[net.columbia] Loading of Propellants Begins

sjb (06/09/82)

Nitrogen tetroxide and monomethyl hydrazine loading began today
without a hitch, NASA announced.  The toxic fuels, which react
with each other to provide maneuvering power for the shuttle in
flight, will be loaded into the Forward Reaction Control System
over the next four days.  With the commencement of the loading,
NASA today officially announced that 27 June will be the launch
date for STS-4.  Lift off is scheduled for 1100 EDT, with landing
to come a week later, on 4 July, at Rogers Dry Lake, Edwards Air
Force Base, California.  There, President Reagan is expected to
make a speech welcoming the astronauts home, and NASA hopes he
will give the go ahead for a manned space station.