April 16, 1984

April 16, 1984

View Full Issue Table of Contents
Space Technology

New Radar Unit Cuts Venus Mapper Cost

By Bruce A. Smith12 min

Satellite Communications

Fcc Denies Petition for Direct Access

By Jay C. Lowndes11 min

Avionics

New Microcircuits Challenge Silicon Use

By Philip J. Klass11 min

View Full Issue
More Features
140141
Space Technology

New Radar Unit Cuts Venus Mapper Cost

Denver—Capability of an advanced digital synthetic aperture radar processor (ADSP) to accommodate changes in orbital altitude and velocity during imaging has been a key factor in cutting the cost of the Venus Radar Mapper program to less than one-half the level of the previously planned Venus Orbiting Imaging Radar mission, which was deleted from the budget in 1982.

By Bruce A. Smith12 min

152153
Satellite Communications

Fcc Denies Petition for Direct Access

Washington—Communications Satellite Corp. has overcome a challenge of its monopoly as U. S. provider of international satellite circuits by U. S. international telecommunications carriers who had sought to bypass Comsat and buy directly from the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization.

By Jay C. Lowndes11 min

178179
Avionics

New Microcircuits Challenge Silicon Use

Washington—Gallium-arsenide digital microcircuits, offering higher speed, lower power consumption and greater radiation resistance than silicon devices, will soon challenge silicon microcircuits for some electronic warfare and radar systems, supercomputers, space and other special defense applications.

By Philip J. Klass11 min

5859
A viation Week Pilot Report

Sensor System Adds to A-6e Reliability

Whidbey Island, Wash.—Improved blind bombing accuracy and increased reliability have been achieved by Navy/Grumman A-6E attack aircraft equipped with the target recognition attack multisensor (TRAM) system, the capabilities of which were demonstrated here recently in an AVIATION WEEK & SPACE TECHNOLOGY familiarization flight.

By Robert R. Ropelewski9 min

1819
Space Technology

Orbiter Crew Restores Solar Max

Challenger, Goddard teams resolve early setbacks to service orbiting satellite; impetus seen for Palapa recovery mission

By Craig Covault9 min

7273
Aeronautical Engineering

Lack of Spares Hinders Italy's Tornados

Ghedi, Italy—First Italian air force Panavia Tornado unit has been unable to generate enough sorties for pilots to meet North Atlantic Treaty Organization flying hour minimums because of an inadequate support system. "The airplane has not been the problem," Col. Luciano Battisti, commander of the Sixth Wing of the Italian air force, said.

By Michael Feazel8 min

2627
Space Technology

Goddard Center Stops Solar Spacecraft Tumbling

By Jay C. Lowndes8 min

2021
Space Technology

Nasa Believes Evas Valid Despite Recovery Problem

Johnson Space Center—The use of astronauts in manned maneuvering units to assist in space shuttle satellite recovery operations remains a future mission option despite difficulties astronaut George D. Nelson experienced while attempting to dock with and stabilize the Solar Maximum observatory Apr. 8.
148149
Manufacturing Technology

Computerized X-ray to Verify Mx Motors

San Francisco—Computed tomography X-ray system being built for the nondestructive evaluation of large solid rocket motors will be qualified for use in the MX program over the next two years and is expected to be qualified for use in the Minuteman program in about one year.

By Benjamin M. Elson7 min

146147
Missile Engineering

Manufacturer Plans Harpoon Upgrades

St. Charles, Mo.—McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co. St. Louis Div. is incorporating a series of improvements and proposing others for the Harpoon all-weather, sea-skimming antiship missile that will enhance its lethality and increase its range as part of a program to extend the missile's service life past the year 2000.

By Eugene Kozicharow6 min

April 91984 April 231984