurora, magnetic storms, interference 

with radio, long-line telephonic communication, and 

with surges on large power networks. Progress was 

made during the year on the study of the structure and 

stability of the magnetosphere and the trapping and 

release processes. 

Aeronomy Program.-The region from the stratosphere to the maqnetosphere on the earth and other 

planets is generally associated with Aeronomy. The 

Foundation supports theoretical, and field studies of 

aurora and laboratory studies of the interactions taking place in aurora. The most powerful sinqle tool 

for studies of the ionosphere, located in this same 

altitude region, is the incoherent backscatter radar. 

Studies of this region, of importance to radio communication, have been supported in tropical, subtropical, temperate and polar latitudes with this tool. The 

chemistry and physics of the ionosphere is complex, and 

each latitude region ha3 distinctive features not yet 

clearly understood. For instance, the need for understanding neutral winds at altitude near 100 km is now 

becoming plain from radar backscatter and other 

studies. A three-prong attack-theoretical, observational and experimental-on problems of the normal 

ionosphere is funded. In the upper atmosphere of the 

earth, minor constituents play an important roleozone in the stratosphere and nitric oxide in the D 

region. Modification or destruction of such constituents 

or the addition of others could conceivably have far 

reachinq consequences. Studies of chemical reactions 

of possible importance in the upper atmosphere are 

supported. Tests of our understanding of the earth's 

atmosphere can be applied in the atmospheres of other 

planets, but for such tests data on the other atmospheres are required. A hiKhlight of the vear was the 

success of an observation of a star occulted by Jupiter 

giving information on the atmosphere of Jupiter. 

Meteorology Program.-In meteorology, a wide range 

of investigations into the dvnamical behavior of the 

atmosphere are supported. Our understanding of the 

formation of clouds and precipitation, and the air 

motions which accompany these processes, has been 

increased through a balanced program of laboratory 

experiments in the areas of fundamental cloud physics 

and numerical simulation of the clouds themselves 

by diqital computer. Theoretical studies of clear air 

turbulence and of motions forced by airflow over surface topography have continued through the year. 

Studies of atmospheric motions on a larger scale have 

as their goal the building up of a reservoir of fundamental knowledge and technique that can be drawn 

upon to improve weather forecasting. Studies of this 

nature over the past year fall into the areas of diagnostic 

studies of actual weather situations, laboratory experiments in rotating fluid tanks, and numerical simulation by digital computer of large-scale weather 

patterns. 

An exciting new area has been that of remote sensing. The continued development of lidar techniques 

and their employment in the field promise increased 

92 
understanding of the transport of water vapor from 

one place to another as well as of the formation and 

optical properties of haze and other particulates suspended in the atmosphere. The possibility of remote 

detection and subsequent tracking of severe storms and 

tornadoes by the monitoring of electrical and acoustic 

emissions has been raised as a result of several field 

studies made during the year. 

National Center for Atmospheric Research.-During 

1971, the National Center for Atmospheric Research 

continued its studies of the sun, the interplanetary 

medium, and the earth's atmosphere. A major portion 

of the observinq resources of the High Altitude Observatory (HAO) of NCAR are devoted to measurement of solar prominence magnetic fields, which are 

important to all forms of solar activity. In solarterrestrial physics, high altitude tidal winds and their 

interactions with the earth's magnetic field were also 

studied. Studies of the solar T-corona, which represents 

the thermal radiation of vaporizing particles precipitated into the neighborhood of the sun, suggest that 

these particles are composed of pyroxine or olivine. 

A detailed analysis, now in progress, of observations 

made at the 1970 total solar eclipse, should lead to an 

integrated model of the interplanetary particles including their mineralogical content. 

The Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM) coronagraph, 

developed at NCAR with NASA support, is presently 

being integrated into the Skylab Program. One model 

of this instrument is now undergoing tests in Houston, 

while the actual flight unit is being integrated at the 

Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. 

NCAR has recently let a subcontract, under NASA 

funding, to the Ball Brothers Research Corporation to 

study the development of a rapid-response coronagraph. which would be included in the Skylab program. 

An improved rocket-borne cryogenic sampler, which 

uses neon as the cryogen, is scheduled for launch in 

mid-December, 1971. It will bring back a whole-air 

sample from an altitude of 40-50 km for laboratory 

analysis. In cooperation with the Air Weather Service, 

NCAR has made a series of stratospheric flights to 

determine the concentration of sulfuric acid particles 

at levels of 20 km or higher. Data from these recent 

flights indicate that the number of particles in the 

sulfate layer has returned to a level approaching those 

of ten years ago. The increase in such particles in the 

past decade was probably attributable to the volcanic 

activity during that period. A somewhat surprising result has been the very large amount of nitric acid vapor 

in the stratosphere, which on occasion exceeds the concentrations of sulfate. Concentrations of a number of 

other trace constituents in the stratosphere, such as 

calcium, mapesium, sodium, chlorine and bromine, 

have also been determined. In cooperation with the 

AEC and the Air Force, NCAR personnel are presently engaged in a series of flights roughly along the 

80th meridian from Argentina to Alaska which provides a unique opportunity to obtain a meridional distribution of stratospheric particles. 

Advances in NCAR's lidar program have made it 

possible to obtain fairly regular observations of particles from the ground throughout the stratosphere, 

up to 50-60 km. An upward directed dye laser, installed in an aircraft in a joint effort with the University of Wisconsin, has permitted a survey of the 

distribution of particles up to about 30 km over a 

wide ranqe or latitude. A joint project involving 

scientists from NCAR, the University of Michigan and 

the University of Wisconsin, using observations from 

NASA's OAO satellite, has produced new information 

on the distribution of Ozone and molecular oxygen in 

the 60-200 km altitude range. Using the OAO-2 data 

on the occultation of stellar ultraviolet light, we have 

obtained high vertical resolution number dendty profiles of molecular oxygen in the 100-200 km altitude 

region. This experiment has shown the feasibility of 

obtaining high quality data on the composition of the 

upper atmosphere from polar orbiting satellites. 

Work continues in developing worldwide observation networks, utilizing superpressure balloons and 

buoys which are interrogated by satellites. The Tropical Wind, Enerqy Conversion and Reference IAevel Experiment, (TWERLE), a joint experiment with 

NCAR, the University of Wisconsin and NASA-Goddard, funded by NASA, is an experiment using constant density superpressure balloons and a Nimbus-F 

satellite for data handling. The purposes of the experiment are : (a) to investigate upper tropospheric winds 

in the tropics; (b) to measure, as directly as possible, 

the conversion of potential to kinetic energy; and (c) 

to test a method of providing reference-level measurements which, when linked to infrared measurements 

from satellites, can provide at mid-latitudes a threedimensional temperature-pressure field analysis. 

Astronomy.-The discovery of new interstellar molecules has continued at a high rate with most of them 

found in the radio source near the center of our 

Milky Way galaxy. In some cases the molecular lines 

are anomalously strong in comparison with laboratory 

spectra and an interstellar maser action has been proposed as a mechanism to explain the enhanced line 

strengths. For the first time molecules were detected in 

a galaxy outside our own by a university group. Radio 

astronomers are now beginning to use the recently 

found line of formaldehyde for the mapping of spiral 

arms of our galaxy and the detection of large scale 

structure and rotation patterns. Formaldehyde offers 

better resolution, permits probing the conditions in 

interstellar dark clouds and the investigation of isotopic abundance of carbon and oxygen. Certain organic molecules, already detected in interstellar dust 

and gas clouds, are precursors to amino acids which 

93 
have been found in meteorites; but the connection, if 

any, between these phenomena is not yet understood. 

National Radio Astronomy Observatory (West Virginia and Arizona) .-The National Radio Astronomy 

Observatory (NRAO) maintains three major radio 

telescope facilities at Green Bank, W. Va. These include a three-element array of 85-foot diameter telescopes used as an interferometer; a 140-foot diameter 

fully steerable telescope ; and a 300-foot diameter transit telescope. A 36-foot diameter millimeter-wavelength 

telescope is maintained at Kitt Peak, Ariz. There is 

heavy demand for observing time with these instruments by visiting radio astronomers and staff members 

of the observatory for a wide range of radio astronomy. 

The new surface for the 300-foot telescope extends the 

frequency coverage three fold and the provision of a 

travelling box for the feed near the focus permits longer 

integration times with this transit instrument. New improved receivers have been constructed with emphasis 

on spectral line work. A notable result during the year 

was the first detection of radio emission fmm a normal 

star, other than the sun. The red supergiant star Antares, a first magnitude star in the summer sky, was detected in the ll centimeter wavelength range. In 

addition, several bright novae observed in the past few 

years were found to be emitting radio waves in the 

same range. 

Kitt Peak National Observatory (Arizona) .-Research is carried on in three principal fields-solar, stellar, and planetary sciences. In addition, major efforts 

are directed towards the design and construction of 

auxiliary instrumentation for use on telescopes and 

rockets. The observatory maintains seven telescopes 

for use of resident staff and visiting scientists: an 84- 

inch diameter general-purpose telescope; a remote 

control 50-inch telescope used mostly for photometric 

observations; two 36-inch photometric and spectroscopic telescopes; two 16-inch photometric telescopes; 

and the world's most powerful and versatile instrument for the study of the sun's surface and atmosphere-a 63-inch aperture solar telescope. A new 150- 

inch telescope is expected to be in operation in 1972. 

Instruments at both Kitt Peak and its sister observatory 

in the southern hemisphere on Cerro Tololo are used 

to study the composition and characteristics of stars 

within our own galaxy as well as of distant galaxies and 

objects in remote regions of the observable universe. 

The unique solar telescope facility has been particularly useful in the study of physics of the outer layer 

of the nearest star, our sun, and has resulted in a better 

understanding of solar-terrestrial relationships. The 

rocket program has contributed to the solution of important problems concerning the chemistry and dynamics of planetary atmospheres and stellar ultraviolet and x-ray sources. Using facilities at Kitt Peak, a 

staff member of the observatory found in 1971 the 

largest red shift yet observed, 80% of the velocity of 

light, for the quasi-stellar object 4C05.34. In its spectrum there is evidence of several intergalactic gas 

clouds lying between this distant object and the earth, 

from the several absorption line patterns observed. 

Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (Chile) .- 

Six telescopes were in operation during the year and 

available to scientists and students with observing programs, with the largest a 60-inch reflector used in a 

wide variety of investigations including low- and highdispersion spectroscopy, photometry, and wide-field 

photography. A 150-inch telescope is under construction and should be ready for use in 1973. This instrument is similar to the one under construction at Kitt 

Peak and is being jointly funded by the National Science Foundation and the Ford Foundation. Visitors 

and staff are conducting programs of research in photometric, spectroscopic, and photographic observations 

of the moon, planets, asteroids, stars, pulsars, gaseous 

nebulae, clusters, quasars, and galaxies, many of which 

are visible only from the southern hemisphere. 

During the favorable opposition of Mars in August, 

Kitt Peak staff made high dispersion spectroscopic 

observations at CTIO for mapping the topography of 

Mars, supplementing the parallel radar observation by 

other astronomers. The excellence of the site for infrared observations has encouraged such work on southern 

hemisphere objects, including the flaring object Eta 

Carinea. Eta Carinea was the second brightest star in 

the sky during the nineteenth century but now has 

faded to be barely visible to the naked eye. Its present 

infrared output however, ranks it as the brightest object 

in the wavelength range, outside the solar system. 

National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (Puerto 

Rico) .-The Arecibo facility was officially designated 

as a national center on October 1, 1969. A 1,000-foot 

diameter telescope is available to scientists and students 

throughout the United States. This unique facility consists of a fixed horizontal spherical antenna with an 

antenna beam that can be moved to angles of 20" 

in any direction. Radar research at the Arecibo Observatory has provided high spatial resolution maps 

of the moon and nearer planets, which are of great 

importance to space missions. Improved time resolution 

in the observation of pulsars, interpreted as rapidly 

rotating neutron stars of high magnetic field, have 

resulted in a better definition of detail for these 

phenomena. A particularly interesting pulsar 

( CP0950) frequently, though irregularly, emits a 

remarkably strong pulse of less than seven millionths 

of a second and at such times is momentarily by far 
the strongest radio source in the sky and detectable on 

an ordinary television set. 

Engineering Division.-The Engineering Division supports a broad spectrum of research programs related 

to aeronautics and space activities. In general, space 

related research support is provided in rarified gas 

dynamics, plasma dynamics, lasers and heat transfer 

which are fundamental to space-vehicle and spacecommunications applications. Support is also provided 

in earth-based problems and aeronautical applications 

such as wind effects on structures, unsteady wakes, 

transition and turbulent boundary-layers, dispersion of 

pollutants in urban areas, just to mention a few. 

Fundamental areas of research supported include 

the effects of free stream turbulence on the drag of 

blunt and bluff bodies, experimental determination of 

molecular nonequilibrium parameters, and the structure of free turbulent vortex decay and breakdown. 

Specific engineering investigations have been undertaken in building aerodynamics such as the effects of 

tornado or wind loadings on structures, high efficiency 

jet separation processes, and solid particle dispersion 

in the lower atmosphere. Research is also supported 

in direct energy conversion including thermionics, 

thermoelectrics, and magnetohydrodynamics. If the 

efficiency of these processes can be improved, alternate 

sources of energy may be possible. 

Mathematics.-Research in mathematics includes a 

wide range of projects which support aeronautics and 

space activities. The development of fundamental 

mathematical methods provides techniques for the 

construction and manipulation of abstract models 

leading to the solution of particular problems in these 

fields. Both analytical and numerical methods are being 

investigated. Control and optimization theory find 

many applications to atmospheric and space flight. 

Studies are being conducted in stellar dynamics which 

include stability of stellar models, dynamics of pulsating 

stars and the structure of isolated and interacting galaxies. Investigations of compressible flow at various 

Reynolds numbers have a direct bearing on aeronautics. 

Air traffic studies, encompassing optimal runway and 

gate utilization at airports, are being supported. Research on problems of celestial mechanics is underway. 

U.S. Polar Research Programs.-In many ways the 

polar regions, especially the Antarctic, provide the 

most realistic terestrial approximation to the conditions expected to be encountered on journeys to and 

occupation of the moon and the near planets. For 

this reason a NASA-Geological Survey team is currently using the ice free valleys in Antarctica, which 

compare closely with a typical Martian surface, to test 

instrumentation being developed for use in the Mars 

landing spacecraft. 

There also are many scientific similarities between 

the pplar environments and outer space. As one example, the earth’s magnetic field causes a spectrometerlike action on the charged particles approaching earth 

from all directions. The near vertical field in polar 

regions permits the entry of lower energy particles than 

does the near horizontal equatorial field. This means 

the polar particle population is more like that in interplanetary space than is the equatorial population. Consequently, the ground-based NSF polar program can 

investigate approximately the same phenomenology as 

the satellite and space probe based program of NASA. 

Both agencies use measurements of the aurora, the 

geomagnetic field, the particle composition and spectrum, and the electromagnetic radiation across a wide 

spectral range to investigate the magnetosphere and 

ionosphere, how solar activity affects these regions and 

how they interact with and influence each other. In 

order that each organization may remain cumnt on 

the progam of the other, there are frequent formal 

and informal meetings between representatives of the 

two organizations. 

Research Applications.-Two projects utilizing aeronautics and space technology are currently being supported by the Research Applications Directorate. The 

University of Michigan, Willow Run Laboratories is 

applying remote sensing technology to the problems 

of urban and regional planning. This is an effort to 

increase the effectiveness of public planning agencies 

by improving the information gathering potential via 

remote sensing technology using airborne imaging infrared and optical equipment, multi-spectral scanner, 

and side-looking imaging radar data. These data will 

be integrated into existing data sources of the planning agencies. The transformation of information into 

public policy will be studied, as well as the effectiveness of remotely-sensed data compared with contact 

methods on cost, technical capability, and procedural 

acceptability. A project at the University of Wisconsin 

supports investigators working with the staff of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) on 

the analysis of photographs from the NASA “SMS” 

satellite, which will be launched in 1972. The photographs are expected to yield important information on 

the duration, motion, and energetics of principal 

storms occurring in northeastern Colorado, the experimental area for the National Hail Suppression Project 

administered by NCAR. 

Educational Activities.-In Fiscal Year 197 1 approximately $1.9 million was obligated by the Foundation’s 

three Education Divisions for activities which were 

related to the aeronautic and space sciences. The greatest proportion of these funds supported the training of 

graduate students through Fellowships and Traineeships. These funds also provide for upgrading the 

95 
aeronautic and space science subject matter background of teachers in secondary schools, colleges and 

universities, unusual independent study and research 

experiences for students and the improvement of instructional programs in these disciplines at all levels of 

education. Fiscal Year 1971 funds provided for the 

training of 962 individuals in the aeronautic and space 

sciences. Over one-third of these individuals 

were junior and senior high school teachers of science 

and mathematics. 

National 

National 

National 

Academy of Sciences 

Academy of Engineering 

Research Council 

Introduction 

The National Academy of Sciences and the National 

Academy of Engineering are private organizations of 

scientists and engineers that serve as official advisors 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. 

Highlights of the work of the Academies-Research 

Council in aeronautics and space during 1971 include 

the Space Science Board’s study on outer planets exploration ; counselling by the Aeronautics and Space 

Engineering Board on the space shuttle, and on the 

EROS programs by the Committee on Space Programs for Earth Observation; completion of a two-year 

survey of the status and needs of astronomy; publication of the report, The Atmospheric Sciences and 

Man’s Needs: Priorities for the Future; administration of NASA fellowships; and advisory and review 

work in aeronautics, space applications, and space 

science. 

Space Science Board 

The Space Science Board is the National Academy of 

Sciences’ principal advisory group on scientific direction of the US. space program and acts as Academy 

representative to the Committee on Space Research 

(COSPAR) of the International Council of Scientific 

Unions (ICSU) . The Board carries on much of its 

work through its specialized committees and panels and 

through groups of scientists assembled for intensive 

study of topics of concern and timeliness to the space 

program. The Board itself met four times during 1971. 

Briefings and discussions gave particular attention to 

scientific activities planned for Skylab, exploration of 

the outer planets, scientific results of Apollo, plans for 

the space shuttle, and increasing cooperation with the 

96 

Soviet Union. Close liaison was maintained with the 

National Academy of Engineering‘s Aeronautics and 

Space Engineering Board (see below) and with NASA’s 

newly established internal advisory groups. As is customary, sessions were scheduled to take into account 

critical times in budget planning and formulation; 

thus the Board‘s views have been made available to 

program planners for consideration. 

Outer Planets Exploration.-A study on outer planets 

exploration was conducted by the Board at Woods 

Hole, Massachusetts, during August 197 1. Undertaken 

at the request of NASA, the study addressed one segment of a broader study carried out in the summer of 

1970 on priorities in all areas of space research. The 

1970 study,’Priorities for Space Research 1971-1980, 

considered seven areas and recommended priorities 

within and among each: planetary exploration, lunar 

exploration, astronomy, gravitational physics, solar-terrestrial physics, earth environmental sciences, and life 

sciences. The 1971 study, Outer Planets Exploration 

1972-1985, considered the outer planets portion of 

the total planetary program in light of new engineering cost studies conducted by NASA since the 1970 

priorities study. 

The study developed priorities at three levels of 

funding for missions including intermediate-lived 

Pioneer-level spacecraft to Jupiter and Saturn, longlived Thermoelectric Outer Planet Spacecraft (TOPS) 

for Grand Tour Missions to up to five of the outer 

planets and beyond, and advanced-propulsion planetary missions in the 1980’s. The seven major recommendations of the study were presented by the Board 

to NASA management in August 1971 and published 

in the NAS report in November 1971. 

Space Biology and Medicine.-Increasing attention in 

space-planning and scientific circles has focused on the 

biological effects of high-energy, heavy (HZE) cosmicray particles as a result of observations during recent 
Apollo lunar missions. Light flashes seen by astronauts 

at the back of their eyes are believed to be caused by the 

impact of these particles on the retina and proximate 

areas and raise the question of what hazard they might 

present on extended spaceflights. The Committee on 

Space Medicine’s Radiobiological Advisory Panel is 

looking into this phenomenon, at NASA’s request, with 

a view to advising the agency on policies and research 

in its radiobiological program. The study got under way 

in October and is expected to require about a year. 

In March 1971, the Committee’s Cardiovascular Review Panel conducted its third annual evaluation of 

NASA’s ground-based research projects in cardiovascular physiology. Another ad hoc group reviewed primate research in May. Such evaluations of individual 

NASA research projects are carried out at the agency’s 

request for use in program management. 

Gravity and the Organism, the proceedings of an international symposium conducted by the Space Science 

Board in September 1967 and updated in 1970, was 

published in 1971 by the University of Chicago Press. 

The volume contains 39 contributed papers focusing on 

the influence of gravitation on the properties and behavior of living matter. 

At year’s end, the Board formed a space biology 

group which, together with the Committee on Space 

Medicine, constitutes the Committee on Space Biology 

and Medicine. The Space Biology Section and the 

Space Medicine Section will meet separately on matters related to only one or the other of the groups 

of disciplines involved’and jointly to deal with topics 

of mutual interest. 

Znternational Relations.-The Board‘s formal international activities are centered in the Committee on 

Space Research (COSPAR) . COSPAR, an interUnion organization of ICSU, fosters fundamental research in space science through the use of space vehicles. Data and significant results are exchanged 

through the World Data Center system. COSPAR accepted the invitation of the US. National Academy 

of Sciences to host the 197 1 Annual Meeting in Seattle, 

Washington, June 21- July 2. Symposia included : Results of the Total Solar Eclipse of March 7, 1970, 

High Angular Resolution Astronomical Observations 

from Space, and Dynamics of the Thermosphere and 

Ionosphere above 120 km. As in past years, the Board’s 

Committee on International Relations organized the 

US. participation in the COSPAR meeting, reviewed 

SJ.S. contributed papers, and prepared the annual report to COSPAR on U.S. space research during 1970. 

Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board 

The Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board 

(ASEB) of the National Academy of Engineering provides advisory services to government agencies interested in aeronautical and space engineering. 

Throughout 1971, the Board continued its review 

of the NASA space shuttle program. Special attention 

was given to (1) the study and analysis of alternative 

configurations of both shuttle booster and orbiter, 

(2) development of an improved, longer-term mission 

model, and (3) consideration of the space shuttle program as an economically feasible national program 

based on a fixed discount rate. As a result of its discussions on these subjects, the Board submitted its 

comments to the NASA Administrator for his 

consideration. 

In the field of aeronautics, the Board created an ad 

hoc Study Advisory Committee on Aeronautics 

(SACA) which reviewed recommendations of the 

Joint DoT-NASA Civil Aviation Research and Development Policy Study Group (CARD). Views d the 

Committee were transmitted by its chairman to the 

Joint Study Group on those areas which the Committee believed required special emphasis in the immediate future. 

The Board has established several new points of 

contact with other countries in an effort to improve 

international cooperation in the development of future 

aeronautical and space transportation systems. Efforts 

in this area will continue. 

Division of Behavioral Sciences 

Committee on Vision.-A working group on Visual 

Elements in Flight Simulation has surveyed research 

planned and in progress at Langley Research Center 

and Ames Research Center. This working group will 

make recommendations to NASA concerning its plans 

for determining what visual cues are necessary and 

sufficient in a training simulator for commercial pilots. 

A working group on Ocular Effects of Microwave 

Radiation has recommended priorities for future research in ocular hazards of microwaves and plans to 

study in considerable detail problems in measuring 

far-field microwave radiation. 

A review of the literature on orthokeratology is being 

written, and the final report will describe what must 

be known before this can be considered a useful technique to improve pilots’ vision. In addition, the Committee is forming a working group to advise the Army 

on its program to study visual effects of drugs. 

Division of Earth Sciences 

Committee on Space Programs for Earth Observations, Advisory to the Department of the Interior 

(COSPEAR) .-COSPEAR and its specialized panels 

continue to advise the Department of the Interior on 

its Earth Resources Observation Systems (EROs) p~ 

gram. A wide range of activities within the Department 

is aimed at developing more effective methods for accomplishing the Department’s missions through application of remote sensing, and these constitute the EROS 

97 
program. The progmm, in cooperation with other 

offices and especially in cooperation with NASA, strives 

for improvement of relevant technology, plans and 

conducts aerial and spaceflight programs to gather 

remote sensing data, and develops programs for data 

management and interpretation. 

The parent Committee and each Panel (Cartography and Mapping Requirements, Geography and 

Human and Cultural Resources, Geology and Mineral 

Resources, Hydrology and Water Resources, and 

Oceanography and Marine Resources) meet two to 

four times a year to review the various facets of the 

EROS program. The groups’ advice is sometimes given 

in formal recommendmations by the Academy to the 

Director of the EROS program, but more frequently 

is offered informally in round-table discussion with 

representatives of the Department of the Interior. 

The advisory role of COSPEAR is expected to expand to include additional government agencies and 

to address general problems in earth observations that 

are too broad for adequate treatment by single agencies or the specialized panels now under COSPEAR. 

With this new orientation and scope, the Committee’s 

name will be changed to Committee on Remote Sensing Programs for Earth Resource Survey. 

Division of Engineering 

National Materials Advisory Board.-The Board’s 

general purpose is to advance materials science and 

engineering in the national interest. More specifically, 

it undertakes to define technical pr@blems in materials 

and point out opportunities of national concern and 

relevance to government, industry, or academia. Recause aeronautical and space materials and their applications challenge the most advanced capabilities of 

materials technology, a substantial part of the Board’s 

attention and effort is devoted to furnishing advice to 

the government on its program of aerospace materials 

research and development. 

Beryllium, a highly useful material in certain aerospace applications, still presents problems relating to 

brittleness and inherent anisotropy. An NMAB ad hoc 

Committee analyzed present and potential requirements for beryllium and recommended policy options 

for government action to enhance the utilization of 

beryllium in applications in which it would provide a 

performance advantage. The Committee’s report, 

NMAB-281, was issued in October. Two other reports 

of NMAB studies on aerospace materials problems, is 

sued in 1971, were: “Accelerating Utilization of New 

Materials” (NMAB-283), and “High Temperature 

Oxidation Resistant Coatings” (NAS Publication 

ISBNO-309-01769-6) . Several studies bearing on aerospace materials were 

initiated by the NMAB during 1971. Among these are: 

a study of testing methods useful in predicting material 

performance in structures and components, a study of 

materials for radiation detection, and a study of problems involved in producing high-temperature-resisting 

metallic composites by directional solidification. 

Division of Physical Sciences 

Astronomy Survey Committee.-The Astronomy Survey Committee has completed work on its assessment 

of the status and needs of astronomy. The report of 

the Committee outlining a ten-year program embracing both ground- and space-based studies will be available early in 1972. 

The Survey was in active progress for two years, and 

its Steering Committee and eight panels involved over 

100 astronomers who have met frequently during this 

period to dicsuss priority items to be incorporated in 

the final report of the Survey. 

Committee on Atmospheric Sciences.-The Committee on Atmospheric Sciences, through reviews and 

studies of research and technology in the several fields 

of meteorology, strives to evaluate and encourage activities that will provide for a balanced national program in the science. Providing guidance and advice 

to the several federal agencies having responsibilities in 

meteorology, the Committee has recently examined 

and reported on the developments in basic and applied 

research which firmly indicate notable advances in 

measuring and analytical techniques. These advances 

suggest that the difficult problems of atmospheric 

dynamics, energy exchanges and transformation, and 

chemical and photochemical processes can now be investigated, and that techniques for precipitation augmentation and remote measurement can be utilized 

with an enhanced potential of reaching new levels of 

understanding. 

A recent Committee study, The Atmospheric Sciences and Man’s Needs: Prioritiesfor the Future (NAS, 

1971 ) , notes that many of man’s enterprises and modes 

of habitation throughout the world are becoming increasingly vulnerable to daily and seasonal vagaries 

of meteorological phenomena. The report urged that 

greater efforts be given to developing improved 

capabilities for both short- and long-term weather 

prediction. This task will depend increasingly on data 

on atmospheric temperature, moisture, and trace constitutents obtained from polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites. In addition, it is foreseen that such space 

vehicles will be utilized to interrogate remotely placed 

platforms on the land, sea, and ice to obtain crucial 

data from areas for which information is not now obtainable through conventional means. Further, advances in techniques and understanding of weather 

modification have reached a point where efforts in the 

near future may contribute to alleviating the nation’s 

water resource needs. Investigations of severe storm 

phenomena such as hail, lightning, and hurricanes indicate an increasing potential to reduce significantly 
their destructive effects. The advanced models of electronic computers are critically important in current 

studies of weather prediction and modification : these 

computers permit experimental numerical studies that 

help to guide the conduct of field experiments which, 

in turn, will provide the additional observations needed 

for improved models of atmospheric behavior. 

US. Committee for the Global Atmospheric Research 

Program.-The Global Atmospheric Research Program (GARP) is an international atmospheric research 

program being developed by many nations working together through the International Council of Scientific 

Unions (ICSU) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) . The objective of the GARP is to 

increase understanding of the dynamical processes of 

the atmosphere which will lead to sound physical and 

mathematical bases for extended prediction of the 

large-scale atmospheric motions. The U.S. Committee 

for GARP is the principal scientific mechanism for the 

development of U.S. scientific objectives and plans, 

specifications of observational requirements, and for 

guidance on detailed project design and planning. The 

Committee serves as the communication link between 

the scientific community and the several govenunent 

agencies involved, and is the focus in the United States 

for the scientific planning carried out under international auspices. 

During 1971, the Committee's activities centered 

around the first major field program of the GARP, a 

tropical experiment to be carried out across the Atlantic Ocean from about 40" east to 90" west longitudes 

between 10" south and 20" north latitudes. This international program is known as the GARP Atlantic 

Tropical Experiment (GATE) and will be carried out 

during the summer of 1974. A second observational 

program on the global atmosphere is planned for 

1976. 

International plans for the GATE are in an advanced stage of development and relate to the utilization and deployment of ships and aircraft, polar-orbiting and geosynchronous satellites, and buoys and 

balloons. 

The tropical regions encompass fifty percent of the 

earth's surface and much of this area is oceanic. Tropical phenomena and their interaction with mid-latitude 

atmospheric processes only recently have received increasing attention. New observations from satellites 

have demonstrated that the tropical atmosphere responds to and interacts with the atmospheric processes 

existing at higher latitudes. The nature and extent of 

such interaction is of great importance to atmospheric 

developments. Therefore, the planning for the GATE 

is emphasizing the study of motions which will clarify 

the close interdependence of convective and synoptic 

scales of motion which together provide for much of the 

exchange of heat, energy, and momentum. \ 

I 

A geostationary satellite located over the GATE area 

has been singled out as the most important element 

of the program. Such a satellite will provide day-andnight imaging of the tropical cloud systems that will 

permit decisions assuring optimal exploration and study 

of the tropical systems available during the period of 

the experiment. 

Committee on Radio Frequencies.-The Committee 

on Radio Frequencies and its Subcommittees on Space 

Science, Radio Astronomy, and Earth and Life Sciences, serve as a channel for coordinating the knowledge and views of the U.S. scientific and engineering 

communities regarding the radio frequencies needed 

for research. Their recommendations for changes in 

frequency allocations for space research and radio astronomy were used in preparing the U.S. Proposals for 

the World Administrative Radio Conference of the 

International Telecommunication Union, which was 

held in Geneva in June 1971. Most of these recommendations in the U.S. Proposal were accepted by the 

WARC. 

Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Research.-The Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Research of the Geophysics 

Research Board is the National Academy of Sciences' 

affiliate to the ICSU Inter-Union Commission on 

Solar-Terrestrial Physics ( IUCSTP) which coordinates 

for ICSU on an international level solar-terrestrial research programs which cut across lines of the traditional scientific disciplines. Specifically this Committee 

reviews, on a continuing basis, the status of U.S. research related to solar-terrestrial problems, assists in 

coordinating this research with that of other countries, 

and provides advisory services to federal agencies concerned with domestic solar-terrestrial programs. The 

following studies, although dealing with ground-based 

research, are of direct relevance to the space program, 

because these ground-based observations are used in 

support of, and in some cases in lieu of, observations 

with space vehicles. 

In response to recommendations of a study on Physics of the Earth in Space: The Role of Ground-Based 

Research conducted by the Committee in Aspen, Colorado, in 1969, an ad hoc panel of US. scientists, including a number of U.S. associate members of the 

Geophysical Institute of Peru, was formed to provide 

liaison for U.S.-Peruvian cooperation in conducting 

incoherent-scatter measurements of the upper atmosphere using the Jicamarca Radio Observatory in 

Lima, Peru. 

The Aspen study also recommended that a new incoherent-scatter facility, of more advanced design than 

exists elsewhere, be constructed near the U.S.- 

Canadian border for investigation of ionospheric and 

magnetospheric dynamics. An ad hoc panel of the Committee conducted a feasibility study to examine the 

scientific need and to develop criteria for the propxed 
observatory. Their report, Upper Atmosphere Observatory-Criteria and Capabilities, was issued by the 

NAS in February 1971. Based on the results of this 

study the National Science Foundation awarded a 

grant to the University of Illinois to conduct a preliminary design study. The Illinois study was completed in 

July. A consortium of six universities, including one 

Canadian institution, was formed (Upper Atmosphere 

Research Corporation) and has submitted a proposal 

to the Foundation for construction and management of 

the facility. 

A new panel of the Committee was recently established to advise on priorities for support of groundbased observations of cosmic radiation. The panel will 

address questions on the relative emphasis appropriate 

to different types of observations, including meson telescopes and neutron monitors, and on the network of 

neutron monitors that should be maintained around 

the world in the face of decreasing funding. 

In cooperation with the Committee on Atmospheric 

Sciences, the Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Research 

has formed an ad hoc panel on ozone to study the 

physical and chemical characteristics of the atmospheric ozone layer, including the effects of introduced 

matter, with a view to assessing needed research. In 

addition, an Academy ad hoc working group was convened in July 1971 to make a preliminary assessment of 

the potential effects on the atmosphere of nitric oxide 

from the supersonic transport, as evaluated in a recently published paper. Conclusions of this group were 

xv 

provided to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration in November 197 1. 

IUCSTP proposed in 1969, and COSPAR endorsed the next year, international cooperation in 

long-term magnetospheric experiments. Initial steps to 

organize this program, known as the International 

Magnetospheric Survey, were taken at the June 1971 

IUCSTP meeting in Seattle. The Committee on SolarTerrestrial Research will have a role in coordinating 

U.S. participation in this program. 

Office of Scientific Personnel 

The Smithsonian Institution 

The Office of Scientific Personnel conducts two activities in behalf of NASA, namely the NASA International University Fellowships in Space Science and 

the NRC-NASA Resident Research Associateships 

(postdoctoral and senior postdoctoral). On August 31, 

1971, there were 181 Associates on tenure. 

In the NASA International University Fellowships 

program, jointly financed by NASA and participating 

space agencies of other countries, there were 52 fullyear fellowships in 1970 and the same number in 1971. 

From September 1961, when the program began, to 

31 December 1971, 322 fellowships have been granted. 

The Fellowship program affords young scientists 

from other countries an opportunity for study and space 

research at leading universities in the United States. In 

the Associateship program, scientists and engineers of 

unusual ability conduct research at NASA Centers. 

Introduction 

The Smithsonian Institution contributes directly to 

this nation’s aeronautics and space program through 

the activities of its bureaus: the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) , the Smithsonian Center 

for Short-Lived Phenomena (SCSLP) , the National 

Museum of Natural History (NMNH) and the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) . During the past year, Smithsonian observing stations used space techniques to gather data pertinent to 

geophysical and astrophysical research. Smithsonian 

experiments aboard high-altitude ballons and satellites 

measured radiation from distant energy sources 

100 

screened from ground stations by the earth’s atmosphere. Smithsonian laboratories analyzed both returned lunar samples and recovered meteorite 

specimens for new clues to the mystery of lunar and 

planetary evolution. And, while Smithsonian laboratories and field stations increased man’s knowledge 

about the universe, its museums diffused and disseminated this new knowledge to the public through 

exhibits, displays, and special programs. 

The modem Institution’s concern with aeronautics 

and space research actually is part of a long heritage 

that began with Samuel Pierpont Langley, third 

secretary of the Smithsonian and founder of its Astrophysical Observatory. Langley was (both a pioneer 
in manned air flight and one of the first scientists to 

study systematically the relationship between solar and 

geophysical phenomena. 

In 1890, Langley called his innovative research “the 

new astronomy” ; today, the Smithsonian Institution’s 

innovative and dynamic research in space sciences 

could rate the same title. 

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory 

The leadership of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) in world science was demonstrated 

this year by innovative and vital contributions to the 

fields of earth physics, lunar investigation, space observations, and high-energy astronomy. 

For example, SA0 played a central role in two 

of the most intense programs ever undertaken to study 

the earth as a planet. The analysis of lunar samples 

in SA0 labs has provided one of the cornerstones for 

a new concept of planetary evolution. Similarly, the 

massive statistical data on ultraviolet stars obtained by 

SAOs Celescope experiment is being used to establish 

new models of theoretical stellar atmospheres. And, 

the development of a new and improved gamma-ray 

detector for balloon and satellite use promises to be 

an important advance in high-energy astronomy. 

Earth Physics.-The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory operates a worldwide network of satellitetracking stations in support of both special missions 

and general research in geophysics, geodesy, and atmospheric physics. At five of these stations, BakerNunn cameras are coupled with special laser ranging 

systems. Cooperating foreign agencies provide additional lasers at other Baker-Nunn sites. 

Because of this network’s global distribution and 

tracking precision, SA0 served as one of the major 

subcenters for rhe International Satellite Geodesy Experiment (ISAGEX) . This 8-month satellite observing 

program for dynamic geodesy was coordinated by the 

French space agency, CNES, and involved 18 countries 

operating 14 laser and 30 cameras sites. In addition 

to SA0 and CNES, other subcenters included: the 

Goddard Space Flight Center, the Soviet Academy 

of Sciences, and the Ondkjov (Czechoslovakia) Observatory. As the largest single tracking network in 

the program, SA0 contributed significantly to the more 

than 10,000 laser observations that have yielded range 

measurements accurate to within a meter or less. 

Many of the Same US and foreign agencies are 

now cooperating in an observation program organized 

and coordinated by SA0 for other scientific objectives. 

This Earth-Physics Satellite Observation Campaign 

(EPSOC) is using precise laser chervations of earth 

satellites to study irregular motions in the rotation of 

the earth, especially the phenomenon known as the 

Chandler Wubble. The 14-month EPSOC program 

is part of SAO’s long-term effort to obtain data pertinent to a variety of earth-physics phenomena such 

as polar motion, continental drift, solid-earth tides, 

and seasonal variations in the earth’s gravitational field. 

Another precise means of satellite tracking-especially for synchronous orbit objects-is promised by 

SA0 experiments with a technique normally used in 

radio astronomy. Very Long-Baseline Interferometry 

(VLBI) makes use of the minute discrepencies in the 

times that a radio signal fm a satellite will be received at two or more widely separated ground stations. This slight time lag can provide a very accurate 

indication ofthe satellite’s position in space. Obviously, 

the greater the distance between tihe stations, the more 

precisely the satellite’s po6tion can be determined. 

SAO’s adaption of VLBI uses independent and highly 

stable atomic time standards that can be located anywhere, indeed, even on opposite sides of the earth. 

Lunar Investigations.-Returned lunar samples from 

the Apollo 12, 14, and 15 missions, as well as samples 

from the Soviet automated probe Luna 16, were analyzed by one SA0 group using optical microscope, Xray diffraction, and electron microprobe techniques. 

Another SA0 group used mass spectrometer techniques 

and low-level counting methods to determine the 

isotopic abundances in this lunar material. 

By concentrating on the randomly mixed samples 

of the lunar soil rather than larger and more specific 

specimens, SA0 scientists have had an opportunity to 

examine and classify literally thousands of tiny “lunar 

rock” specimens in the form of individual soil particles. 

These primordial moon rocks have been identified as 

(1) anorthosite, a light-colored rock of low specific 

gravity consisting primarily of the mineral plagioclase; 

(2) several types of gabbroic rock probably related to 

the anorthosite; and (3) dark, volcanic basalts that 

erupted in the lunar surface a billion years after the 

formation of the moon and filled the giant impact 

craters, or &. 

Another appmach to studying the structure and composition of the moon is to probe the lunar interior 

with radio waves. During the Apollo 15 flight, SA0 

scientists recorded the first reception of radio signals 

broadcast from a spacecraft behind the .moon. The 

experiment confirmed in part a suggestion made in 

1966 that the moon’s dry, pumice-like upper layers 

might act as a medium for conducting radio waves 

in a manner similar to the weak surface propagation 

of radio waves on earth. Future adaptations of the 

experiment could produce radio profiles of the lunar 

interior by beaming signals of various frequenciee 

through the moon from satellites to ground receivers. 

The radio transmissions were observed with a 150- 

foot radio telescope 115 seconds after the Apollo 15 

command module, Endeavor, passed behind the moon 

and out of sight of earth on the evening of August 3. 

1971. 

101 
The OAO Celescope Experiment.-The Celescope 

experiment prepared by SA0 for flight aboard the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory was designed to survey the sky in ultraviolet light and to produce a catalog 

allowing the study of the basic statistical properties 

of as many stars as possible. During its 16 months of 

operation, the Celescope gathered some 8,000 pictures 

of 1,700 star fields, covering approximately 10 percent 

of the entire sky and about 20 percent of the region 

near the Milky Way where the majority of ultraviolet 

stars are found. A preliminary analysis already has 

identified a group of stars in the constellation Orion 

that are anomalously bright in ultraviolet light. 

Ground-based observations of the same stars from 

SAOs observatory in -4rizona reveal that the stars also 

exhibit subtle peculiarities in other parts of their 

spectra. 

The Celescope data are also being used by SA0 as 

a guide in the computer modeling of theoretical stellar 

atmospheres. Because most of the radiation from hot 

stars is emitted as ultraviolet light, the Celescope results should prove invaluable in the mathematical construction of this type model star. 

At the end of 1971, the magnetic tape catalog of all 

high-priority Celescope da.ta was delivered to the National Space Science Data Center at the Goddard 

Space Flight Center where the information is available to the scientific community. 

Gamma-Ray Astronomy.-A major advance in the 

sensitivity of gamma-ray detectors was achieved this 

year with the development by SA0 and Cornell University of a large-area gas-Cerenkov telescope suitable 

for use in high-altitude balloons and satellites. The 

massive instrument-9 feet in diameter and 20 feet 

long-combines extreme sensitivity, high efficiency, 

and good angular resolution with simple design. Most 

important, the detector offers excellent rejection of the 

charged-particle background, normally a significant 

factor interfering with the observation of gamma 

rays-also charged particles-emitted by point sources 

in the heavens. 

The new detector was flown successfully twice this 

year aboard high-altitude balloons. The experiment 

made extended observations of such suspected gamma-ray soucces as the Crab Nebula, the Pulsar NP 

0532, the Quasar 3C273, and the Radio Galaxy M87. 

Although the analysis of data is still in progress, preliminary results indicate the new telescope functioned 

perfectly and should make significant contributions to 

gamma-ray research. 

National Museum of Natural History 

During the past year the National Museum of Natural 

History (NMNH) continued its research on extraterrestrial materials, including both recovered meteorites, 

and lunar materials returned by the Apollo missions. 

I02 

By correlating data on the chemical and mineralogical composition of the lunar specimens with similar 

data on terrestrial rocks and meteorites, NMNH scientists have thus been able to compare and contrast the 

processes involved in the gensis of rocks on the earth 

and on extraterrestrial bodies. Particular attention has 

been given to analogies between the lunar rocks and a 

specific group of meteorites, the pyroxeneplagioclase 

achondrites. These meteorites are comparatively rarcomprising about 5% of all meteorites seen to falland present striking similarities to some lunar rocks. 

However, the present data indicate that the meteorites 

probabily originated from a fragmented asterpid with 

a similar but not identical history to that of the Moon. 

Meteorite research has continued in parallel with 

work on the lunar rocks. Two specimens (Allende, 

Mexico and Murchison, Australia) have been of special interest, for both belong to the rare class of carbonaceous chondrites. 

Center for Short-Lived Phenomena 

The Smithsonian Center for Short-Lived Phenomena (SCSLP) serves as an interntional early-alert 

system for the rapid receipt and dissemination of information concerning unpredictable and short-lived 

geophysical, biological, and astrophysical events of 

major scientific importance. 

During 1971, the Center participated in 15 astrophysical events, including the report of 9 major fireball dbservations from India, Mozambique, Sweden, 

Germany, Austria, and the United States, and the recovery of 6 meteorites in Ethiopia, the Sudan, Swaziland, Venezuela, Mauritania, and the United States. 

All investigations included contact with event areas 

by telephone and cable to obtain eyewitness reports of 

magnitude, direction, duration, color and sound phenomena associated with the fireballs, and the probable 

impact location of any resultant meteorites. The reports were relayed, in turn, to interested scientists. 

Specimens of all six meteorites were quickly recovered and distributed to appropriate laboratories for 

radioistope analysis. In some cases, the time between 

the meteorite’s fall and its analysis in a laboratory 

was no more than a few days. After two major fireball 

events, ablation products were sampled in the atmosphere by high-altitude aircraft. 

National Air and Space Museum 

One of the highlights attracting an estimated five million visitors to Smithsonian museums during 1971 

was a special Apollo 11 display organized by the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) to commemc+ 

rate the first manned landing on the lunar surface. The 

exhibit included the Apollo 11 Command Module, the 

space suits worn by astronauts Armstrong, Aldrin and 
Collins, and other significant artifacts from that historic mission. The central element in the this exhibit, 

however, was an actual moon rock returned by the 

astronauts. ing is in process. 

The $1.9 appropriated in 1971 for the redesign of 

the new National Air and Space Museum building was 

committeed to an architect. The redesign of the buildXVI Office of Telecommunications 

Policy 

Introduction 

Under Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1970, which was 

approved by Congress on April 20, 1970, the office 

of Telecommunications Policy was established. Executive Order No. 11556, signed on September 4, 1970 

delegated certain responsibilities assigned to the President by the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 to 

the Director of the Office of Telecommunications 

Policy. The dynamic nature of satellite communications technology and the ever-increasing requirements 

for domestic and international communications services require constant review of our communications 

policies and institutions. As such, the Office of Telecommunications Policy focuses primarily on the application of space technology rather than research and 

development. 

ZnteZsut.-In the spring of 1971 the negotiations for 

the Definitive Arrangements of INTELSAT were completed. 54 nations signed the agreements on August 20, 

1971. After final ratification by the participating nations, these agreements will come into force; thus, 

establishing a permanent INTELSAT institution. 

INTELSAT has now grown to a community of more 

than 81 nations working toward a common goal of a 

viable, global, commercial satellite communication 

system. The reliability of the global satellite network 

continues to increase. 

The initial INTELSAT IV satellite was placed in 

orbit in 1971 and is now in continued service over the 

Atlantic ocean. 

Domestic Sutellites.-Domestic satellite communication advanced toward reality in 1971. Following the 

recommendation of the White House in January 1970 

that all financially and technically qualified firms be 

authorized to participate in domestic satellite communication, the FCC called for applications in March 

1970. By April 1971, the commercial response from 

potential satellite communication firms was complete. 

Eight complete satellite communication systems were 

proposed to serve the domestic market, as well as additional earth terminals to be owned and operated independently of the satellite operators. Ameng the current applications are the major domestic communr'cations common carriers, prominent aerospace fim, and 

the Cammunications Satellite Corporation. 

The systems which are planned for domestic service 

are innovative in technical design and in proposed 

marketing arrangements. The proposed satellites are 

large relative to INTELSAT IV, ranging from 12-120 

transponders in communications capacity and from 

6004,400 pounds in weight. Most of the satellites are 

based on current state-of-the-art technology. However, 

there is considerable diversity in the designs, some 

of which propow advanced stabilization techniques, 

advanced antenna configuration, use of frequencies 

above 10 GHz, and other advanced features. 

The applicants expect to use their satellite facilities 

to serve many long-distance communications requirements within the United States that presently are 

served by terrestrial technology. These include the 

trunk requirements of the telephone and record communication systems and the distribution of television 

programs from the network studios to the affiliated 

broadcast television stations. In addition, the applicants 

envision that their systems will generate new communications requirements, such as national interconnection of CATV systems and expanded Picturephone 

and data communication service. 

After reviewing the current applications, the Ofiice 

of Telecommunications Policy reaffirmed the desirability of an open entry policy toward domestic satellite 

communication, concluding that the potential benefits 

of satellite bxhnology would be realized moBt fully 

under such a policy. The first generation of domestic 

communication satellites systems could be in operation 

in 1973 if authorizations are granted in late 1971 or 

early 1972. Swift implementation of the domestic satellite communication proposals will bxing to the Ameri103 
can public real returns from the Federal government’s 

investment in space research. 

Aero$&-The Office of Telecommunications Policy 

set forth policy guidelines for satellite communications 

to serve the international aeronautical community in 

January of 1971. The Department of Transportation 

and the Federal Aviation Agency have formulated programs for the establishment of Atlantic and Pacific 

Basin aeronautical satellite services. 

World Administrative Radio Conference on Space 

Telecommunications (WARC) 

During the period June 7-July 17, 1971, over 100 

countries, involving some 700 representatives, met in 

Geneva, Switzerland, under the auspices of the International Telecommunication Union to review and 

 vise as necessary the International Radio Regulations as they pertain to space telecommunications. The 

results of this Conference contain carefully developed 

engineering criteria to facilitate increased sharing between space and terrestrial communications systems, 

modify th? international table of frequency allocations 

so as to provide considera‘bly expanded spectrum resources for space communications, and reflect procedures to assure the necessary coordination among nations in planning for and implementing terrestrial and 

space systems. The results of this Conference, which 

upon ratification by the respective Administrations will 

become effective on January 1, 1973, provide a sound 

foundation for the application of space communications for the next decade. 

XVII N . 0 Federal tiornmunications 

Commission 

Introduction 

Significant progress took place in satellite mmmunications. Climaxing two and one-half years of negotiations, 

international agreement was reached on Definitive Arrangements for the International Telecommunications 

Satellite Consortium (INTELSAT) . Membership in INTELSAT increased to 82 countries, and the first of a new larger series of satellites 

(INTELSAT IV) was put into service over the Atlantic. Important new frequency allocations and regulations for space communications and radio astronomy 

services were adopted at the World Administrative 

Radio Conference (WARC) of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) . 

Communications Satellites 

On August 20, 1971, the Definitive Arrangements for 

INTELSAT were opened for signature at Washington, 

D.C., marking the end of two-and-one-half years of 

international negotiations. The Intergovernmental 

Agreement was signed on behalf of the United States 

by Secretary of State William P. Rogers, and the 

Operating Agreement was signed by Dr. Joseph V. 

Charyk in his capacity of President of the Communications Satellite Corporation (Comsat), whioh is the 

designated communications entity of the United States. 

The Definitive Arrangements are expected to come 

104 

into force in 1972, when signed and ratified by at least 

two-thirds of the members of INTELSAT who hold 

two-thirds of the investment in the organization. 

Membership in INTELSAT has grown to a total of 

82 countries as of December 3 1, 197 1. The first launch 

of the latest generation of INTELSAT satellites, the 

high capacity INTELSAT IV series, took place on 

January 25, 1971 and began providing commercial 

telecommunication services in the Atlantic region on 

March 26,197 1. The second launch of an INTELSAT 

IV satellite on December 19, 1971 provides for a two 

satellite operation configuration in the Atlantic region. 

At the end of 1971, 52 earth stations with 63 antennas 

operating in 39 countries were providing satellite 

communications in the INTELSAT System. The 

configuration of the space portion of the Global 

System now consists of two INTELSAT IV satellities serving the Atlantic region; one INTELSAT I11 

Satellite serving the Pacific Ocean region; one INTELSAT I11 satellite serving the Indian Ocean region, and 

one INTELSAT I11 satellite serving as an in-orbit 

spare. 

The eight U.S. earth stations are located at Andover, 

Maine; Etam, West Virginia; Cayey, Puerto Rico; 

Brewster Flat, Washington ; Jamesburg, California ; 

Paumalu, Hawaii; Talkeetna, Alaska; and Guam. 

Construction has been completed on a new replacement antenna at the Andover, Maine earth station. 
At the end of 1971, the US. international communications common carriers were leasing from Comsat 85.0 

voice-grade half circuits to provide their portion of 

satellite communication service between United States 

and Europe, Africa and the Near East, and 663 half 

circuits for service between the United States mainland and Puerto Rico and other points in Latin America. There were 1014 voice-grade half circuits operated 

between the United States and countries in the Pacific 

Ocean region and between continental United States 

and Hawaii, Alaska and Guam. 

Some 866 hours of television were transmitted from 

or received in the United States by means of the Global 

Satellite System during 197 1. 

International Tebcommunications Union.-The International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative 

Committee (CCITT) and the International Radio 

Consultative Committee (CCIR) are permanent organs of the International Telecommunications 

Union (ITU), established under Article 14 of the 

International Telecommunication Convention ( Montreux, 1965) to study technical and operating questions on telegraphy and telephony, and radio, respectively, and to issue recommendations on such questions. 

Many of these questions deal directly or indirectly with 

space communications. 

The World Plan Committee is a joint CCITT/ 

CCIR study group administered by the CCITT and is 

the parent body of the four Regional Plan Committees 

for Africa, Asia and Oceania, Europe and the Mediterranean Basin, and Latin America. 

The work of the Plan Committees involves the development of telecommunications traffic and circuit 

forecasts, the compilation of data on major antenna 

and routing, and the preparation of questions on technical assistance matters. This work involves all media 

of telecommunications including satellite communications. One FCC member attended the meeting of the 

Regional Plan Committee for Africa held in Lagos, 

Nigeria in January, 1971, and two FCC members attended the meeting of the World Plan Committee held 

in Venice, Italy in October, 1971. 

Commission representatives attended meetings in 

Geneva of the CCITT study group on general tariff 

principles and lease of telecommunications circuits in 

June, and of the study group on telegraph operations 

and tariffs in September. 

Five engineers were sent by the Commission to the 

Special Joint Meeting of the CCIR held in Geneva 

during February, 197 1. This meeting assimilated all of 

the available technical data and adopted it for WARC 

utilization. The output of the SJM was published by 

the ITU as a two volume report. 

During 1971, a reorganization of the study groups 

of the CCIR became effective. Four Commission employees provide leadership in these groups, three as 

US. Chairmen and one as International Chairman. 

Preparations are under way for an interim CCIR 

meeting for all study groups to be held in Geneva 

during April, 1972. 

Radio Astronomy and Space Services 

Of major importance was the ITU World Administrative Radio Conference on Space Telecommunications 

(WARGST) which had as its primary objective the 

updating of the international Table of Frequency Allocations to accommodate new space services and to 

meet the expanding needs of existing space radiocommunication services, as well as radio astronomy. Prior 

to the conference, the Commission was very active in 

the extensive preparatory work required. This included 

the issuance of a series of Notices of Inquiry (Docket 

18294) to the public to assist in the development of 

Draft Proposals of the US. in coordination with other 

Federal offices involved. The conference was completed 

on schedule and the new international Radio Regulations adopted constitute a treaty which must be signed 

by the President and ratified with the advice and 

consent of the Senate before the US. is bound by its 

provisions. The new Regulations are scheduled to enter 

into force on January 1, 1973. (New international 

Regulations are implemented by the FCC for non-Government services through established rule making 

procedures.) 

Aeronautical Services 

Representatives of the Commission participated in the 

preparation of guidance material for the use of US. 

representatives to international conferences including 

those of the ITU, the CCIR, and the ICAO. 

At the WARC changes to the ITU rules which 

would, inter alia, provide more suitable frequencies for allocation to the Aeronautical Services. 

The very limited number of frequencies available 

for the use of satellite systems to serve the me 

nautical requirements was expanded and supplemented with the aim of satisfying the near term 

needs through the decade of the 1970s. Basically, and 

to a great degree, the results of the WARC are in accordance with the needs of the US. aeronautical community as well as the worldwide aeronautical system 

and, if ratified by the Congress, will result in necessary 

changes to the Commission’s Rules. Such changes will 

make it possible to proceed with system development at 

the allocated frequencies. 

New or renewed authorizations for various test programs utilizing existing satellites were authorized. The 

staff has continued to work with FAA and OTP in 

the current program development for a preoperational 

aeronautical satellite system. Further programs, particularly regarding the use of frequencies in the 1535- 

1660 MHz band, joint usage between aeronautical and 

105 
marine users and the suballocation of the band by ATC 

and operational control function are being studied. 

Other aerospace problems, which may be solved by 

means other than the use of satellites, continue to require concerted effort. The staff is presently involved 

in studying the merits and drawbacks of particular 

systems, now in the developmental stage, which are 

intended to provide a measure of safety concerning aircraft midair collision and terrain avoidance. RFI 

problems with such equipment in the aifborne environment are a factor in determinations. Low cost indicators to warn pilots of general aviation aircraft when 

a collision is imminent are, as yet, only in preliminary 

stages of development. The Commission has outstanding authorizations to licensees pursuing these problems 

but has not yet made a regular operational frequency 

authorization pending resolution of several technical 

pblems. 

Channel splitting of the band used primarily for 

air carrier operational control purposes was pmvided 

in the rules in 1971. Similar rule chan<ges for the 

ATC portion of the VHF Aeronautical Mobile (R) 

Service band are being considered at the request of 

the FAA. 

Maritime Mobile Service 

The staff continues working with both national and 

international organizations concerned with the use of 

satellite techniques by the maritime community. Staff 

members served in the preparatory groups preparing 

for the CCIR SJM, the ITU WARC, and the IMCO 

international conferences dealing with the utilization 

of space communication techniques in the maritime 

mobile service. At those conferences the Commission 

provided spokesmen. 

The ITU WARC Space Conference provided, for 

the first time, for frequencies within the ITU Rules 

allocated to the martime services specifically for satellite use. When the ITU provisions are ratified by the 

Senate the use of those frequencies for such purposes 

in the Commission’s rules will be the subject of normal 

rulemaking procedures. 

Working primarily with the OTP and the government and non-government representatives in the 

RTCM, staff members are developing programs for 

the evaluation and development of equipment and 

systems to supplement the maritime communications 

and navigation system by space techniques. Additionally, preparation for the forthcoming ITU Maritime 

Conference has been initiated. Several problem 

specifically relating to the utilization of maritime fe 

quencies were referred to the ITU Maritime WARC 

by the Space WARC. The staff is placing particular 

emphasis on the aspects of search and rescue, safety 

of life and property and economics in the preparation 

for the Maritime WARC, as well as in the system 

program development studies. 

Amateur Radio Service 

The ITU World Administrative Radio Conference for 

Space Telecommunications ( WARC-ST) which convened in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 7, 1971, established the “Amateur Satellite Service” and amended 

the International Radio Regulations to provide frequency allocations for amateur satellite operation. The 

adopted allocations permit operation of amateur 

satellites in the worldwide exclusive portions of the 

amateur HF bands from 7 MHz to 29.7 MHz, as well 

as in the bands 144-146 MHz, 435-438 MHz, and 

24-24.05 GHz. 

Interest in the development of amateur satellites 

continues to grow with the approval of NASA of the 

Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) plans 

to launch a sixth amateur satellite, AMSAT-OSCAR 

B (AO-B) , as a secondary payload early in 1972. The 

amateur satellite will have operating capabilities in the 

29 MHz, 144 MHz, and 435 MHz portions of the 

amateur bands and will provide an experimental multiple access communications program involving small, 

low powered ground terminals operated by stations in 

the amateur service. Long range plans for amateur 

involvement in the area of moon technology are also 

being explored, including the possibility of the development and placement of an amateur repeater on the 

moon surface. 

106 
Appendixes 

0 

4 

2 

2 

APPENDIX A-1 

U.S. Spacecraft Record 

1965 ........... 94 8 3 0 

1966 ........... 95 12 5 '1 

1967 ........... 77 4 10 0 

1968 ........... 61 15 3 0 

Earth orbit Earth escape Earth orbit Earth escape 

Success Failure Success Failure Success Failure Success Failure 

Year 1 Year 

1957 ........... 0 

1958 ........... 5 

1959 ........... 9 

1960 ........... 16 

1961 ........... 35 

1962 ........... 54 

1963 ........... 60 

1964 ........... 69 

1 

8 

9 

12 

12 

12 

11 

8 

0 1 1969.. ......... 58 

1 1970 ........... 36 

0 1 1971. ...... I.. . 45 

O1 

1 8 

1 3 

2 8 

1 

0 

1 

Total.. ... 714 116 50 12 

1 This earth escape failure did attain earth orbit and therefore 

Notes: The criterion of success or failure used is the attainmen: of earth orbit or earth escape rather than a judgment of 

wion success. This tablulation includes spacecraft from cooperating 

countries which were launched by U.S. launch vehicles. 

is included in the earth-orbit success totals. 

APPENDIX A-2 

World Record of Space Launchings Successful in Attaining Earth Orbit or Beyond 

Year 

United Chinese United 

States U.S.S.R. France Italy Japan Peoples Australia Kingdom 

Republic 

1957 .................................. 1958 ........................ 5 

1959 ........................ 10 

19 60 ........................ 16 

1961 ........................ 29 

1962 ........................ 52 

1963 ........................ 38 

19 64 ........................ 57 

1965 ........................ 63 

19 66 ........................ 73 

2 ................................................................ 1 ................................................................ 3 ................................................................ 3 ................................................................ 6 ................................................................ 20 ................................................................ 17 ............................. 30 ............................. 48 1 ................... 44 1 ................... 1967 ........................ 57 66 2 1 ......... 1968 ........................ 45 74 ............................. 1969 ........................ 40 70 ............................. 1970 ........................ 28 81 2 11 1 

1971 ........................ 30 83 1 '2 2 

........ 

........ 

........ 

........ 

........ 

........ 

........ 

......................... 

......................... 

......................... 

......................... 1 ............ ......................... 

......................... 

........................ 

............ 1 

Total. ................ 543 548 7 4 3 2 1 1 

1 Includes foreign launchings of U.S. spacecraft. spacecraft. Some launches did successfully orbit multiple 

Note: This tabulation enumerates launchmgs rather than spacecraft. 

107 
APPENDIX A-3 

Successful U.S. Launches-1971 

Launch date (G.m.t.) 

Spacecraft name 

Cospar designation 

Launch vehicle 

Spacecraft data 

Apogee and 

statute miles)- 

Period 

(minutesh 

Inclination to 

Equator 

Perigee (in 

(degrees) 

Remarks 

Jan. 25 

Defense 

5A 

Titan IIIB-Agena 

Jan. 26 

Intelsat IV(F-2) 

6A 

Atlas-Centaur 

Jan. 31 

Apollo 14 (CSM 110) 

8A 

Saturn v 

Jan. 31 

Saturn IVB (SA 509) 

8B 

Saturn V 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 244 

and technology. 81 

89. 2 

110.8 

22,608 

22,209 

1,450. 2 

0. 6 

Spacecraft : Not announced. 

Objective: To provide equivalent of 3,000 to 9,000 

telephone circuits simultaneously or 12 color TV 

channels or a combination of telephone, TV, and 

other forms of communications traffic between 

North America, South America, and Western 

Europe. 

Spacecraft: Cylindrical 93.5-in. diameter and 

17.6-ft. high; spin stabilized; 12 communications 

repeaters (transponders); 6 antennas; 42,240 

solar cells; weight after apogee motor fire: 

1,584 lbs. 

survey, and sampling of materials in a preselected 

region of the Fra Mauro Formation; to deploy 

and activate an Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP); to develop man's 

capability to work in the lunar environment; to 

obtain photographs of candidate exploration 

sites. 

Spacecraft: Carried full lunar landing configuration, including command module, service module, and lunar module. Total weight at initial 

Earth orbit insertion: 302,626 lbs.; at translunar 

injection: 102,177 Ibs.; 64,438 lbs. CSM: 34-ft. 

long, 12.8-ft. diameter. 

Objective: To bring payload to lunar transfer injection; then to fly independently to impact the moon in further seismic tests to be detected by 

Apollo 12 ALSEP instruments. 

Spacecraft: A cylinder about 61.3-ft. long by 21.7 

ft. in diameter. Total weight at impact, about 

30,842 lbs. 

Objcctive: To perform selenological inspection, N.A. 

N.A. 

Decayed Feb. 9, 1971. 

Launched by NASA for Comsat 

Corp., manager of Intelsat. 

First satellite in improved 

Intelsat IV series and first 

launched by Atlas-Centaur. 

Largest commercial communications satellite ever launched, 

both in weight and communications capacity. Stationed at 

24.5O west longitude. Spacecraft operating normally. 

Crew consisted of Alan B. Shepard, 

Jr., commander; Stuart A. 

Roosa, command module pilot; 

Edgar A. Mitchell, lunar 

module pilot. All primary 

mission objectives were suc- cessfully accomplished. Lunar 

module landed at 09:17:00 

(G.m.t.) on Feb. 5 and lifted 

off again at 18:48:00 (G.m.t.) on Feb. 6. Total lunar stay 

time 33 hours, 31 minutes. Total 

flight time 216 hours, 1 minute, 

57 seconds. 

Lunar strike. 

Jan. 31 

Lunar Excursion 

Module (LM 8) 

8C 

Saturn V 

Feb. 3 

NATOSAT-12 

(NATO 2) 

SA' 

Thorad-Delta 

Objective: To support lunar landing and takeoff 

for return to lunar orbit in support of tasks 

named above. 

Spacecraft: Combined descent and ascent stages 

about 13.5-ft. high, 12.3-ft. wide, and 10.3-ft. 

deep. Total weight about 33,680 lbs. 

Objective: The NATOSAT-2 is a military com- munications satellite placed in geostationary 

orbit over the mid-Atlantic Ocean. It will be 

used for command and control of NATO miliSpacecraft: Cylindrical 54-in. diameter and 32-in. 

hi h spacecraft constructed of two concentric 

cyfmders with the apogee motor withii the 

inner cylinder. A despun antenna system, 

partially mounted within the inner cylinder, is 

mated on the spacecraft bottom. High pressure 

hydrazine system used for stabilization and 

positioning. Weight: 535 lbs. 

tary forces. 

N.A. 

22,283 Launched by NASA for USAF 

21,394 which acted as the agent of 

1403.4 NATO. Spacecraft success- 2.8 fully placed into synchronous 

transfer orbit and apogee 

motor fired Feb. 5. 

108 
APPENDIX A-3-Continued 

Successful U.S. Launchet1971-Continued 

Launch date (G.m.t.) 

Spacecraft name 

Cospar designation 

Launch vehicle 

Spacecraft data 

Apogee and 

Perigee (in 

statute miles)- 

Period 

(minutes e 

Inclination to 

Equator 

(degreol) 

Feb. 17 

Defense 

12A 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

and technology. 

Feb. 

~ 17 .. 

Calsphere 3,4,5 

12B, 12C, 12D 

Thor-Burner 2 

March 13 

Explorer 43 (IMP-I) 

1 9A 

Thorad-Delta 

Mar. 21 

Defense 

21A 

Titan IIIBAgena 

Mar. 24 

Defense 

22A 

Thorad-Agena 

Objective: To provide targets for radar calibration 

aid to evaluate surface material erosion and 

drag effects vis-a-vis the inert gold or aluminum 

surface. 

Spacecraft: three 10-inch spheres, two gold surface, 

one aluminum surface, each with a weight of 

approximately 2 lbs. 

Objective: To investigate, during a period of decreasing solar activity, through several solar rotations, the nature of the interplanetary medium 

and the interplanetary-magnetospheric interaction including characteristic features of the solar 

wind; the interplanetary fields and sector structure; and modulation effects on cosmic rays. 

Spacecraft: 16-sided 71-in. high drum-shaped structure, consisting of aluminum honeycomb RF 

shield panels and three bands of solar panels (16 

panels per band) mounted on honeycomb aluminum platform. The experiment and instrument modules are mounted in the instrument 

compartment in the topside of the honeycomb 

shelf. Two diametrically opposed experiment 

booms (each 1 1%-ft. long) and two attitude con- trol system booms (each 5 ft. long), spaced 90° 

from the experiment booms, are appended to the s acecraft exterior and deployed after launch. 

$he spacecraft is fitted with eight equally spaced, 

RF antennas (turnstile type) which extend from 

spacecraft top. Spacecraft is spin stabilized, and 

contains 12 scienufic experiments, an onboard ex- pmental computer, and a silver cadmium 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

Spacecraft : Not announced. 

attuy. Weight: 635 lbs. 

and technology. 

Objective: Development of space flight techniques 

Spacecraft : Not announced. 

and technology. 

517 Still in orbit. 

477 

100.8 

98.8 

518 Still in orbit. 

474-480 

100.8 

98. 8 

127, 124 First of a series of second-gen- 

‘21 9 eration Explorer spacecraft ; 

5,656. 1 largest and most advanced in 

28.8 series. Exceeded its mission 

objectives, with 11 of 12 scientific experiments operating 

successfully. 

24,399 Still in orbit. 

204 

701.8 

63.2 

146 Delayed Apr. 12, 1971. 

107 

88. 5 

81.5 

109 
APPENDIX A-34ontinued 

Successful US. Launches-1971Pontinued 

Launch date (G.m.t.) 

Spacecraft name Cospar designation 

Launch vehicle 

Spacecraft data 

Apogee and 

Perigee (in 

statute miles)- 

Period Remarks 

(minutes )- 

Inclination to 

Equator 

(degrees) 

 AD^ 1 

IS'IS 2 

24A 

Thorad-Delta 

Apr. 22 

Defense 

33A 

Titan IIIE-Agena 

May 5 

Defense 

39c 

Titan IIIC 

May 30 

Mariner 9 

FilA 

Atlas-Centaur 

Objective: To inject the spacecraft into a near circular earth orbit which will permit the study 

of the topside of the ionosphere above the electron peak of the F re ion; to continue and ex- tend the cooperative &nadian/U.S. program of 

ionospheric studies initiated by Alouette I by com- bining sounder data with correlative direct 

measurements for a time sufficient to cover latitudinal and diurnal variations during a period of 

declining solar activity. 

Spacecraft: Eight-sided oblate spheroid with 50-in. 

diameter and 48-in. high. Spacecraft frame con- sists of a central 16-in. diameter thrust tube 

which supports eight radial ribs. Sixteen solar 

cell panels and eight equatorial panels are mounted on the ribs. In addition to twelve ionospheric experiments, the spacecraft contains 

telemetry and tracking transmitters, command 

receiver and decoder, PCM equipment, tape 

recorder, housekeeping and power electronics, 

and attitude and spin control systems. Appendages include eight telemetry antennas, two 15-m. 

probes, and a beacon antenna 14 in. in diameter. 

When in orbit, four soundin antennas are ex- tended to form orthogonal & oles 240 ft. and 

61% ft. tipto-tip. Weight: 582 pbs. 

Objective: Development of spaceflight techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

Objective: Development of spacecraft techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

Objective: To select an orbit which will permit, 

during the primary orbital operational lifetime of 

90 days, the viewing of about 70 percent of the 

planet's surface with the wide angle imaging camera at a resolution of about 1 km. per TV 

line; to study the dynamic characteristics and 

time variable features of Mars from a Martian 

orbit selected to permit the viewing of selected areas periodically during the primary operational lifetime of 90 days. 

Spacecraft: Basic octagonal structure 54s-in. high 

with four solar panels attached, each 84344x1. 

long and 3536-h. wide. Spacecraft measures 8 ft. from the separation plane to the top of the 

low-gain antenna and its span is 22 ft., 734 in. 

with the solar panels extended. Two sets of 

attitude control jets, consisting of six jets each, are mounted on the ends of the solar panels. 

High-gain antenna 40-in. diameter; low-gain 

antenna &in. diameter extends 57 in. from the 

top of the octagonal structure; medium-gain 

antenna is mounted on a solar panel outrigger. 

Canopus star tracker located on the upper ring 

structure of the octagon. Six scientific experiments include a TV, an ultraviolet spectrometer, an infrared radiometer, and an infrared interferometer spectrometer. Large propulsion subsystem for orbital insertion; attitude control 

subsystem; nickel-cadmium battery with 600-w.- 

hr. caDacitv. Weinht at launch: 2.200 Ibs. 

and technology. 

and technology. 

887 Still in orbit. 

844 

113.6 

88. 1 

249 Decayed, May 13, 1971. 

81 

89. 8 

110.9 

22,271 Still in orbit. 

22, 154 

1.434.0 

0. 9 

In Martian 

orbit 

Mission still in progress. 

110 
APPENDIX A-34ontinued 

Successful US. Launchec1971Fontinued 

Launch date (G.m.t.) 

Spacecraft name 

Cospar dcaignation 

Launch vehicle 

Spacecraft data 

Apogee and 

Perigee (in 

statute miles)- 

(minutes>- 

Inclination to 

Equator 

Period Remarks 

(degrees) 

Gp” 

54A 

Thor-Burner 2 

June 15 

Defense 

56A 

Titan IlID 

ElY 8 

plorer 44 (Solrad 

10) 

58A ‘ 

scout 

6OA 

Thorad-Agena 

i%1i615 (CSM 112) 

63A 

Saturn V 

?kki61VB (AS 510) 

63B 

Saturn V 

ply 26 unar Excursion 

Module (LM 11) 

63C 

Saturn V 

Objective: To test an infrared celestial mapping 360 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 95.8 

90.2 

Objective: Development of spaceflight techniques 180 Decayed, Aug. 6, 1971. 

and technology. 111 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 89. 1 

96. 3 

Objective: To place the satellite into an orbit that 392 Third of a series of cooperative will enable it to monitor the sun’s X-ray and 269 NRL/NASA missions. All spaceultraviolet emissions in order to better under- 95.3 craft o rations are functioning 

stand the solar physical processes, and to improve norm$ and all 15 scientific 

the prediction techniques of solar activity and instruments are operating satisionospheric disturbances. factorily and returning data. 

Spacecraft: Twelve-sided cylinder, 23-in. high and 

30411. diameter. Four symmetrically placed 7-in. 

by 21-in. solar cell panels deployed after thirdstage burnout. Spin-stabilized; carries 15 scientific experiments; two redundant telemetry transmitters. Weight: 253% Ibs. 

Still in orbit, but experiment 

sensor system. 338 completed. 

5 1.0 

Objective : Development of spaceflight techniques 

Spacecraft : Not announced. 

and technology. 

Objective : To paform selenological inspection, 

survey, and sampling of materials and surface 

features in a preselected area of the HadleyApennine region; to emplace and activate surface experiments; to evaluate the capability of 

the Apollo equipment to provide extended lunar 

surface stay Ume, increased EVA operations, and 

surface mobility; to conduct in-fli ht experiments and photoyphic tasks from funar orbit. 

uration, 

including command module, service maule, and 

lunar module; also lunar roving vehicle, added 

lunar module consumables, and Scientific Instrument Module (subsatellite) for extensive 

lunar orbital scientific investigations. Total 

weight at initial Earth orbit insertion: 309,330- 

lbs; at translunar injection: 116,314-lbs.; 69,445 

CSM: 34-ft. long, 12.8-ft. diameter. 

Spacecraft: Carried ull lunar landing con 

315 Still in orbit: 

303 

94.5 

75.0 

N.A. Crew consisted of David R. 

Scott, commander; Alfred M. 

Worden, command module 

mod e pilot. Fourth successful 

lunar landing mission. Extensive geology traverses with 

first lunar roving vehicle. 

Lw module landed at 

22:16:000 (G.m.t.) on July 30 

and lifted off again at 17:11:00 

(G.m.t.) on Aug. 2. Total 

lunar stay time 66 hours, 55 

minutes. Three dual EVA’S 

totalin 18 hours, 36 minutes. 

Total light time 295 hours, 

11 minutes, 53 seconds. 

ames B. Irwin, lunar 

Objective: To bring payload to lunar transfer injection; then to fly independently to impact the moon in further seismic tests to be detected by 

Apollo 12 and 14 ALSEP instruments. 

Spacecraft: A cylinder about 61.3-ft. long by 21.7- 

ft. in diameter. Total weight at impact, about 

30,203 lbs. 

Lunar strike. 

Objective: To support lunar landing and takeoff 

for return to lunar orbit in support of tasks named 

above. 

Spacecraft: Combined descent and ascent stages 

about 13.5-ft. high, 12.3-ft. wide, and 10.3-ft. 

deep. Total weight about 36,155 lbs. 

N.A. 

111 
APPENDIX A-34ontinued 

Successful U.S. Launches-1971-Continued 

Launch date (G.m.t.) 

Spacecraft name Cospar designation 

Launch vehicle 

Spacecraft data 

Apogee and 

Perigee (in 

statutedes)-- 

(minutes + 

'Inclination to 

Equator 

Period Remarks 

(degrees) 

J~Y 26 

Subsatellite 

63D 

Saturn V 

Aug. 7 

ov 1-20 

67A 

Atlas 

Aug. 7 

ov 1-21 

67B 

Atlas 

Aug. 7 

Cannonball 2 (OAR 

67C 

Atlas 

Aug. 7 

Musketball 

67D 

Atla 

Au .7 

A$L 802 

67E 

Atlas 

Aug. 7 

AVL 802 

67F 

Atlas 

Aug. 7 

AVL 802 

67G 

Atlas 

901 1 

(OAR 907) 

Aug. 7 

AVL 802 

67H 

Atlas 

Aug. 7 

RTD 701 

Atlas 

675 

Objective: To pursue extensive, continuing lunar 

scientific studies from lunar orbit. 88 

Spacecraft: Hexagonal 31-111. long and 14-in. 63 

diameter with three 5-ft. booms extended; 119.8 

carried magnetometer and charged particle 151.3 sensors. Weight: 80 lbs. 

Objective: Energetic proton analyzer to study the 1,201 Decayed, Aug. 28, 1971. 

intensities and energy distribution of protons 85 

trapped in the earth's magnetic field, particle 105.9 

energy and flux thermal detector to study the 92.0 

effects of space plasmas on experimental antennas, and UV solar radiation intensity variations in wavelength and time. 

Lunar orbit: Still in orbit. 

Spacecraft : Not announced. 

Objective: Velocity maa spectrometer; atmas- 570 Still in orbit. 

pheric composition sensor to measure ion 490 

densities, composition and temperature; ELF/ 101.9 

VLF antenna effects transceiver, operating on 7 frequencies and at 7 voltages, in 14 narrow bands and 1 broad band. 

Spacecraft: Includes 2-60 feet arms dipole anten- nas. 

87.6 

Objective: Accelerometers to model atmospheric densities. -~~ 

Spacecraft: Low altitude density sphere, ejected 

from OV-1-20. 

Objective: Electric field measurement, ion density 

and composition sensors to measure variations in 

density during increased geomagnetic activity. 

Spacecraft: Sphere also carrying C-band transponder, ejected from OV 1-21. 

Objective: To gather aerodynamic data for use in 

design and development of orbiting vehicles. 

Spacecraft: 2-ft rigid-aluminum sphere, ejected 

from OV 1-21. 

Objective: To gather aerodynamic data for use in 

design and development of orbiting vehicles. 

Spacecraft: 7 ft inflatable s here of aluminum foil 

and mylar, ejected from 8V 1-21. 

Objective: To gather aerodynamic data for use in 

design and development of orbiting vehicles. 

Spacecraft: 7 ft inflatable grid sphere 1, of wire 

mesh and sumbliming plastic skin, ejected from 

ov 1-21. 

Objective: To gather aerodynamic data for use in 

design and development of orbiting vehicles. 

Spacecraft: 7-ft inflatable grid sphere 2, of wire 

mesh and subliming plastic skin, ejected from 

ov 1-21. 

Objective: Radar calibration target of one meter crw section. 

Spacecraft: 44-in. rigid sphere of aluminum, 

ejected from OV 1-21. 

1, 115 Still in orbit. 

81 

104.2 

92.0 

406 Decayed Sept. 19, 1971. 

81 

92. 3 

87. 6 

570 Still in orbit. 

474 

ioi. 6 

87.5 

570 Still in orbit. 

483 

ioL8 

87. 8 

570 Still in orbit. 

483 

101.8 

87.6 

569 Still in orbit. 

481 .~~ 

101.7 

87. 6 

112 
A~PENDIX A-3-Continud 

Successf u I U . S. Launches-197 1Fontinued 

Launch date (G.m.t.) 

Spacecraft name 

Cospar designation 

Launch vehicle 

Spacecraft data 

Apogee and 

Perigee (in 

statute miles)- 

(minutes )- 

Inclination to 

Equator 

Period Remarks 

(degrees) 

Objective: Development of spaceflight techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

Objective: To place the spacecraft into an appropriate earth orbit to analyze the meteorological 

data acquired from constant density surface balloons for the study of the characteristics and move- ments of air masses. Spacecraft: Octagonal-shaped prism 23-in. long 

by 28-in. diameter. Eight 24-in. long by 11-in. 

wide rectangular polar panels extend from satellite body. Stabilization system consists of 33-ft. 

long gravity gradient boom. A 400 MHz antenna 

resembling a truncated cone is usad to communicate with and receive data from the s acecraft. 

Silver cadmium battery. Weight: 187 lL. 

&?2 and technology. 

70A 

Titan IIIB-Agena 

Aug. 16 

Eole (CAS1 ) 

71A 

Scout 

250 

83 

89. 8 

110.9 

562 

42 1 

100.6 

50. 1 

~~ ~ 

Decayed Sept. 3, 1971. 

Second cooperative France/United 

States project. French-built Cooperative Applications Satellite 

launched successfully by NASA. 

All spacecraft operatlons are functioning normally and monitorin air temperature and pres- sure 8om balloons released daily 

from three sites in Argentina. 

Sep. 10 

Defense 

76A 

Thorad- Agena 

Sep. 10 

Defense 

76B 

Thorad-Agena 

Sept. 29 

os0 7 

83A 

Thorad-Delta 

Sept. 29 

TETR 3 

83B 

Thorad-Delta 

Oct. 14 

Defense 

87A 

Thor-Burner 2 

Objective: Development of spaceflight techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

and technology. 

Objective: Development of spacecraft techniques 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

and technology. 

Objective: To obtain high resolution data from 

the solar corona in particular spectral bands 

in the XUV and in the visible regions during one 

solar rotation. 

Spacecraft: Revolving 9-sided polyhedron 56-in. 

diameter made of aluminum honeycomb material. 

Rectangular-shaped sail, mounted on top of the 

wheel, carries the solar cell array and pointed 

experiments. Spin stabilized; carries six scientific 

experiments. Overall height is 80 in. Weight: 

1,400 lbs. 

Objective: To test NASA’s Manned Space Flight 

Network and to train MSFN personnel. 

Spacecraft: 45-lb. satellite carrying an S-Band 

transponder mounted in near section of Delta 

2d stage; magnetically stabilized. 

Objective: Development of spaceflight techniques 

and technology. 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

137 

105 

88. 3 

74. 9 

315 

303 

94. 5 

75.0 

355 

202 

93. 5 

33. 1 

354 

250 

94.3 

33. 0 

546 

494 

101.6 

98.9 

Decayed. 

Oct. 5, 1971. 

Still in orbit. 

Although placed into non- circular orbit by second-stage 

launch vehicle anomaly, pitch 

angle was corrected by ground 

controllers and all spacecraft 

operations are functloning 

normally. Spacecraft located 

and observed for the first time a large (class 2) solar flare; 

also obtained the first observations of the corona in white 

light and extreme ultraviolet. 

ejected successfully from Delta 

2d stage; satellite receives and 

transmits signals simulating 

those of the Apollo spacecraft. 

Test and Training Satellite 

Still in orbit. 

113 
APPENDIX A-3-Continued 

Successful U.S. Launches-1971Fontinued 

Launch date (G.m.t.) 

Spacecraft name 

Cospar designation 

Launch vehicle 

Spacecraft data 

Apogee and 

Perigee (in 

statute miles)- 

Period Remarks 

(minutes )- 

Inclination to 

Equator 

(degrees) 

Oct. 17 

SESP 1971-2 

89A 

Thorad-Agena 

Oct. 21 

Debris of ITOS B 

91A 

Thorad-Delta 

Oct. 23 

Defense 

92A 

Titan LIIB-Agena 

Nov. 3 

95A 

Titan IIIC 

DSCS 2-1 

Nov. 3 

DSCS 2-2 

95B 

Titan IIIC 

Objective: To test advanced development payloads : celestial mapping infrared scanner to test the 

closed loop radiator/pump cooler and to gather 

celestial background radiation pointed toward 

tracking ballistic missiles during midcourse of 

flight; 1,500 watt flexible roll-up solar cell array, 

with multiple deploy-retract cycles, to verify 

both mechanics and long term power generation 

characteristics; test of a secure command and 

control system; and study of energetic particles 

interaction with the ionosphere. 

Spacecraft: Basic Agena craft carries 5.5-ft. 

wide solar cell panels rolled up like windowshades which roll out on parallel extension arms stored in ribbon form which extend as stS tubes 

to a length of 32 ft. To sustain the principal 

experiments, conventional arrays supply 500 

watts of power. 

Objective: To place in orbit an improved TIROS 

oppational weather satellite of the NOAA 

Spacecraft: The base of the main body was about 

40 in. by 40 in. height was about 40 in. Three 

solar panels were to extend outward from the 

structure. Total weight, about 675 lbs. 

Objective: Development of spaceflight techniques 

and technology. 

Spacecraft: Not announced. 

SerleS. 

Objective: To provide communications channels 

for the automatic voice, automatic digital, and secure voice communications networks of the 

Defense Department. 

Spacecraft: Carries single frequency conversion 

X-band repeaters, with a bandwidth of 410 MHz 

to carry up to 1,300 duplex voice channels, or a million data bits pez second. Spacecraft is cylindrical with 8 solar array curved panels generating 

520 watts. 

Dimensions: 9-ft. diameter, 13-ft. tall. Final orbital 

weight: 1,200 lbs. 

Objective: Same as above. 

Spacecraft: Same as above. 

498 Still in orbit. 

481 

100-5 

92. 7 

922 Payload placed in preliminary 

182 

102. 7 to circularize orbit. 

102.5 

orbit, but failed upon attempt 

244 Decayed Nov. 17, 1971. 

83 

89. 7 

110.9 

22,255 Still in orbit. 

22,250 

1,436. 1 

2.6 

22,255 Still in orbit. 

22,250 

1,436. 1 

2.6 

114 
APPENDIX A-34ontinued 

Successful U.S. Launchec1971Fontinued 

Launch date (G.m.t.) 

Spacecraft name 

Cospar designation 

Launch vehicle 

Spacecraft data 

Apogee and 

Perigee (in 

statute miles)- 

(minutap 

Inclination to 

Equator 

(degrees) 

Period Remarks 

Nov. 15 Objective: To measure the characteristics and 

Explorer 45 (SSS) formation of the Earth’s ring current and develScout opment of main-phase magnetic storms; the 

relation between magnetic storms, aurora, and 

the acceleration of particles within the inner 

magnetosphere and relative importance of vari- ous diffusion mechanisms in populating the 

radiation zones at a 4-5 Earth radii elliptical 

equatorial orbit. 

Spacecraft : 26-sided polyhedral shaped satellite 

25-in. diamater. 30-in. boom along the spin axis 

supports a three-axis fluxgate magnetometer. 

Search coil magnetometers are packaged on two 

of the 2-ft. long radial booms and electric field 

spheres are in the two 9-ft. long booms. Total 

length with booms deployed 19 ft. Spacecraft 

body covered with solar cells; spin stabilized; 

silver cadmium battery; four antennas six experiments. Weight: 110 Ibs. 

Objective: To investigate interactions among the 

plasma, charged particle streams and electromagnetic waves in the upper ionosphere. 

Spacecraft: A cylindrical body with booms. The 

main body is 30 in. in diameter and 36in. long. 

After launch, the four booms are deployed increasing the diameter to 11 ft., and the antennas are deployed to 45 ft. Weight: 218 Ibs. 

Objective: Development of spaceflight techniques 

Dec. 11 

Ariel 4 (UK-4) 

108A 

Scout 

Dec. 14 

Defense and technology. 

1 lOA, 1 lOC, 1 lOD, 110E Spacecraft: Not announced. 

Thoral-Agena 

Dec. 18 Objective: To provide equivalent of 3,000 to 9,000 

Intelsat IV (F-3) telephone circuits simultaneous1 or 12 color TV 

115A channels, or a combination ol telephone, TV, 

Atlas-Centaur and other forms of communications traffic. 

Spacecraft: Cylindrical 93.5-in. diameter and 

17.6 ft. high; spin stabilized; 12 communications re eaters (transponders); 6 antennas; 42,240 SOL cells; weight after apogee motor fire; 1,548 

Ibs. 

16, 799 Fourth spacecraft in a joint 

137 Italian/United State cooper469.0 ative space program. Launched 

3.6 successfully from an Italian 

platform in the Indian Ocean 

off the coast of Kenya, Africa 

by an Italian crew. All space- craft systems operating normally. 

Five of six experiments turned on and operating satisfactorily. 

365 U.K./U.S. Cooperative program 

293 All experiments which have 

95.2 

83.0 satisfactorily. 

been turned on are operating 

62 1 

61 1 Still in orbit. 

104.9 

70.0 

22,387 

22,196 Corp., manager of INTELSAT. 

0.47 

Launched by NASA for Comsat 

1,458 Second satellite in improved 

INTELSAT IV series. Will be 

stationed over Atlantic Ocean 

at 19.5O West longitude. 

452-316 0 - TI - 8 

115 
APPENDIX A-4 

Aeronautics Events of 1971 

Jan. 1 .. . . . . . Jan. 7.. . . . . . 

Jan. 15 ..... . 

Mar. 9.. . . . . Mar. 29.. . . . Mar. 30.. . . . 

Apr. 30 ... . . . 

May 21 .... . . June 15.. . . . July 15.. . . . . 

Aug. 5., . . . . 

Aug. 25.. . . . Sept. 2.. . . . . Sept. 6.. . . . . Sept. 9.. . . . . Oct. 15.. . . . . 

Oct. 26.. . . . . 

Nov. 16.. . 

Dec. 3 .... . . . 

The S-67 Blackhawk helicopter set a world’s speed record of 216.7 mph over a 3 Km. closed course. A statement of U.S. Government policy to promote satellite telecommunications for International Civil Aviation 

The new V/STOL Wind Tunnel at the Langley Research Center became operational providing greatly improved 

A modified F-8 jet aircraft flew su ersonic for the first time with the NASA high-speed supercritical wing. 

The X-24 lifting body research veEicle flew to its maximum speed of 1,048 mph. 

The joint DOT-NASA Civil Aviation Research and Development Policy Study (CARD) was completed. The 

Pacific Southwest Airlines became the first airline to equip its entire fleet with new jet engine combustors reducing 

Congress voted to terminate the United States SST program. 

A new Terminal Area Control concept was initiated which separates air traffic around major terminals. 

The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 became the first commercial airplane certified under the new Federal Noise 

The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 “airbus” made its first commercial flight, which lasted 3 hours 18 minutes between 

The M2-#3 lifting body research vehicle made its first supersonic flight. 

The F-14 fi hter aircraft successfully demonstrated the first automatically programable variable wing sweep. 

The Anglo-french Concorde 001 supersonic transport made its first trans-Atlantic test flight. 

The Cessna Citation, a small twin-engine jet airplane, was certified for commercial operations. 

The FAA established a rule requiring emergency locator transmitters on all aircraft (except turbojets, scheduled air 

The U.S. Army%H54B helicopter set a new world altitude record of 16,798 ft. while carrying a payload of 10,OOO 

The General Electric Quiet Experimental Engine successfully completed initial tests in a NASA program to reduce 

The NASA let c03tracts on Phase I, competitive design, of a program to develop a quiet experimental short take-off 

operations was released. 

testing capability for scaled models. 

Study defined the direction of aeronautical technology in the mid-70’s and beyond. 

visible smoke. 

regulation, Part 36. 

Los An eles and Chicago. 

carriers, and icultural aircraft). 

kilograms. 

jet engine noise. 

and landing (STOL) transport research aircraft. 

APPENDIX B 

U.S. Applications Satellites 1958-1971 

Date Name Launch vehicle Remarks 

Oct. 31, 1962 

Jan. 11, 1964 

Mar. 9, 1965 

Mar. 11, 1965 

Apr. 3, 1965 

Apr. 29, 1965 

Oct. 10, 1964 

Aug. 10, 1965 

Nov. 6, 1965 

June 9, 1966 

June 23, 1966 

Aug. 19, 1966 

Oct. 5, 1966 

June 29, 1967 

Jan. 11, 1968 

Apr. 14, 1969 

Apr. 8, 1970 

Anna 1B 

Secor I 

Beacon-Explorer 

XXII 

Secor I11 

Secor I1 

Secor IV 

Beacon-Explorer 

Secor V 

GEOS-I Explorer 

XXIX 

Secor VI 

Pageos I 

Secor VI1 

Secor VI11 

Secor IX 

GEOS I1 

Secor XI11 

Top0 I 

XXVII 

GEODESY 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Agena D 

scout Conducted reflecting-light geodetic measurements. 

Thor-Agena D 

Thor-Able Star 

Atlas-Agena D 

scout 

scout 

Thor-Del ta 

Used 3 independent measuring techniques : Doppler frequency 

Uses radio triangulation and trilateration. 

shift, flashing lights, and radio triangulation. 

Atlas-Agena D 

Thor-Agena D 

Atlas-Agena D 

Atlas-Agena D 

Thor-Burner I1 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Agena D 

Thor-Agena D 

Spacecraft is a 100-foot-diameter balloon used as a photographic 

target to make geodetic measurements. 

116 
APPENDIX Montinued 

U.S. Applications Satellites 1958-1971Fontinued 

Date Name Launch vehicle Remarks 

Dec. 18, 1958 

Aug. 12, 1960 

Oct. 4, 1960 

Mar. 30, 1961 

at. 21, 1961 

Dec. 12, 1961 

June 2, 1962 

July 10, 1962 

Dec. 13. 1962 

Feb. 14; 1963 

May 7, 1963 

May 9, 1963 

July 26, 1963 

Jan. 21, 1964 

Jan. 25, 1964 

Aug. 19, 1964 

Feb. 11, 1965 

Mar. 9, 1965 

Apr. 6, 1965 

May 6, 1965 

Dec. 21, 1965 

June 16, 1966 

Oct. 26,1966 

Nov. 3, 1966 

Dec. 7, 1966 

Jan. 11, 1967 

Jan. 18, 1967 

Mar. 22, 1967 

Apr. 6, 1967 

July 1, 1967 

Sept. 27, 1967 

Nov. 5, 1967 

June 13, 1968 

Aug. 10, 1968 

Sept. 26, 1968 

Dec. 18, 1968 

b. 6, 1969 

.9, 1969 

Score 

Echo I 

Courier 1B 

Lofti I 

westford I 

Oscar I 

Oscar I1 

Telstar I 

Relay I 

Syncom I 

Telstar I1 

Westford I1 

Syncom I1 

Relay I1 

Echo I1 

Syncom I11 

LES I 

Oscar I11 

Intelsat I (Early 

LES I1 

LES I11 

LES IV 

Oscar IV 

IDCSP 1-7 

Bird) 

Intelsat 11-F1 

OV 4-1T 

OV 4-IR 

ATS I 

Intelsat 11-F2 

IDCSP 8-15 

Intelsat 11-F3 

ATS I1 

IDCSP 16-18 

LES V 

DATS 

DODGE 

Intelsat 11-F4 

ATS 111 

ATS IV 

IDCSP 19-26 

LES 6 

Intelsat I11 (F-2) 

Intelsat III(F-3) 

Tacsat I 

COMMUNICATIONS 

Atlas B 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Able Star 

Atlas-Agena B 

Thor-Agena B 

Thor-Agena B 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Del ta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Atlas-Agena B 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Agena B 

Thor-Del ta 

Titan IIIA 

Thor-Agena D 

Thor-Delta 

Titan IIIA 

Titan IIIC 

Titan IIIC 

Thor-Delta(TAT) 

Titan IIIC 

Atlas-Agena D 

Thor-Delta(TAT) 

Titan IIIC 

Thor-Delta (TAT) 

Atlas-Agena D 

Titan IIIC 

Thor-Delta(TAT) 

Atlas-Agena D 

Titan IIIC 

Atlas-Centaur 

Titan IIIC 

Thor-Delta(TAT ) 

Thor-Delta (TAT) 

Titan IIIC 

First Comsat, carried taped messages. 

100-foot ballon served as first passive Comsat, relayed voice and 

First active-repeater Comsat. 

Low-frequency experiment; failed to separate from rest of 

First attempt to establish filament belt around earth; failed to 

First amateur radio “ham” satellite. 

Industry-furnished spacecraft in nearearth orbit. 

Active-repeater Comsat. 

Successfully injected into near-synchronous orbit but commuFilaments formed reflective belt around earth as planned for 

First successful synchronous orbit active-repeater Comsat. After 

135-foot ballon, passive Comsat, first joint use by United 

Synchronous-orbit Comsat ; after experimental phase, used 

Experimental payload did not reach intended apogee. 

First Intelsat (Comsat Corporation) spacecraft, 240 2-way voice 

circuits; commercial transatlantic communication service 

initiated June 28, 1965. 

All solid state advanced experiment. 

All solid state, UHF signal generator. 

All solid state SHF or X band experiment. 

Initial defense communication satellites program (1DCSP)- 

Active-repeater spacecraft in near-synchronous orbit, random 

First in Intelsat I1 series spacecraft; 240 2-way voice circuits or 

1 color TV channel. Orbit achieved not adequate for comTV signals. 

payload. 

disperse as planned. 

nication system failed at orbital injection. 

emergency communications experiment. 

experimental phase, used operationally by DOD. 

States and U.S.S.R. 

operationally by DOD. 

spaced. 

mercial operation. 

layer experiments. 

Jan. 11, 1967. 

Transmitter and receiver for low-power satellite-to-satellite F 

Multipurpose, including VHF exchange of signals with aircraft. 

Transpacific commercial communication service initiated 

Positioned to carry transatlantic commercial communication 

Multipurpose, but did not attain planned orbit. 

Tactical military communications tests with aircraft, ships, and 

Electronically despun antenna experiment. 

Multipurpose, gravity stabilized. 

Positioned to carry commercial transpacific communication 

Multipurpose including communications. 

Multipurpose; failed to separate from Centaur, did not reach 

planned orbit. 

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 re eater to satisfy 

selected communications needs of DOD mob& forcestraffic. 

mobile land stations from near synchronous orbit. 

traffic. 

I17 
APPENDIX B-Continued 

U.S. Applications Satellites 1958-1971Fontinued 

Date Name Launch vehicle Remarks 

May 22, 1969 

July 26,1969 

August 12, 1969 

Nov. 22, 1969 

Jan. 15, 1970 

Jan. 23, 1970 

Mar. 20, 1970 

Apr. 23, 1970 

Jul. 23, 1970 

Aug. 22, 1970 

Jan. 26, 1971 

Feb. 3, 1971 

Nov. 3, 1971 

Dec. 19, 1971 

Apr. 13, 1960 

Nw. 15,1961 

Dec. 18, 1962 

June 15,1963 

Sept. 28, 1963 

Dec. 5, 1963 

June4,1964 

Oct. 6, 1964 

Dec. 13, 1964 

Mar. 11, 1965 

June 24,1965 

Aug. 13,1965 

Dec. 22, 1965 

Jan. 28,1966 

Mar. 25, 1966 

May 19, 1966 

Aug. 18,1966 

A r. 13, 1967 

day 18, 1967 

Sept. 25, 1967 

Mar. 1, 1968 

Aug. 27, 1970 

Intelstat III(F-4) 

Intelsat III(F-5) 

ATS V 

Skvnet I 

(IDCSP-A) 

Intelsat III(F-6) 

Oscar V 

(Australis) 

N ATOSATII 

(NATO-A) 

Intelsat I11 (F-7) 

Intelsat I11 (F-8) 

Skynet I1 

(IDCSP-B) 

Intelsat IV (F-2) 

(NATO-B) 

DSCS 2-1,.2 

NATOSAT-I1 

Intelsat IV (F-3) 

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 

NavSat 

NavSat 

COMMUNICATIONS-Contiued 

Thor-Delta(TAT) 

Thor-Delta(TAT) 

Atlas Centaur 

Thor-Delta( TAT 

Thor-Delta (TAT) 

Thor-Delta(TAT) 

Thor-Delta (TAT) 

Thor-Delta (TAT) 

Thor-Delta (TAT) 

Thor-Delta (TAT) 

Atlas-Centaur 

Thor-Delta (TAT) 

Titan IIIC 

Atlas Centaur 

Stationed over Pacific to replace F-3 which was moved westwrad 

to the Indian Ocean. Completes global coverage. 

Spacecraft failed to achieve the proper orbit. Not usable. 

Multipurpose; for millimeter and L band communications; 

entered flat spin. 

Launched for the United Kingdom in response to an agreement 

to augment the IDCSP program. 

Stationed over Atlantic to carry commercial traffic between the 

United States, Europe, Latin America, and the Middk East. 

Ham radio satellite built by amateur radio operators at Melbourne University, Melbourne, Australia. 

First NATO satellite, stationed over Atlantic to carry military 

traffic between the United States and other NATO countries. 

Stationed over Atlantic to carry commercial traffic between the 

United States, Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. 

Spacecraft failed to achieve the proper orbit. Nor usable. Last 

launch of Intelsat I11 series. 

Launched for the United Kingdom in response to an agreement 

to augment the IDCSP program. Spacecraft failed to achieve 

the proper orbit. 

First in Intelsat IV series of spacecraft; 3-9,OOO 2-way voice 

circuits or 12 color TV channels. Positioned over the Atlantic. 

Second NATO satellite, stationed over the Atlantic to carry 

Operational defense communications satellites launched as a pair to 24-hour synchronous orbits to provide hi h capacity 

voice, digital, and secure voice communications for mditary 

networks. 

military traffic. 

Second in new high-capacity series. 

NAVIGATION 

Thor-Able Star First navigation satellite. Used Doppler frequency shift for 

Dosition determination. 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Able Star Used the first spacecraft nuclear SNAP-3 as a secondary ._ power 

supply. Thor-Able Star 

Scout 

Scout Used gravity radient stabilization system. 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Able Star 

Scout 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Able Star 

Thor-Able Star 

Scout 

Scout 

scout 

Scout 

Scout 

Scout 

Scout 

Scout 

Scout 

Scout 

Operational prototype, power failed during first day. 

Used first nu3ear SNAP-SA as primary power supply. 

118 
APPENDIX B-Continued 

U.S. Applications Satellites 1958-19714ontinued 

Date Name Launch vehicle Remarks 

Apr. 1, 1960 

Nov. 23. 1960 uiy 12,' 1961 I eb. 8, 1962 

June 19, 1962 

SeDt. 18. 1962 

uhe 19,' 1963 .b ec. 21, 1963 

Aug. 28, 1964 

Tan. 22. 1965 

2,-'1965 

eb. 3, 1966 

Feb. 28, 1966 

May 15, 1966 

Oct. 2, 1966 

Dec. 6, 1966 

Jan. 26, 1967 

Apr. 20, 1967 

Nov. 5, 1967 

~ 

Nav. - . -~ 10. 1967 

Aug. 16: 1968 

Dec. 15, 1968 

Feb. 26, 1969 

Apr. 14, 1969 

Jan. 23, 1970 

Apr. 8, 1970 

Dec. 11, 1970 

Aug. 16, 1971 

Tiros I 

Tiros I1 

Tiros 111 

Tiros IV 

Tuos v 

Tuos VI 

Tiros VI1 

Tiros VI11 

Nimbus I 

Tiros IX 

Tiros X 

ESSA 1 

ESSA 2 

Nimbus I1 

ESSA 3 

ATS-1 

ESSA 4 

ESSA 5 

ATS-3 

ESSA 6 

ESSA 7 

ESSA 8 

ESSA 9 

Nimbus I11 

ITOS I 

Nimbus IV 

(Tiros M) 

NOAA-1 

(ITOS-A) 

WEATHER OBSERVATION 

Thor-Able 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Agena B 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Agena B 

Thor-Delta 

Atlas-Agena D 

Thora-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Atlas-Agena 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Agena 

Thor-Delta 

Thor-Agena 

Thor-Delta 

Eoie (CAS'l) Scout 

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 

Complemented ESSA I with 2 wide-angle APT cameras. camera systems. 

Odd-number 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 

Second generation operational meteorological satellite. 

Fifth in a series of 7 advanced research and development weather 

Second generation operational meteorological satellite. 

French satellite to gather data from constant density surface 

ballons relaying meteorological data for the study of the 

characteristics and movements of air masses. New balloons are released daily from three sites in Argentian, for this 

cooperative French/U.S. project. 

atmosphere from.the spacecraft to the Earth's surface. 

satellites. 

119 
APPENDIX c 

History of U.S. and Soviet Manned Space Flights 

Spacecraft Launch date Crew 'Flight time Highlights 

Vostok 1 

MercuryMercuryVostok 2 

Atlas 6 

MercuryAtlas 7 

Vostok 3 

Vostok 4 

MercuryAtlas 8 

Atlas 9 

Vostok 5 

Vostok 6 

Voskhod 1 

Redstone 3 

Redstone 4 

MercuryMercuryVoskhod 2 

Gemini 3 

Gemini 4 

Gemini 5 

Gemini 7 

Gemini 6-A 

Gemini 8 

Gemini +A 

Gemini 10 

Gemini 11 

Gemini 12 

soyuz 1 

Apollo 7 

Soyuz 3 

Apr. 12, 1961 

May 5, 1961 

July 21, 1961 

Aug. 6,1961 

Feb. 20,1962 

May 24,1962 

Aug. 11,1962 

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 

Dee. 15,1965 

Mar. 16,1966 

June 3,1966 

July 18,1966 

Sept. 12,1966 

Nov. 11, 1966 

Apr. 23, 1967 

Oct. 11, 1968 

Oct. 26, 1968 

Yuri A. Gagarin 

Alan N. Shepard, Jr. 

Virgil I. Grissom 

Gherman S. Titov 

John H. Glenn, Jr. 

M. Scott Carpenter 

Andrian G. NiLolayev 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 1. 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. hell, 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. Me 

R. Walter Cunningham 

Geagi BCregOVOY 

1 hr. 48 mins. 

15 mins. 

16 mins. 

25 hrs. 18 mins. 

4 hn. 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 hn. 50 mins. 

24 hrs. 17 mins. 

26 hrs. 2 mins. 

4 hrs. 53 mins. 

97 hrs. 56 mins. 

190 hrs. 55 mins. 

330 hrs. 35 mins. 

25 hrs. 51 mins. 

10 hm. 41 mins. 

72 hrs. 21 mins. 

70 hrs. 47 mins. 

71 hrs. 17 mins. 

94 hrs. 35 mins. 

26 hrs. 37 mins. 

260 hrs. 9 &. 

94 hrs. 51 mins. 

First manned flight. 

First U.S. 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 4 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 3 mi. of Vostok 

First 3-man crew. 

5. 

First extravehicular activity (Leonov, 10 

First U.S. 2-man flight; first manual maneu21-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 space craft (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 

mins.). 

vers in orbit. 

8 with Agena target rocket). 

miles). - 

Longest extravehicular activity (Aldrin, 5 

hours 37 minutes). 

Cosmonaut killed in reentry accident. 

First U.S. 3-man mission. 

Maneuvered near unmanned Soyuz 2. 

120 
APPENDIX C-Continued 

History of US. and Soviet Manned Space Flights-Continued 

Spacecraft Launch date Crew Flight time Highlights 

Apollo 8 

soyuz 4 

soyuz 5 

Apollo 9 

Apollo 10 

Apollo 11 

Soyuz 6 

soyuz 7 

Soyuz 8 

Apollo 12 

Apollo 13 

soyuz 9 

Apollo 14 

soyuz 10 

sop 11 

Apollo 15 

Dec. 21,1968 

Jan. 14, 1969 

Jan. 15, 1969 

Mar. 3,1969 

May 18, 1969 

July 16,1969 

Oct. 11, 1969 

Oct. 12,1969 

Oct. 13,1969 

Nov. 14, 1969 

Apr. 11, 1970 

June 1, 1970 

Jan. 31, 1971 

Apr. 22, 1971 

June 6,1971 

July 26, 1971 

Frank Borman 

James A. Lovell, Jr. 

William A. Anders 

Vladimir Shatalov 

Boris Volynov Alecksey Yeliscyev 

Khrunov ames A. McDivitt 

avid R. Scott 

Russell L. Schweickart 

Thomas P. Stafford 

John W. Young 

Eugene A. Cernan 

Neil A. Armstrong 

Michael Collins 

Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. 

Georgiy Shonin 

Valeriy Kubasov 

Anatoliy Filipchencko 

Vladislav Volkov 

Viktor Gorbatko 

Vladimir Shatalov 

Aleksey Yeliseyev 

Charles Conrad, Jr. 

Richard F. Gordon, Jr. 

Alan L. Bean 

ames A. Lovell, Jr. b red W. Hake, Jr. 

John L. Swigert, Jr. 

Andrian G. Nikolayev 

Vitaliy I. Sevastianov 

Alan B. Shepard 

Stuart A. Roosa 

Edgar D. Mitchell 

Vladimir Shatalov 

Aleksey Yeliseyev Nikolai Rukavishnikov 

Georgiy Timofeyevich 

Vladislov Nikolayevich 

Dobrovolskiy 

Volkov 

Vitor Ivanovich Patsay 

David R. Scott 

Alfred M. Worden 

James Bensen Irwin 

147 hrs. 1 min. 

71 hrs, 23 mins. 

72 hrs. 56 mins. 

241 hrs. 1 min. 

192 hrs. 3 mins. 

195 hrs. 19 mins. 

118 hrs. 42 mins. 

118 hrs. 41 mins. 

118 hrs. 50 mins. 

244 hrs. 36 mins. 

142 hrs. 55 mins. 

424 hrs. 59 mins. 

216 hrs. 42 mins. 

47 hrs. 46 mins. 

570 hrs. 22 mins. 

rev 295 hrs. 11 mins. 

53 secs. 

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 from Sop 5 to Sop 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 decent 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. 

Soyuz 6, 7 and 8 operated as a group flight 

without actually docking. Each conducted 

certain experiments, including welding and 

earth and celestial observations. 

Second manned lunar landing. Continued 

manned exploration and retrieved parts of 

Surveyor I11 spacecraft which landed in 

Ocean of Storms on Apr. 19, 1967. 

Mission aborted due to explosion in the 

service module. Ship circled moon, with 

crew using LEM as “lifeboat” until just 

prior to reentry. 

Longest manned space flight lasting 17 days 

16 hrs. 59 mins. 

Third manned lunar landing. Miasion demonstrated pin-point landing capability and 

continued manned exploration. 

Docked with Salyut 1, but crew did not 

board space station launched April 19. 

Crew recovered Apr. 24, 1971. 

Docked with Salyut 1 and Sop 11 crew occu ied space station for 22 days. Crew 

peristed during final phase of Sop 11 

capsule recovery on June 30, 1971. 

Fourth manned lunar land@ and first 

Apollo “J” series mission which carry the 

Lunar Roving Vehicle. Worden’s in-flight 

EVA of 38 min. 12 sea. was performed 

during return trip. 

121 
APPENDIX D-1 

U.S. Space Launch Vehicles 

Thrust Payload (pounds) (in thou- Max . Propellant 4 sandsof dia . Heights 100NM Escape First 

pounds) (feet) (feet) orbit launch 

Vehicle stagscout ............. 1 . 

2 . 

3 . 

4 . Thrust-augmented 1 . 

2 . 

3 . Thrust-augmented 1 . 

Thor-Delta . 

Thor.Agena . 

Algol (IIB) ....... castor I1 ........ Antans I1 ....... Altair I11 or FW4 . Th~r (SLV-25) 

plus . nine TX 354-5 ... 

Solid .............. Solid .............. 100.9 3.3 

60.7 

64.4 410 

109 4. 300 

501 1965(60) 

1. 050 1972(60) 

Solid .............. Solid .............. LOX/RP 

20.9 

5.9 

205 11 

Solid .............. 2 57.3 

Delta (DSV.3) ... 9 . 2 

TE 364 .......... Thor (SLV-2H) 

... 

15 

170 11 110 2. 900 . ........ 1966(60) 

700 1968 

1. 430 1968(60) 

1. 700 1966 

6. 000 1965 

PIG . three Tx 354-5 ... Agena ........... Atlas booster and 

Solid .............. 252 

16 

400 10 

IRFNA/UDMH 

LOX/RP z . Atlas-Burner I1 ..... 1 . 84 6. 000 

SUStainQ 

(SLV.3A) . 2 . Burner I1 ........ Atlas-Agena ........ 1 . Solid .............. LOX/RP 

10 

Atlas booster and 400 10 

sustainer 

(SLV.3A) . Agena ........... LR-87 ........... 

Agena ........... Two 5-scpent 

120" &ametcr . LR-87 ........... 

LR-9 1 ........... 

LR-91 ........... 

100 8. 000 

2 . Titan IIIBAgena ... 1 . 

2 . 

3 . Titan IIIC ......... 1 . 

IRFNA/UDMH .... Na04/Avozine ..... N,O./Aerozine. .... IRFN/UDMH ..... Solid .............. 

N204/Aerozine ..... NaO,/Avozine ..... Na04 Aerozine ..... 

NsOI/Aerozine .... N,O,/Aerozine ..... Solid ............. 

N*O4/Aerozine .... N304/Aerozine ..... LOX/LH ......... 

LOX/RP ......... 

sod .............. 

LOX/LH .......... 

16 

464 10 

102 

16 

2. 400 10x30 

523 

102 

16 

2. 400 10x30 

523 

102 

523 

102 

30 

400 10 

2. 400 10x30 

30 

113 9. 200 

108 28. 000 

2 . 

3 . 

4 .. . Transtage ........ Titan IIID ........ 1 . Two J-segment 

120" diameter . LR-87 ........... 

95 20. 000 

128 .......... 

........ 1971 

11. 000 1974(est.) 

2 . 0 LR-91 ........... Two 5-segment 

12W diameter . LR-87 ........... 

Centaur (Two 

RL-10) . Atlas bposter and susmner . Centaur (Two 

RL-10) . 

S-IVB (&e 5-2) . SIC (Five F-1 ) . . S-I1 (Five 5-2) ... S-IVB (One 5-2) . 

LR-9 1 ........... 

SIB (Ei ht H-1) . 

3 . Titan 1IID.Centaur . 1 . 

2 . 

3 . 

4 . 

Atlas.Centaur ...... 1 . 

2 . 

Saturn IB ......... 1 . 

2 . SaturnV .......... 1 . 

2 . 

3 . 

103 11. 300 2. 700 1967(62) 

LOX/RP .......... LOX/LH .......... LOX/RP ......... LOX/LH ......... LOX/LH ......... 

1. 640 .2 1.6 

230 

7. 570 33 

1. 150 

230 

142 40. OOO .. 

281 285. 000 

........ 1966 

103. 000 1967 

~~ 

1 The date of first launch applies to this latest modification 

a Each motor . * Height to spacecraft interface . 4 Propellant abbreviations used are as follows: Li uid Liquid Oxygen andLiquid Hydrogen-LOX/LH . 

combing in a single mixture both fuel and oxidizer-Solid; 

Inhibited Red Fumin Nitric Acid and Unsymmetrical Dimethylh drazine-IR#N/UDMH; Nitrogen Tetroxide and 

50% UhH and 50% Hydrazine (NsH. )-Na04/Aerozine. 

with a date in parentheses for the initial version . 

Oxygen and a modified KerosentLOX/RP; Solid propeaant 

122 
APPENDIX D-2 

U.S. Successful Launches to Earth Orbit or Beyond By Launch Vehicle, 1958-71 

Launch vehicle Subtotals Launch vehicle Subtotals 

Thor-Able. ... 3 Titan IIIBAgena ................................ 34 

Thor-Able Star. ....... 14 Titan IIIC .............. 16 

81 Titan IIID .............. 1 

5 TITAN total. ............................. 65 

13 SCOUT total. .......... .......... 46 

THOR total. .................. ....... 276 Saturn I ........................................ 6 

Saturn IB.. 3 

Atlas ........................................... 17 

Atlas- Agena .......... 90 SATURN I total.. ........ 9 

Atlas-Centa ur ................................... 20 SATURN V total.. ........ 10 

REDSTONE total. 3 

ATLAS total.. ................... ........ 127 JUPITER total. ... ................. 4 

VANGUARD total. ......... 3 

Titan I1 ........................................ 11 

Titan IIIA.. ............. 3 Grand total. .... .................. 543 

160 

....... 

~PENDIX E 

Nuclear Power Systems for Space Application 

Designation Application Status 

SNAP-3 

SNAP-SA 

SNAP- 19 

SNAP-27 

SNAP-1OA 

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 unmanned lander mission 

Units launched in June and November 1961. Unit still operating at 

reduced power levels. 

Units launched in September and December 1963. Unitsstill 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 ALSEPS of 

Apollo 14 & 15. 

Tested in orbit in 1965. 

Development program underway. 

Modified SNAP-19 generator system will be used. 

- Modified SNAP-19 generator - system will be used. 

(NASA) 

Multi-Hundred Outer planet missions (NASA) Development program underway. 

Watt 1 

1 Planned missions. 
APPENDDL F-1 

Space Activities of the U.S. Government 

13-y~~~ SUbthfARY AND 1973 BUDOET RECOM-NDATIONS, JANUARY 1972-N~~ OBLIOATIONAL AUTEIOkITY 

[In millions of dollars (may not add due to rounding)] 

NASA Department Total 

ofDefense AEC Commerce Interior Agriculture NSF space 

Total Space1 

1959.. .............. 305.4 235.4 

1960 ................ 523.6 461.5 

1961.. .............. 964.0 926.0 

1962 ................ 1,824.9 1,796.8 

1963.. .............. 3,673.0 3,626.0 

1964 ................ 5,099.7 5,046.3 

1965.. .............. 5,249.7 5,167.6 

1966. ............... 5, 174.9 5,094.5 

1967.. .............. 4,967.6 4,862.2 

1968.. .............. 4.588.8 4.452.5 

489.5 34.3 .......................................... 759.2 

560.9 43.3 .................................. . 1 1,065.8 

813.9 67.7 .................................. .6 1.808.2 

1, 298. 2 147.8 50.7 ...................... 1.3 31294.8 

1, 599. 3 210.0 2.8 ...................... 3.0 6,861.4 

1, 573. 9 228.6 12.2 ...................... 3.2 6.985.5 

1,549.9 213. 9 43.2 ...................... 1.5 5,434.5 

1,688.8 186. 8 26.5 4.1 ............ 3.2 7;003.9 

1,663.6 183. 6 29. 3 3.0 ............ 2.8 6,744.5 

1. 921. 8 145. 1 28. 1 2. 0 0. 5 3. 2 6. 553. 2 

Bud et: 

1952.. ............ 3,294.6 3,058.7 

1973. ............. 3,377.6 3,082.3 

... 

1969.. 3i990.9 3i822.0 2i013.0 118.0 20.0 2. 0 0.7 1.9 5; 977.6 

1970.. .............. 3,745.8 3,547.0 1,678.4 102.8 8. 0 2.0 0. 8 2.4 5,341.4 .............. 

1971.. .............. 3.311.2 3.001.3 1,512.3 94.3 27. 4 5. 2 0.8 2. 4 4,643. 7 

1,424.9 57. 7 31.4 9.8 3.5 2.8 4, 588.8 

1, 782.8 66.4 44.6 9.8 3.5 2.8 4,992. 2 

1 Excludes amounts for aviation technology. Source: Office of Management and Budget. 

U. S. SPACE BUDGET - NEW OBLIGATIONAL AUTHORITY 

-0th 

BILLIONS OF DOLLARS 0 NASA 

Dtlenrc 

8.0 

1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 

NASC SIAfI 

1961 1969 1970 1971 1971 1973 

RfOUtSl 

IAN 1912 

124 
APPENDIX F-2 

Space Activities Budget, January 1972 

[In millions of dollars] 

New obligational authority Expenditures 

1971 1972 1973 1971 1972 1973 

actual estimate estimate actual estimate estimate 

Federal space programs: NASA 1. ............................ Defense .............................. AEC ................................ Commerce ........................... Interior. ............................. NSF ................................ Agriculture .......................... 

Manned space flight.. ................. Space science and applications. ......... Space technology. .................... Aviation technology. .................. Supporting activities. .................. Less receipts.. ........................ 

Total .............................. NASA : 

Total NASA ....................... 

3,001. 3 

1,512. 3 

94. 3 

27.4 

5.2 

2.4 

0.8 

4,643. 7 

1, 781.8 

704.2 

264.0 

209.9 

362.7 

-11.4 

3,211.2 

3,058. 7 

1,424.9 

57.7 

31.4 

9.8 

2.8 

3.5 

4, 588.8 

1,633. 7 

893. 1 

214.6 

235.9 

330.3 

-13.0 

3,294.6 

3,082. 3 

1, 782.8 

66.4 -~. ~ 

44.6 

9.8 

2.8 

3. 5 

4,992.2 

1,572.9 

1,013. 1 

171.4 

295.3 

336. 1 

-11.2 

3,377.6 

3, 171.0 

1,693.0 

97. 3 

29.8 

4.5 

2.4 

1.0 

4,999. 0 

1,884.8 

660.6 

272.0 

209.6 

365.0 

-11.4 

3, 380. 6 

2, 953. 7 

1,487.0 

62.5 

25. 1 

8.6 

2.8 

3.0 

4,542.7 

1,636.6 

765.7 

220.0 

226.0 

344.4 

-13.0 

3, 179. 7 

2,940. 3 

1,647.0 

56.0 

35.6 

8.6 

2.8 

3.2 

4,693. 5 

1,571. 1 

853.3 

187.9 

250.7 

339.2 

-11.2 

3, 191.0 

~~ ~ 

1 Excludes amounts for aviation technology. Source: Office of Management and Budget. 

Aeronautics Budget 

[In millions of dollars] 

New obligational authority 

1971 1972 1973 

estimate estimate 

Federal aeronautics programs: 

NASA' ................................................................. 209.9 235.9 295.3 

DeDartment of Defense 1. .................................................. 1.707.5 1,984. 3 1,947.5 

Department of Transportation. ............................................. 72.8 98. 3 102.2 

Total .................................................................. 1,990.2 2,318.5 2, 345.0 

'R.&D.,R.&P.M.,C.ofF. Source: Office of Management and Budget. * R.D.T. & E. aircraft and related equipment. Note: Some of the estimates shown in the above table are * Office of Sec. of Trans. and FAA as of December 31, 1971, and may not agree with final 

budget figures. 

125 US. 0011ERNMENT PRINTING CfFlCE:1972 0-452-316