A Six-Component Balance

A six-component force-measuring balance for impulse wind tunnels is described. The application of semiconductors for force and acceleration measurement, and their mechanical and electronic coupling for the desired operational outputs are given. The dynamic calibration procedures are explained and verified for the conditions encountered in hot-shot-type wind tunnels.     

A brief history of Baikonur

The Baikonur launch site was the world's first and remains its most important in terms of the historic missions that have taken off from it. This article describes the background to the construction of Baikonur, the steps taken to keep it secret from the West, and its chief facilities. It enumerates the major space missions that took place there, as well as acknowledging its failures, e.g. the lunar programmes, before speculating on its future. An increasing emphasis on commercial launches seems likely.