August 4, 1997

View Full Issue Table of Contents

HEADLINE NEWS

Pathfinder Beginning New Operations Phase

LOS ANGELES The Pathfinder lander is beginning a transition to a new phase of operations as the spacecraft completes its primary mission marking a full month of science data-gathering operations on the surface of Mars. Pathfinder, which landed July 4, was still operationally healthy last week—imaging water-ice clouds during a sunrise, making the first full-day weather observations at a 4-sec. sampling rate and spotting what is believed to be the lander’s backshell about 4,000 ft. away from the landing site.

By BRUCE A. SMITH6 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Japanese Satcom Companies Gain Momentum in Pacific

CAPE CANAVERAL The successful launch of the $200-million Japanese Superbird-C mission on board an Atlas 2AS booster has propelled Japan’s communications satellite operators into a new competitive commercial era. With the launch of Superbird-C for the Japanese Space Communications Corp., Japanese satellite operators are, for the first time, starting to compete head-to-head for billions of dollars in international broadcast business across the vast Asia/Pacific region.

By CRAIG COVAULT6 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Japanese Robotics Highlights Mission 85

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER The test of a major new Japanese robotics system for the International Space Station will highlight shuttle Mission 85, set for launch Aug. 7 carrying 10 tons of diverse science and technology payloads. One of the two largest elements on board the orbiter Discovery will be a complex Japanese mechanical and software testbed.

By CRAIG COVAULT6 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Aerospace Earnings Sustain Uptrend

NEW YORK Cost-cutting efforts and continuous process improvements are reflected in the bottom-line performance of U.S. aerospace/defense companies, whose second-quarter earnings sustained their long-running uptrend. For companies that have a sizable stake in the commercial aircraft market, healthy sales in that part of the industry also are contributing to a strong quarter.

By ANTHONY L. VELOCCI5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Companies Team to Study UCAVs

LONDON British Aerospace is teaming with Lockheed Martin to study unmanned tactical aircraft designs, with a specific eye to addressing the requirements set for the U.K.’s Future Offensive Aircraft System (FOAS). A formal memorandum of agreement between the two companies is expected to be signed shortly.

By JOHN D. MORROCCO3 min

July 281997

August 111997

August 4, 1997

August 4, 1997