December 12, 1994

View Full Issue Table of Contents

HEADLINE NEWS

Ariane Fughts Halted to Examine Third Stage

PARIS A European multinational review team expects to issue a preliminary report next week on what caused the third-stage propulsion system of an Arianespace Ariane 4 booster to malfunction during launch Dec. 1. The accident occurred when the third stage of the Ariane produced inadequate thrust during launch of the PanAm PAS-3 spacecraft (AW&ST Dec. 5, p. 15).

By CRAIG COVAULT7 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Nasa Seeks Bids for Med-Lite Launches

WASHIINGTON NASA is seeking bids for a new class of space launch services after U.S. industry proposed a vehicle filling a performance gap between the Pegasus and Delta 2 boosters. The space agency's goal for the new booster, designated the Medium-Light Expendable Launch Vehicle, or Med-Lite, is to launch half a Delta payload at the same cost per pound.

By JAMES R. ASKER5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Repubucans Raise the Ante on Defense

WASHINGTON Republican lawmakers, who will soon control Congress, are hastening to outmaneuver the White House on defense spending increases. Two key Senate Republicans say the White House's decision to seek a $25-billion increase in spending over the next six years "does not go far enough" (AW&ST Dec. 5, p. 17).

By JOHN D. MORROCCO4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Conferees to Devise Space Support System

COLORADO SPRINGS A classified conference this week will attempt to hammer out an efficient, less-confusing system for providing theater commanders with space-derived intelligence, weather, navigation, communications and missile-warning support.

By WILLIAM B. SCOTT4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

McDonnell Tests Vstol Technologies

NEW YORK An AV-8B Harrier equipped with inert wingtip-mounted Sidewinder missiles has begun flying the latest in a series of demonstrations aimed at validating advanced manufacturing tools, production techniques and VSTOL flight technologies under investigation at McDonnell Douglas.

By STANLEY W. KANDEBO3 min

December 51994

December 261994

December 12, 1994

December 12, 1994