Criticism for astronauts

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33386, 19 November 1973, Page 15

Criticism for astronauts

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) HOUSTON, November 18. Mission Control sharply criticised the Skylab 3 astronauts on Saturday night for trying to hide the fact that Lieutenant-Colonel William R. Pogue vomited on his first day in space, United Press International reported. Alan B. Shepard, the chief astronaut, speaking on an open communications line in an unusual move, told the space-station crew: “We think you made a fairly serious error in judgment in not letting us know the full report of your condition.”

Colonel Pogue, the commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Gerald P. Carr, and Dr Edward G. Gibson, reported on their condition (is they set up house in the big orbiting ship for man’s longest space flight. The crew said that Colonel Pogue felt "nauseous.” But they did not mention his vomiting. Ground officials only found out about Colonel Pogue’s condition when a voice recording of the incident, apparently made without the crew knowing about it, was sent along with recordings of other information sent down to the ground but not on the open line. “We won’t mention the barf,” Colonel Carr said to Colonel Pogue on the tape. [“We’ll just throw that down ; the trash airlock.” “They are not going to be able to keep track of that,” Colonel Pogue said, "so it’s just between you, me and the couch. You know damn well that every manager in N.A.S.A. would probably, under his breath, want to do that.” When chastised about the incident. Colonel Carr admitted that the crew agreed “it was a dumb decision.” The mission commander had reported on Saturday morning: “We’re all feeling pretty good.” TARGET The space pilots spent Saturday carrying baggage from the Apollo ferry ship they

rode to Skylab, orbiting 270 miles above the earth. They hope to stay a record 84 days during the research trip. Activation of the 100-ton laboratory had gone well, it was reported, and no serious problems with the workshop had developed. Anti-noise move In the belief that noise is a problem of the age, announcements over the public address system on American Airlines aircraft will be briefer, softer, and more unobstrusive from now on. Some announcements are governmental requirements, and these will remain. But no longer will cabin staff sell hotel rooms or magazines to patrons, said a spokesman for the company. American Airlines links New Zealand with the east coast of the United States.