University Daily Kansan / Wednesday, April 3. 1991
11
Nuclear rocket may be developed
Scientist group says project is secret
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Defense Department is secretly trying to develop a nuclear-powered rocket to lift large weapons into orbit for the Star Wars anti-missile program, an advocacy group said last night.
Nuclear propulsion on a rocket the size of the Titan III, a workhorse of the space program, probably could triple its payload, said Steven Aftergood of the Federation of American Scientists.
The federation was formed after World War II by some of the scientists from the Manhattan Project,
which developed the first atomic bomb. The group has been active in pushing arms control ever since.
Aftergood said the organization found out many details of the rocket project, called "Project Timberwind," through interviews with a number of project participants. Some details are not known.
The greater thrust of a nuclear rocket compared with its chemically powered counterpart would be so striking that "it could make a difference" and tempt designers to try to develop a nuclear rocket despite its uncertainties and great expense, he said.
The Titan III payload is 32,000 pounds for low orbits.
The Pentagon's Strategic Defense Initiative Office "has no interest in a man-rated system," so the rocket would not need heavy, payable shielding to keep deadly radiation reaching the crew. After good said.
The shielding problem forced the Air Force to give up efforts to develop a nuclear-powered airplane in the mid-1950s.
It's not clear what the rocket would lift. Aftergood said.
"I've been told the organization hopes to use it to launch directed-energy weapons, beam weapons, in a pop-up mode," he said.
"Pop-up" means the beam
launcher meant to strike at enemy
missiles would remain on the ground
until needed. Then it would be
replaced by an explosive ring
position while the enemy rocket was
still in an early part of its flight.
The rocket reactor probably would use highly enriched uranium fuel encased in small pellets about the size of grains of sand. The fission of uranium would generate tremendous amounts of heat, as it does in a commercial power reactor or a submarine propulsion plant.
That heat would be transferred to a propellant, "most likely liquid hydrogen, which would be flash vaporized and ejected from a nozzle," he said.
Claim of racial harassment stirs up FBI
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Eleven FBI supervisors and agents face possible disciplinary action in the racial harassment of an African-American agent who is demanding that the agency report of the embarrassing episode.
A special task force that looked into allegations by Donald Rochon recommended changes in bureau operations so that such a case wasn't going to happen yesterday to Rochen's attorney. It did not elaborate on the changes.
Rochon said white colleagues threatened and intimidated him when he worked in the bureau's Chicago office in the 1980s and that bureau supervisors covered up the evidence
He sued the FBI and settled last August, agreeing to full salary and pension benefits in a deal that could be worth more than $1 million.
The task force referred five separate matters to FBI Director William Sessions for possible disciplinary action. The judge referred to Rohron's lawyer, David Kairys.
One instance was referred to the Justice Department, which declined criminal prosecution, the letter added.
Based on the task force's findings, the FBI will consider the actions of 11 employees to determine if discipline is warranted, the bureau said in a
Those under scrutiny include agents and bureau supervisors, said an FBI source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The bureau refused to say whether any of the 11 work at FBI headquarters in Washington.
If Sessions decides to take action, there could be reprimands, suspensions or firings.
This is the largest number of FBI employees considered for discipline in a racial harassment matter, Rochen said. The total would have been more than 20 if others involved in incidents hadn't retired, he added.
Paul Philip, the FBI's highestranking African-American field agent, led the task force investigation.
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The Challenge is back!
Win a FREE MACINTOSH CLASSIC COMPUTER!
Apple Computer, the KU Bookstores and Kansas Volleyball challenge you to compete in the
Mac Challenge Grass Volleyball Tournament
on the east side of Allen Field House on Sunday, April 21, 1991.
The three divisions will be University Men's Living groups, University Women's Living groups, and one co-ed group including registered student organizations and University departments. The first place team in each division will receive a
Tournament rules and entry forms available in the KU Bookstores Computer Store, level 2 Burge Union. If you have any questions, call the Kansas Volleyball Office, 864-3921. ($65 entry fee per team)
MACINTOSH CLASSIC COMPUTERS Second place teams will receive APPLE SWEATSHIRTS.
AUTO MECHANICS FOR BEGINNERS*
Explore the fundamentals of car maintenance & tenure under the
Explore the fundamentals of car maintenance & repair under the direction of an experienced & licensed mechanic. The registration
Wednesday, April 10, 1991
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Byron's Autohaus, 640 N. 2nd Street
There will be two follow-up sessions:
Wednesday, April 17th at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 24th at 7:00 p.m.
* Session 1 is a prequential for sessions 2 & 3
Sponsored by the Emily Tayla Women's Resource Center, 118 Strong Hall For further information contact Katherine Khama at 864-352 153
KLZR/106 DAY Thursday Only
10:30 a.m.-11 p.m
1/4 lb. Burger & 16 oz. Soft Drink $1.06
10:30 a.m. 11 p.m.
1/4 lb. Burger 9
Lawrence Store Only 701 W.23rd
COLLEGE ASSEMBLY ELECTION
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) College Assembly, the governing body that determines CLAS academic policy, has over 100 vacant seats reserved for undergraduate student representatives. If the number of nominees is less than or equal to the number of vacancies, all nominees become representatives through appointment . All CLAS undergraduates are encouraged to become a part of the decision-making process.
NOMINATION FORMS:
Available at the Undergraduate Services Office 106 Strong Hall
NOMINATION FILING DEADLINE Friday, April 5th, at 5:00 p.m.
ELECTION DATES:
April 10th & 11th
AFRICAN AFFAIRS STUDENT ASSOC. AFRICAN AWARENESS WEEK
WEDNESDAY APRIL 3:
- Movie "Cry Freedom" at 6:00 p.m. in Lippincott, Room #3 (downstairs)
- Slide Show on "Egypt, Past and Present" by Dr. Mirham at 8:00 p.m. in the International Room at the Kansas Union.
- Panel discussion on " The African and the Diaspora" at 7:00 p.m. in Parlor A & B, Kansas Union, Professor Freeman, Dr. Ajay, Jr.
- and Dr. Peter Ukupokod will be among the participants.
ERIDAY APRIL 5...
- Lecture on "Militant Women and African Nationalism" by Dr. Ajayi at 7:00 p.m. in the Centennial Room, Kansas Union.
SATURDAY APRIL 4
- Cultural exhibition and African food in the Fcumenical
- African Night
- Christian Ministries (ECM) building 12th & Oread from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
-$3.00 in advance/$4.00 at the door
- Party at Four Rivers Restaurant from 9:30 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. (African Music). - $30 in advance/$40 at the door
*for both events*) $5.00 in advance/$6.00 at the door
For information call 749-4981
BSU Elections
Wednesday, April 3, 1991 Alderson Auditorium 6:30 p.m. Kansas Union
"United We Stand, Come and Cast your Vote"