December 21, 1987

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AVIATION IN CHINA: PART 6

Plant Expansions Underscore China’s Aviation Commitment

Xian, China—Expansion and modernization of the Xian Aircraft Co. facilities here illustrate the depth of the government’s long-term commitment to the aviation industry and its intention that this plant—already comparatively busy—will continue to play a significant role.

STRATEGIC DEFENSE INITIATIVE

Sdio Investigates Shootback Ability to Protect Orbiting Strategic Weapons

Washington—Initial Strategic Defense System weapons would be able to shoot back at aggressor satellites and take other actions to help the system survive a Soviet attack under plans being considered by Strategic Defense Initiative officials.

By Theresa M. Foley7 min

SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Soviets Propose Relay Role for Mars Observer Mission

in this painting by Michael Carroll. The white balloon would remain inflated at all times, and the dark balloon (lower) would be inflated by the Sun to lift instruments off the surface. Washington—The Soviet Union has proposed that the U. S. Mars Observer, set for launch toward Martian orbit in 1992, be modified to act as a relay satellite for transmission of Martian images to Earth taken by two Soviet/French balloon spacecraft floating low over the planet.

By Craig Covault5 min

SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Nasa Opts to Use Human Inspector to Examine Stacked Solid Booster

Kennedy Space Center—NASA last week began using a human inspector inside a stacked space shuttle solid booster to visually examine a critical joint component because an advanced fiber-optics instrument was not delivered on time for the job.

By Edward H. Kolcum5 min

Editorial

Laurels 1987

The editors of AVIATION WEEK & SPACE TECHNOLOGY have nominated these individuals for contributions to aerospace in 1987. James M. Beggs, former NASA Administrator, for statesmanship following collapse of an ill-conceived federal indictment that ended his NASA career, and for dedication to the U. S. civil space program for which he has become an eloquent spokesman.

By DONALD E. FINK5 min

December 141987

January 41988

December 21, 1987

December 21, 1987

Cerritos Inquiry Reviews Separation, Collision Avoidance Procedures

Plant Expansions Underscore China’s Aviation Commitment

Aerospace/defense Executives Must Put Their Own Shops in Order

Cerritos Inquiry Reviews Separation, Collision Avoidance Procedures

Plant Expansions Underscore China’s Aviation Commitment

Aerospace/defense Executives Must Put Their Own Shops in Order