Space Laboratory Launched

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31520, 7 November 1967, Page 17

Space Laboratory Launched

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) CAPE KENNEDY, November 6. An equipment-loaded American spacecraft, shot into space from Cape Kennedy yesterday to carry out a series of experiments, will be put into orbit this morning, 22,300 miles from the earth.

The 8051 b space laboratory —named Applications Technology Satellite No. 3 (A.T.S.-3)—will be thrust into its operational orbit by the firing of a special motor on board.

of a downed spacecraft within two miles. The weather camera, a cloud-scanner using colour film, will give meteorologists their first colour pictures from synchronous orbit of five continents—North and South America. Africa, Europe and Antarctica. By studying changes in colour of clouds at sunrise and sunset from day to day, meteorologists hope to learn the height of clouds and other data valuable to more accurate forecasting. Commercial airlines, including Pan-American, Air India, Air France, Alitalia, Lufthansa and 8.0.A.C., are expected to take part in the communications experiment involving microwaves transmitted from a new antenna on the spacecraft The aim of this experiment is to prove better voice, television and facsimile communications transmitted simultaneously.

After launching last night it was placed in a temporary orbit. On board the craft are nine experiments, including a special navigational system that could find lost astronauts or help control supersonic aircraft of the future, and a special cloud camera to help weather forecasters improve the accuracy of their predictions. The purpose of the navigation experiment is to pinpoint the exact orbital position of A.T.S.-3. If successful, it will be a major step towards the establishment of a new navigational system aimed at locating the position