Page 7
University Daily Kansan
Syncom Satellite 'Hangs'in Orbit
CAFE CANAVERAL — (UPI) — the United States today fired a new communications satellite called "Syncom" into a "hanging" orbit around the earth in one of the most difficult space feats ever attempted.
The 150-pound Syncom, designed to relay radio and telephone conversations between North America and South Africa, rode into the sky aboard a three-stage Delta rocket launched at 12:35 a.m. EST.
A little more than five hours later; a small rocket inside the satellite itself was fired to stabilize Syncom in an orbit about 22,300 miles above earth.
AT THIS ALTITUDE, the forward speed of the drum-shaped satellite almost matched the rotational speed of earth.
The net effect is that, to an observer on earth, the Syncom satellite appears to hover more or less in one spot in the sky instead of actually circling the globe in customary satellite fashion.
A spokesman for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said officials were "very pleased" with the results of the launching. He said, however, signals from the satellite were "a little weaker" at times than expected.
Synom reached the 22,300-mile peak about five hours or so after it was launched at that point, the rocket was fired to stabilize the satellite at this altitude.
THIS COULD BE DUE. he said, to atmospheric conditions or minor miscalculations in equipment at certain ground stations picking up the signals.
Scientists said information radiated from the satellite indicated the rocket was fired at 5:42 a.m. EST, and that it performed "as planned."
It was the halfway point in one of the most ambitious space experiments ever attempted by the United States. Still ahead, however, was two weeks of maneuvering the small satellite to a final "resting place" high above the Atlantic Ocean between the Americas and Africa.
Syncom reached its orbit at a point above Madagascar, off the east coast of South Africa. With the help of small gas jets aboard the satellite, scientists during the next few days will try to "move it backwards" to a spot above the Atlantic Ocean.
Within the next few days, radio and telephone communications using the Syncom satellite will be attempted between a ground station at Lakehurst, N.J., and a sea-going station, the USS Kissport, now at
anchor in Lagos Harbor, Nigeria, in Brazil.
The first actual experiment with the Syncom was attempted early today, as the satellite was in the midst of its five-hour journey to the 22.300-mile altitude.
Scientists fired a "quickie" voice tape that one described as "really a gimmick" and not a key experiment. Officials described the results as "inconclusive."
Syncom is in the same family as the famed Telstar and Relay communications satellite. There was one major difference, however. Syncom, in the interest of weight, could not carry along enough equipment to relay television signals between continents.
LESLIE FREEZE Alpha Chi Omega
Leslie models an imported linen skirt and matched orlon sweater—wonderful for spring through summer...
COACH HOUSE
Grooms For Tours and Guests
1237 Oread
VI 3-6369
Playboy Bunnies Banned In Boston
BOSTON—(UPI)—Bunnies were banned in Boston today.
The "bunny" is a curvaceous cocktail waitress, trademark of Playboy Inc.
Her costume is an abbreviated green satin leotard that the Boston licensing board said left too little to the imagination.
The board made its decision yesterday after viewing a bunny, blonde, 19-year-old Geraldine Doherty of Brighton, who now is a waitress at the Playboy Club in New York City.
Cold Threatens Ruins
ROME — (UPI) - The Colosseum and other famous ruins of ancient Rome are in danger of collapsing because of Europe's savage winter weather.
Engineer Fracceso Pastori of the Public Works Ministry said today the damage caused by sub-freezing temperatures, ice and snow is "the most serious and most extensive" in years.
Other authorities said the four-story Colosseum, which was built by Emperor Titus in 80 A.D., and has
proved invulnerable to the attacks of armies for centuries, may fall.
Damage to the Forum and the Palatine, once the home of the Roman emperors, was even more extensive. Piles of fresh rubble, as if left by a dump truck, fill the corridors and rooms of the old buildings.
PATRONIZE YOUR ADVERTISERS
SEE ART AND DUANE AT
ART NEASE'S TEXACO
"FOR REALLY FAST AND THOROUGH SERVICE"
- WASH * GREASE
- WHEEL ALIGNMENT
WHEEL BALANCE
TUNE UP
- STARTER WORK
- GENERATOR WORK
9th and Mississippi
VI 3-9897
BUSINESS MANAGER AND EDITOR OF STUDENT DIRECTORY AND DATEBOOK
Applications for these positions are due in at 228 Strong by Monday, February 18. Pick up applications in 228 Strong.