Aeronautics and Space Report of the President TRANSMITTED TO THE CONGRESS 1970 JANUARY 197 1 NOTE TO READERS: ALL PRINTED PAGES ARE INCLUDED, UNNUMBERED BLANK PAGES DURING SCANNING AND QUALITY CONTROL CHECK HAVE BEEN DELETED Aeronautics and Space Report of the President TRANSMITTED TO THE CONGRESS - 1970 JANUARY 197 1 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. In this first year of the new decade, we have been working to establish a firm basis for a balanced national aeronautics and space program which is compatible with our national priorities, goals and resources and which insures continuing progress throughout the decade. 1970 has been a year of transition from past successes to new challenges. The activities of our space program during the year are consistent with the recommendations I made in March for a balanced space program. Our goals are continued exploration, scientific knowledge and practical applications. The technology acquired through our space programs has many practical applications on earth ranging from communications, meteorology and navigation to agriculture, education and transportation. Specific objectives guide our space endeavors. We should continue to explore the moon and increase the scientific return on the investment in the Apollo program. We should also continue to explore the planets of our solar system and the universe. We must strive to reduce the cost of space operations. We should try to expand our knowledge of man’s ability to perform productively in the hostile environment of space and to relate this knowledge to uses here on earth. We must apply space-related technology to the critical assessment of our environment and to the effective use of our resources. We should also promote international cooperation in our space program by pursuing joint space ventures, exchanging scientific and technical knowledge, and assisting in the practical application of this knowledge. We are greatly encouraged by European interest in joining us in cooperative post-Apollo planning. From our aeronautics activities have come substantial contributions to continued U.S. pre-eminence in civil aviation, major improvements in aeronautical services, and impressive developments in a sound SST program. This year has seen the initiation of new military aeronautics programs that will enhance our national security. We must consider other new means to insure that our national aeronautics program is given the opportunity and encouragement to contribute to our national well-being. I am pleased to transmit to Congress this report of our national aeronautics and space activities during 1970. I take this opportunity to express my admiration for the men and women whose devotion, courage and creativity have made our aeronautics and space progress a source of national pride. THEWHITE HOUSE, January 1971. Table of Contents Pam I . Progress Toward U.S. Aeronautics and Space National Marine Fisheries Service 67 Goals in 1970 ............................ 1 Environmental Research Laborat 68 Introduction ................................ 1 National Ocean Survey ................. 70 Continued Exploration of the Moon ........... 1 National Environmental Satellite Service ... 72 Exploration of the Planets and the Universe .... 2 Environment Data Service ............... 75 Substantial Reduction in the Cost of Space National Bureau of Standards ................ 77 Operations ............................... 2 77 Extension of Man’s Capability To Live and 79 3 79 3 80 5 81 6 82 7 82 7 82 Introduction ............................... 7 82 Specific Activities ... 7 84 9 Introduction ............................... 84 9 XIV. National Academy of Sciences, National Academy Manned Space Fligh 10 88 14.. Introduction . 88 19 88 28 Aeronautics and Space Engi 90 International Affairs ..................... 30 Division of Behavioral Sciences 90 31 Division of Earth Sciences .................... 90~~ Technology Utilization 32 Division of Engineering ...................... 91 Relationships With 0th 33~~ Division of Physical Sciences . 91 The NASA Safety Prog 34 Office of Scientific Personnel . 92 IV. Department of Defense 35 Committee on SST Sonic Boo 92 Introduction ......... 35 XV. The Smithsonian Institution .. 93 36 Introduction ............... 93 37 Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory ........ 93 Aeronautics Activities . 38 The Office of Environmental Sciences .......... 95 Supporting Research and Technclogy .......... 41 National Museum of Natural History .......... 95 Relationship With Other Government Agencies . 44 Center for Short-Lived Phenomena ....... 96 V . Atomic Energy Commission .... 45 National Air and Space Museum ............. 96 Introduction ............................... 45 XVI . Federal Communications Commission .......... 97 Space Electric Power .......... 45 Introduction .......... 97 Space Radioisotope Power Systems . 45 Communication Satellit 97 Space Isotopic Fuel Development ... 46 International Radio Co 97 Space Reactor Power Systems ......... 46 Radio Astronomy and Spac 98 Nuclear Rocket Program ..................... 47 Aeronautical Services . 98 Satellite-Based Detection of Nuclear Explosions Maritime Mobile Service 99 in Space and the Atmosphere ............... 48 Amateur Radio Service ...................... 99 VI . Department of State ......................... 48 Broadcasting Policy Coordination ........ 100 Introduction ..... 48 VI1. Department of Tra ................ 52 ......................... 52 53 Appendixes Air Traffic Control and Navigation System ...... 55 Human Factors in Aviation .................. 57 57 A.1 . U.S. Spacecraft Record ...................... 101 58 A.2 . World Record of Space Launchings Successful in 58 Attaining Earth Orbit or Beyond ........... 101 58 A.3 . Successful U.S. Launches--1970 .............. 102 59 A-4. Aeronautical Events of 1970 .................. 107 59 B. U.S. Applications Satellites, 1958-70 .......... 108 59~~ C . History of United States and Soviet Manned 61 Space Flights ............................ 111 63 D.1 . U.. S. Space Launch Vehicles ................. 112 63 D.2 . U.S. Successful Launches to Earth Orbit or Be- 63 yond by Launch Vehicle, 1958-70 .......... 113 64 E . Nuclear Power Systems for Space Application . 113 64 F-1 . Space Activities of the U.S. Government. ...... 114 64 U.S. Space Budget-New Obligational Authority (chart) .................................. 114 ......................... 64 F.2 . Space Activities Budget ...................... 115 her Service ............. 66 Aeronautics Budget ......................... 115 V I Progress Toward U.S. Aeronautics and Space Goals in 1970 Introduction With the information gleaned from each space ven- ture, man increases his ability to devote his scientific The decade of the Sixties was an exciting period of and technical skills toward the benefit of life and im- growth and development of the nation’s aeronautics provement of its conditions throughout the entire and space endeavors. The primary goal around which world. the space activities centered was to land a man on the moon and to return him safely to earth. The year Continued Exploration of the Moon 1969 saw the fulfillment of man’s age-old dream to travel beyond the confines of his terrestrial home to Four Americans have explored the lunar surface, set another celestial body. This great achievement of tech- out scientific equipment around their landing sites, nical skill and human determination marked the suc- made geologic observations of the surrounding area cessful accomplishment of a national goal and added and collected 123 pounds of selected samples of rock to the distinction of this first chapter of U.S. space and lunar material for further analysis on earth. Re- history. The attainment of the primary goal of the turned lunar rocks have been displayed throughout Sixties signaled that the time was appropriate to ex- the world where they have attracted great interest amine the successes of the past and to propose a and admiration for our country. The study and analysis follow-on space program for the new decade and the of the material during 1970 has been the basis for es- future. An extensive effort was undertaken to evaluate timating that the moon was formed about four and a the alternatives open to the nation in selecting future half billion years ago, approximately the same time as space programs which would be clearly defined and the earth and meteorites. Scientists and investigators feasible, and simultaneously compatible with other from 16 countries are continuing analyses to glean national priorities. whatever facts the material has yet to yield. These The result of the evaluation became the basis for achievements have greatly improved our knowledge a bold and energetic yet well balanced space program of the moon and have given the world a new capability for the Seventies. In March of 1970, new goals and to understand the solar system and its origin. The re- objectives for continuing the progress of space achieve- maining Apollo flights will yield progressively increased ments were announced based on three general pur- scientiflc returns as exploration radius and time on the poses: space exploration, scientific knowledge and moon are expanded. New experiments, new equip- practical applications. Six specific objectives were out- ments, and, further analysis of the information and lined: continued exploration of the moon; bold