alb@alice.UUCP (Adam L. Buchsbaum) (08/02/85)
Challenger astronauts today zapped the plasma diagnostic package with an electron gun to simulate observed electron bolt exchanges between distant stars, and ground controllers said the experiment gathered ''fundamental data'' in helping to explain this phenomenon. The PDP also recorded ''fantastic wave effects'' of the Challenger passing through the ionosphere. Meanwhile, ground controllers were examining remaining fuel supplies aboard the shuttle in the hopes that its orbit might be raised by 8 to 10 miles. A decision is expected by Friday.