August 14, 1967

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Space Technology

Requirements for Solar Arrays Spurring New Techniques

Los Angeles—Broad spectrum of new techniques is being used in the development of lightweight array systems for more efficient conversion of solar radiation to electric power in space applications. Contracted output increases over current levels range into orders of magnitude, with feasibility studies projected up to 1 mw.

By George S. Hunter14 min

106

Avionics

Radar Design Offers Xor C-band Option

New York—New generation of airborne weather radar equipment designed to meet all requirements of Arinc Characteristic 564 will be offered by Radio Corp. of America early next year in both X-band and C-band versions. The new units, designated AVQ-30X or AVQ-30C, respectively, are now in prototype stages, with production release expected this fall and production planned for the second quarter of 1968, according to John D. Woodward, marketing manager of RCA’s Aviation Equipment Dept., Los Angeles.

By Kenneth J. Stein8 min

Space Technology

Orbiter Sends Back Pictures of Moon’s ‘equatorial Gap’

Pasadena, Calif.—Photographs returned to earth by Orbiter 5 last week fill a blank in U.S. coverage of the lunar surface known as the “equatorial gap,” an area on the western half of the hidden side of the moon. The NASA/Boeing spacecraft is the fifth and last in the Orbiter series.

By George S. Hunter6 min

Space Technology

U.s., Russian Scientists View Algae as Principal Space Food

London—United States and Soviet space biologists are turning life support research aims toward more advanced uses of algae as a space food on deep probe missions which could last 5-10 years. The first details of Soviet advanced work on long-term probes, including development of “space hothouses” to generate algae as a food source, were made here during the annual session of the Committee on Space Research (Cospar) at the Imperial College of Science and Technology (AW&ST Aug. 7, p. 67).

By Herbert J. Coleman5 min

Management

Strong U.k. National Space Effort Urged

London—Broad changes in the British space effort, including a de-emphasis on international projects in favor of building a national program, were urged here last week by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Estimates. Recommendations, which could lead to legislation during the next term of the House of Commons starting in October, were keynoted by this committee view of past British space activities:

Air Transport

U.k., Industry Join in Anti-noise Research

Coventry—British Ministry of Technology, now working on airport noise standards which will affect future power-plant designs, has teamed with the British engine industry to build an antinoise research establishment at nearby Ansty.

By Herbert J. Coleman5 min

Editorial

The Big Squeeze

The air war in Southeast Asia and the U.S. aerospace industry are about to feel the effects of a multibillion-dollar White House squeeze on the Fiscal 1968 Defense Dept. budget. The details of just how this slash will be applied to Fiscal 1968 production, research and development, maintenance and operational funds are now being worked out by frantic procurement officials in the Pentagon.

By Robert Hotz4 min

August 71967

August 211967

August 14, 1967

August 14, 1967