alb@alice.UUCP (Adam L. Buchsbaum) (02/04/84)
NORAD radar has found 17 chunks of orbiting debris that could be the remains of Westar VI, ejected yesterday from the Challenger. The debris is in an orbit that would be assumed by remnants of the satellite had its kick motor exploded about one second after firing. NASA, which initially reported a good firing, later said it was unsure about the initial burn; the PAM was supposed to burn for 80 seconds.
wrbull@aluxp.UUCP (bullman) (02/07/84)
NASA reported that the second satellite also failed to achieve its intended orbit. One of the network news reported that the PAM was a solid booster, but I find that hard to believe since solids are not solid booster, But thats hard to believe since solids are not really that "delicate" to put a payload in geosynch. Does anybody know what propellant the PAM uses?
alb@alice.UUCP (Adam L. Buchsbaum) (02/07/84)
The PAM is indeed a solid rocket booster. However, I am unsure of just what propellant it uses.