July 24, 1989

July 24, 1989

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HEADLINE NEWS

French Reach Agreement on Mir Mission, Seek Broader Space Efforts with U. S.

By JEFFREY M. LENOROVITZ5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Nato Weighs Air Force Modernization in Light of Conventional Arms Cuts

By JOHN D. MORROCCO5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Defense Dept. to Launch Design Competition for New Antisatellite Weapon for the 1990s

By PATRICIA A. GILMARTIN4 min

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3435
HEADLINE NEWS

French Reach Agreement on Mir Mission, Seek Broader Space Efforts with U. S.

PARIS France has reached agreement on a 1992 manned orbital mission with the Soviet Union, and also is seeking to expand its cooperation with the U. S. to attain a balance between East and West in its bilateral space efforts. Approval of the French cosmonaut flight on the Soviets’ Mir station was reached earlier than expected, and resulted from a compromise on the charges France will pay for the mission.

By JEFFREY M. LENOROVITZ5 min

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HEADLINE NEWS

Nato Weighs Air Force Modernization in Light of Conventional Arms Cuts

PARIS Western political and military leaders are evaluating ways to modernize NATO’s air forces in anticipation of an agreement with the Warsaw Pact on conventional arms reductions in Europe. One proposal under consideration is to retire a larger number of older aircraft than the 15% reduction called for in the alliance’s inventory of European-based combat aircraft.

By JOHN D. MORROCCO5 min

3031
HEADLINE NEWS

Defense Dept. to Launch Design Competition for New Antisatellite Weapon for the 1990s

WASHINGTON The Defense Dept. is preparing to launch a competition for the design of a new antisatellite weapon that it wants to field in the mid-1990s. A classified industry briefing is tentatively planned for Sept. 7 to address the Asat threat, mission requirements, system design, schedule and other programmatics at the Army’s Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala.

By PATRICIA A. GILMARTIN4 min

3031
HEADLINE NEWS

Successful Neutral Particle Beam Firing Paves Way for More Ambitious Sdi Test

3435
HEADLINE NEWS

Ariane 4 Vehicle to Orbit Hughes Payloads in 1990

PARIS Europe’s Arianespace has booked launch orders for two Hughes Communications, Inc., satellites that are to be orbited by the same Ariane 4 vehicle in June, 1990. The flight will be the first time a single Ariane carries two commercial satellites from the same customer, officials said.
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HEADLINE NEWS

House Blocks Attempt to Slash Station Funds

WASHINGTON The House has blocked an attempt to slash space station funding in order to benefit veterans medical services, pollution control and other domestic programs, but NASA did not get its full request for the $16 billion project.

By MICHAEL MECHAM3 min

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HEADLINE NEWS

U. S. Outlines Compensation Plan for Iran Flight 655

3031
HEADLINE NEWS

Amroc Tests First Flight-weight Motor

By EDWARDS1 min

6061
AGING AIRCRAFT

Government, Industry Mount Major Effort to Characterize Aging Aircraft Issues

WASHINGTON Government and industry are heavily engaged in research efforts to unravel the mysteries of aging aircraft. Dozens of new research programs are under way, university interest has been whetted, and the issue of aging has become an international one.
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AGING AIRCRAFT

Economics, Not Safety, Is Key Issue in Replacement of Older Transports

SAN FRANCISCO For most airlines, the aging aircraft issue boils down to an economic decision between the high cost of maintaining and repairing older transports or purchasing new aircraft. Airline maintenance experts agree that the $800-million program of inspections and repairs outlined by the Airworthiness Assurance Task Force will keep today’s fleet of Boeing 727s, 737s and 747s, McDonnell Douglas DC-8s, DC-9s and DC10s and Lockheed L-101 Is flying safely for as long as the airlines want to use them.
July 171989 July 311989