alb@alice.UUCP (06/19/83)
After the shortest shuttle turnaround time on record, 64 days, the Challenger roared into orbit today. Damage to pad 39A was ''essentially nil,'' and NASA expects to have it repaired within one week. The SRB's splashed down just a few miles from one of two waiting recovery ships. The recovery teams report minor insulation damage to the tip of the right booster, but NASA says it is not serious; NASA expects the boosters back in port by tomorrow afternoon. Sally Ride ejected the Canadian Anik-C today, on schedule, and 45 minutes later, one of two burns from its own rocket was conducted; the second burn, which will put it into its proper orbit, will be held tomorrow.