April 23, 1990

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HEADLINE NEWS

Soviet Mir Cosmonauts Await Launch Of Large Materials Processing Module

By CRAIG COVAULT,JEFFREY M. LENOROVITZ6 min

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HEADLINE NEWS

Panel Calls Shuttle Accident 'Likely’ Unless Propulsion Systems Redesigned

WASHINGTON NASA has begun to act on recommendations from a new safety review which says a second major space shuttle accident is “likely to occur” unless shuttle propulsion and other systems are further redesigned to reduce risk. “The space shuttle is still very much a research and development activity with significant chances for accidents and failures,” the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel said in the report.

By CRAIG COVAULT8 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Soviet Mir Cosmonauts Await Launch Of Large Materials Processing Module

WASHINGTON, Moscow The Soviet Union last week was completing preparations to launch a new 20-metric-ton module to the Mir space station. If the launch, rendezvous and docking of the Kristall module are successful, it will raise the mass of the Mir complex to 90 metric tons (99 tons) and provide substantial new research equipment for the Mir’s two-man crew.

By CRAIG COVAULT,JEFFREY M. LENOROVITZ6 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Navy Issues Tentative Requirement For STOVL Fighter Sought by 2010

WASHINGTON The U. S. Navy is circulating a tentative operational requirement for a short take-off/vertical landing aircraft that could become operational by 2010. The tentative operational requirement, which has been sent to fleet commanders for review and comment, is virtually identical to one drafted by the Marine Corps, according to a Navy official.

By PATRICIA A. GILMARTIN5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

NRC Warns U. S. Against Joint Missions to Mars With Soviets

WASHINGTON It is not in the best interest of the United States to undertake joint unmanned missions to Mars with the Soviet Union, a National Research Council panel has cautioned. While urging that U. S. efforts be “highly coordinated” with those of the Soviets, the NRC panel said the costs and risks involved in fully integrating operations and splitting responsibilities outweigh the scientific benefits.

By JAMES R. ASKER4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Panel Says Confusion Hampers Development Of Safety Features in Space Station Design

WASHINGTON The NASA Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel believes space station design issues involving safety are being hampered by “confusion” over the design of hardware and its role in the overall station design. “Space station designs are being postulated and developed without what appears to be sufficient upstream analysis.

HEADLINE NEWS

AsiaSat Transponder Demand Highlights Growth in Telecommunications Market

HONG KONG Two weeks after the successful launch of its AsiaSat 1 satellite from Xichang, China, Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co., Ltd., has received firm commitments for 19.25 of its 24 transponders. The remaining capacity likely will be leased by next week.

By PAUL PROCTOR3 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Piper Recalls Workers, Expects Agreement on Engine Shipments

WASHINGTON Piper Aircraft Corp. is seeking long-term funding, increasing its workforce and hopes to sign a definitive agreement with Textron Lycoming this week reestablishing normal shipments of aircraft engines. A Piper official told AVIATION WEEK & SPACE TECHNOLOGY the company has boosted employment to 931 from 875 last month (AW&ST Mar. 19, p. 216).

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April 23, 1990

April 23, 1990