alb@alice.UUCP (Adam L. Buchsbaum) (08/03/85)
The Challenger crew today repaired the cranky instrument pointing system, after which the IPS successfully locked onto the sun and maintained its aim while its telescopes recorded data on sunspots. The system, able to track a moving coin 400 miles away, will be used next spring to observe Halleys comet. Its test is considered the most important goal of this mission. So elated were ground scientists at the success that they requested a one day extension of the mission. NASA, however, refused this request, as it would cut into the 48 hour supply of emergency fuel that mission rules insist be available in case the shuttle has to stay up for a longer period of time than planned. Landing is now scheduled for around1 1700 EDT Monday at EAFB.