alb@alice.UUCP (Adam L. Buchsbaum) (05/11/84)
NASA yesterday said that shuttle landings at KSC may have to come before dawn, between 0200 and 0400, to avoid the weather patterns that have plagued attempted landings there. The next shuttle landing, after the 19 June mission, is scheduled for EAFB, because it is the maiden flight of the Discovery, but after that, most shuttles will land at KSC. Problems with the PAM and IUS upper stage boosters have reportedly been solved. The PAM should be in operation after the 19 June mission, and the IUS should be working by the end of the year. NASA is planning to turn its Atlas-Centaur and Delta rockets over to General Dynamics and Transspace Carriers (respectively) for commercial launches. The Air Force wants to develop an expendable booster to lift its payloads in case the shuttle fleet is grounded. NASA will bid for the contract; NASA's rocket would be developed using the shuttle's SRB's.