Aeronautics and Space Report of the President 1972 Activities 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 1972 Activities Executive Office of the President National Aeronautics and Space Council Washington, D.C. 20502 To the Congress of the United States: I am pleased to transmit a report of our national progress in aeronautics and space activities during 1972. The Apollo program was successfully concluded with the flights of Apollo 16 and 17. These missions were designed to obtain maximum scientific return and provided almost half the lunar exploration time in the Apollo program. Though it is far too early to attempt a definitive assessment of the value of this program, it is clear that one result will be a quantum jump in both our scientific knowledge and our technological expertise. Our unmanned satellites include a variety of vehicles ranging from meteorological, navigational and communication satellites to a new experimental spacecraft pro- viding information on our resources and environment. Increasing practical applications for satellite technology confirm the immediate value of our efforts in space, while observatory satellites and others carrying specialized scientific instruments provide accurate and dependable data never before available to scientists on earth. The conclusion of the Apollo program marks only another step in this Nation’s push into space. In the current year, we expect to launch Skylab, which will permit extended experimentation in a manned vehicle. After Skylab, a joint mission by this Nation and the Soviet Union will rendezvous and dock two spacecraft, helping to link our two space efforts in a mutually productive manner. The space shuttle presently under development will make the launching of satellites and laboratories less expensive and more productive. The shuttle will be augmented by the sortie laboratory which the Western European countries intend to develop as part of our joint cooperation in space. The past year has also seen advances in aeronautical research and development. It should be emphasized that work in this field is particularly vital if America is to maintain its leadership in the development and production of civil and military aircraft and engines. Our efforts in aeronautics and space will continue through programs balanced at levels which will allow us to meet demands in these and other important domestic and foreign areas. THEWHITE HOUSE, March 1973 iii Table of Contents Page Page 1. US. Aeronautical and Space Activities in 1972 . 1 XI. Department of Commerce ................... 59 Introduction ............................... 1 Satellite Programs .......................... 60 Space .................................... 1 Upper Atmosphere and Space Technology ..... 62 Aeronautics ... 3 Aeronautical Programs .... 64 4 Environmental Data Progr 64 I1. National Aeronautics 5 65 Studies and Reports . 5 Radio ............. 65 Other Activities ...... ....... 6 Press and Publicatio 66 66 I11 . National Aeronautics and Space Administration . 6 67 Manned Space Flight ....................... 6 Space Science .......... 12 emy of Engineering, National Research Applications Programs .. 15 Council ................... 71 Aeronautics and Space T ........... 18 Space Science Board ........ 71 Tracking and Data Acquisition ............... 25 Aeronautics and Space Engin 72 International Affairs ........................ 27 Division of Behavioral Sciences ............... 73 Industry Affairs ............ ........... 28 Division of Earth Sciences ................... 73 Division of Engineering ..................... 73 Technology Utilization Progr 29 Division of Physical Sciences ...... .. 74 Other Relationships ........................ 30 XV . The Smithsonian Institution ................. 76 IV . Department of Defense ...................... 31 Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory........ 76.. Space Activities ............................ 32 National Museum of Natural History ... 78 Space Ground Support ...... 33 National Air and Space Museum ............. 78 Aeronautics Activities ....................... 34 Center for Short-Lived Phenomena ........... 78 Supporting Research and De 35 XVI . Office of Telecommunications Commission..... 79 XVII . Federal Communications Commission......... 79 Relationship With Other Government Agenues . 38 Communication Satellites ................... 80 V . Atomic Energy Commission ..... 39 Aeronautical Services ....... .... 80 Space Electric Power ....................... 39 Maritime Mobile Service .................... 81 Radioisotope Power Systems ................. 39 Amateur Radio Service ..................... 81 Space Reactor Power Systems........ 40 Space Nuclear Propulsion ................... 41 Appendixes VI . Department of State ........................ 42 A-1 . U.S. Spacecraft Record ..................... 82 Supporting Activities ............... 43 A-2 . World Record of Space Launchings Successful VI1. Department of Transportation ............... 44 in Attainin Earth Orbit or Beyond ......... 82 Aeronautics ............................... 45 A-3 . Successful U.8. Launches-1972 .............. 83 Aviationsafety ............................ 48 B. U.S. Applications Satellites, 1958-72 .. 91 VI11. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency ....... 50 C. History of United States and Soviet IX. Department of the Interi 51 Space Flights ............................ 95 97.. Aeronautics ............................... 51 D . U.S. Space Launch Vehicles ............... E . Nuclear Power Systems for Space Application . 98 Space ................ ......... 53 F-1 . Space Activities of the U.S. Government ...... 98 International Cooperation................... 57 U.S. Space Budget-New Obligational Author- X . Department of Agriculture .................. 58 ity ..................................... 98 Remote Sensing Program Activities ..... 58 F-2 . Space Activities Budget ..................... 99 Other Activities ............................ 59 Aeronautics Budget ... ............ 99 V I United States Aeronautics and Space Activities in 1972 Introduction space. Further, the United States recognizes that much more can be accomplished in space activities if the Considerable progress was made in both space and costs are shared by other countries. Cooperative pro- aeronautics activities in 1972. The achievements of grams with the European nations and with the USSR the United States space program confirm our desire have been actively pursued. These beginnings hold and our determination to continue space exploration promise for increased international cooperation in the and the application of space technology to the benefit future. of mankind. In aeronautics, while maintaining our Though perhaps not as spectacular as space, the leadership in civilian and military aviation, steps have aeronautics program includes efforts to help maintain been taken to minimize the undesirable environmental strength in commercial aircraft sales and superiority effects of aircraft operations through the introduction in military aviation. At the same time, programs em- and application of advanced technology. phasizing research and development activities that will Completion of the successful Apollo 17 mission brings lead to more comfortable, safe, and convenient air to conclusion the Apollo lunar program. Its conclu- travel for all have been pursued. Progress has been sion realized the accomplishment of one of the six made in the development of technology for efficient, specific objectives for the United States space program quiet, and clean aircraft enghes to reduce undesirable which was enunciated in March 1970-the continued impact of airplanes on the environment. exploration of the moon. From the samples brought This chapter reviews the activity in the United back for study and the instrumentation which continues States space and aeronautics programs in 1972, sum- to make vital measurements on the lunar surface, the marizes the progress made, and emphasizes the need fundamental history and nature of the moon are being for continuing a balanced program. revealed. The lunar samples and knowledge gained from the Apollo program will be studied for many years by scientists from all over the world. The United States space program is balanced be- Lunar and Planetary Exploration.-During 1972 tween exploration, science and applications, and is both manned and unmanned spacecraft explored space designed to accomplish the specific objectives outlined and returned data which will yield for many years to at the beginning of this decade. Pioneer 10 continues come significant information on the origin and com- its epic journey which will take it near the planet position of the universe. Jupiter and from there it will become the first man- The past year saw the completion of the planned made object to escape the solar system. Mariner 9 lunar exploration with the flight of Apollo 17. This has completed its mission of photographically mapping mission explored a combination of lunar mountain the entire surface of Mars and its results have dramat- highlands and valley lowlands. The data returned will supply scientists with new information on the early ically revised our understanding of that planet. Work crust of the moon, large meteorite impacts on the is presently underway which will greatly extend man’s lunar surface, young volcanic rock, and other important capability to live and work in