alb@alice.UUCP (Adam L. Buchsbaum) (05/13/84)
Ground controllers today fired Westar 6's on-board rocket and brought the satellite into a circular, 600 mile high orbit. Before the operation, the satellite, in a 150 by 500 mile orbit, was in danger of falling into the atmosphere. Today's maneuver preserved the satellite for a possible future rescue attempt. NASA is conducting negotiations with Western Union about such an attempt being made in November. Palapa B, in a similar 150 by 500 mile orbit, would also have to be raised soon to protect it. If the satellites are to be rescued, they would have to be brought back down into the shuttle's range, about 300 miles.