[net.columbia] Challenger Moved to VAB

sjb (11/23/82)

At 0458 EST today, the shuttle Challenger began to roll to
the Vehicle Assembly Buidling.  A little later, workers were
securing it there and will now begin the process of attaching
it to its external tank and two SRB's in preparations for
STS-6.

alb@alice.UUCP (07/27/83)

The Challenger today was moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building after
spending a record (for shortness!) 26 days in the Orbiter Processing
Facility.  Workers immediately began attaching the shuttle to its
external tank and SRB's for the upcoming launch of STS-8 after the
15 minutes move.  NASA is still hoping for a 20 August launch of STS-8,
but problems with the testing of TDRS-1 may delay that; a firm date
is expected to be announced within a week.

The crew for STS-8 will be Dick Truly, Dan Brandenstein, Dale Gardner,
Bill Thorton, and Guion S. Bluford, who will become the first black
in space.  John Young will command STS-9, making a world record sixth
trip into space.

alb@alice.UUCP (Adam L. Buchsbaum) (01/08/84)

Challenger was moved to the VAB today in preparation
for STS-10.