wolit@rabbit.UUCP (07/25/83)
Alexander Wolf suggested that "we hire Ariane to throw the damn TDRS's up there." Sorry, Alex, but the problem with TDRSS isn't in the STS (Shuttle) system, but in the Boeing Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) that's used to boost the satellite into geosynchronous orbit. It doesn't matter how you get into low earth orbit if you can't depend on the IUS to get you higher. Jan Wolitzky, BTL Murray Hill
alb@alice.UUCP (07/26/83)
As Jan said, the problem is with the IUS. A report by an investigative committee set up by NASA after the IUS-TDRS-1 incident suggested that the problem was with a deflated ring that cushioned the nozzle of the IUS. NASA is currently investigating this and, if it turns out that this is indeed the problem, hopes to have it corrected AND TESTED by June of next year. Meanwhile, they are contemplating using the third stage of a Delta rocket in replacement of the IUS for upcoming missions.