August 5, 1985

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SPACELAB 2 MISSION

Abort-to-Orbit Incident Will Intensify Shuttle Engine Procedure Reviews

Johnson Space Center—The premature shutdown of one of the shuttle orbiter Challenger’s main engines that forced an abort to orbit last week was caused by a temperature sensor failure in the Rocketdyne engine rather than an actual problem with the propulsion system, shuttle managers believe.

SPACELAB 2 MISSION

Challenger’s Spacelab Telescopes Gather Solar, Deep Space Data

Johnson Space Center—The shuttle orbiter Challenger and its Spacelab 2 payload of solar and astronomical telescopes last week was beginning the most detailed observation of the Sun and deep space objects undertaken on a U. S. manned flight since the Skylab space station 12 years ago despite vehicle and instrumentation malfunctions.

By Craig Covault9 min

USAFE ELECTRONIC UPGRADE

Ground-Launched Cruise Missiles Deployed in Five Countries

Ramstein AB, West Germany—U. S. Air Forces in Europe personnel are in the shake-down phase of deploying BGM-109 ground-launched cruise missiles (GLCMs) in five European nations. USAFE is attempting to refine both the launch equipment itself and the tactics to deploy the missiles.

USAFE ELECTRONIC UPGRADE

U. S. Air Forces in Europe Build Sustainability Through Electronics

Ramstein AB, West Germany—U. S. Air Forces in Europe has concentrated on upgrading its electronic combat capability and increasing its war reserves during the force buildup that began earlier this decade. As a result, USAFE capabilities have probably increased faster in the past three years than have those of the Warsaw Pact, according to Gen. Charles L. Donnelly, Jr., commander in chief of USAFE.

By Michael Feazel6 min

USAFE ELECTRONIC UPGRADE

EF-111A Deployment Provides Radar Countermeasures Ability

RAF Upper Heyford, England—A wide range of radar countermeasures capabilities is being added to the U. S. Air Forces in Europe by the USAF/General Dynamics/Grumman EF-111A Raven electronic warfare aircraft. Nine of the aircraft, operated by the 42nd Electronic Combat Sqdn., based here, have arrived in Europe.

By David A. Brown6 min

AEROSPACE IN CHINA

Chinese Seek U. S. Assistance In Weather Satellite Program

Shanghai, China—Weather satellite engineers from the People’s Republic of China plan to visit the U. S. to seek technological help to complete assembly and launch of China’s first polar orbit weather satellite within the next few years.

By Craig Covault6 min

July 291985

August 121985

August 5, 1985

August 5, 1985

Political Conflicts Stall Passage Of 1986 Defense Authorization Bill

By Paul Mann12 min

Abort-to-Orbit Incident Will Intensify Shuttle Engine Procedure Reviews