May 23, 1988

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HEADLINE NEWS

Congress Pressures Military to Assume Direct Antidrug Role

WASHINGTON Congress, reacting to election-year political demands, is pressing a reluctant Defense Dept, into a direct antidrug smuggling mission. Both the House and Senate have attached antidrug provisions to next year’s defense budget. If enacted, they would heighten pressures on the Pentagon’s shrinking operations and maintenance budget.

By PAUL MANN6 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Nasa Overhauls Shuttle Launch Decision Process

NASA is completing an overhaul of the space shuttle launch decision process, eliminating ambiguities that marked the Challenger accident in January, 1986. One person has been made responsible for each milestone decision leading to the launch of the orbiter Discovery on Mission 26, which will be the first shuttle flight since the Challenger accident.

By EDWARD H. KOLCUM5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Soviets Ready Advanced Space Flights, Set Manned Shuttle Launch for August

WASHINGTON The Soviet Union last week intensified preparations for an unprecedented series of advanced manned and unmanned space flights over the next three months, including the first launch of the Soviet shuttle in August. The initial Soviet shuttle mission is now expected to be manned by two pilots.

By CRAIG COVAULT5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Control Data to Develop Atars for Air Force, Navy Aircraft

WASHINGTON Control Data Corp. has been selected to develop a new electro-optical sensor system—the Advanced Tactical Air Reconnaissance System (ATARS)—that will replace camera/film systems on Air Force and Navy aircraft. The Air Force, lead agency for the program, awarded the Minneapolis-based firm a $118.6-million, fixed-price contract for a full-scale development effort of 39 months.

By JOHN D. MORROCCO4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Kerr-mcgee Closes Ap Plant Pending New Safety Study

Community and political pressure shut down the only remaining solid rocket oxidizer plant in the U. S. last week, following an explosion that destroyed the neighboring oxidizer plant on May 4 (AW&ST May 16, p. 19; May 9, p. 17). The plant is expected to be closed until at least early June.

May 161988

May 301988

May 23, 1988

May 23, 1988