February 2, 1987

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SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Usaf Modernizes Eastern Test Range for High Shuttle, Elv Launch Pace

Patrick AFB, Fla.—Eastern Space and Missile Center’s Eastern Test Range is being revitalized with four priority projects designed to assure the U. S. capability to support space and missile launches well into the next century. Although the modernization program predates the shuttle Challenger accident, much of the future of U. S. space and strategic missile programs depends on how well planners here have projected launch requirements for the near and midterms.

By Edward H. Kolcum10 min

104

Readers Recall Challenger Accident

One year after the Challenger explosion, several serious issues appear to have been largely overlooked or avoided in the media: To what extent were the crews informed of the risk? Military pilots are paid and promoted for taking risks. NASA mission specialists and industry engineer “passengers” should have seen enough corner-cutting by irresponsible managers to know what goes on.

AVIONICS

Air Force to Phase in Second Sector of East Coast Oth/b Radar System

Hanscom AFB, Mass.—The Air Force will start phasing in the second sector of its AN/FPS-118 over-the-horizon/back-scatter radar system in Maine by early spring, confident that “the system will perform as planned,” according to Col. James A. Lee, OTH/B system program director at USAF’s Electronic Systems Div. here.

By Kenneth J. Stein4 min

Space Technology

Rockwell Predicts Hlv Will Lower Launch Costs

Los Angeles—Rockwell International’s primary candidate for a recoverable heavy-lift vehicle (HLV)—a shuttlederived design that includes a return glider with detachable payload carrier—has the potential to reduce launch costs by more than two-thirds over the price of the shuttle, according to Rockwell officials.

By Bruce A. Smith4 min

January 261987

February 91987

February 2, 1987

February 2, 1987

Ntsb Recommends Upgraded Training, Reporting to Avoid Wind Shear