February 20, 1989

View Full Issue Table of Contents

HEADLINE NEWS

Nasa Faces Personnel Crisis, Long-term Funding Shortage

WASHINGTON NASA is facing an impending personnel crisis and a long-term funding shortage that threatens the agency’s structure and its ability to maintain U. S. leadership in space and aeronautics. The recent success of the space shuttle has masked funding and staff problems within the agency that will damage national science and technology capability, space managers and congressional officials said.

By CRAIG COVAULT5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Arianespace, European Companies Sign Production Contracts for 50 Ariane 4s

EVRY, FRANCE Arianespace has signed agreements for the acquisition of 50 Ariane 4s in a commitment that covers European industry production of the commercial launcher through the second half of the 1990s. First vehicle built in the new production lot is expected to be launched in late 1991. The 50th Ariane 4 should be delivered in 1999.

By JEFFREY M. LENOROVITZ4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

First Usaf/McDonnell Douglas Delta 2 Launch Begins New Military Space Era

CAPE CANAVERAL First launch of the USAF/McDonnell Douglas Delta 2 with a new Rockwell navigation satellite payload last week is regarded by the Air Force as a critical initial step toward a new era military space operations with a variety of new unmanned launchers.

By EDWARD H. KOLCUM4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Governor Seeks to Set Up ’spaceport Florida’ Authority

CAPE CANAVERAL Florida Gov. Bob Martinez last week asked the state legislature to establish a Spaceport Authority to set up commercial launch facilities here and in the area near Eglin AFB. Martinez unveiled a “Spaceport Florida” plan on Feb. 13 that calls for reactivation of several mothballed Cape Canaveral launch pads or, as an alternative, construction of a new launch facility on NASA property north of the Kennedy Space Center.

By EDWARD H. KOLCUMI4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Japanese Unit Set to Launch First Hughes 393 Satellite

Los ANGELES First Hughes 393 communications satellite is shown deployed in the company’s El Segundo, Calif., factory. The satellite is owned by the Japan Communications Satellite Co. (JCSAT) and is to be launched Feb. 28 on an Ariane 44LP rocket to provide the first privately-owned satellite communications in Japan.

TRAINERS AND FLIGHT TRAINING

Manufacturers Build New Trainers for Global Markets

The construction of training aircraft has become a great source of pride among countries of the world. Every European country wants its own home-grown trainer, and those that can’t afford to build their own throw their resources behind American partners.

February 131989

February 271989

February 20, 1989

February 20, 1989