karn@eagle.UUCP (06/13/83)
Official AMSAT P3B Bulletin #009 1830 UTC 12 Jun 83 TO: QST FM: AMSAT HQ RLSD: WA2LQQ All conditions for launch as planned 16 June appear excellent. So reports F8ZS from FY7KRU at the launch facility in Kourou. Jon reports that all problems with the turbopump lubrication and the inertial platform have been overcome. A preflight review meeting will be held Tuesday. If no new problems are uncovered the countdown will begin Wednesday. The preparations are one full day ahead of schedule now so the several launch crews are taking the day off from work. Some additional work remains to be done in connection with the interface between the blockhouse and the station FY7KRU. The "interfphone" [intercom] line must be finalized and some problems with TVI from the HF linear used at the station must be eliminated, Jon said. In another domain, KA9Q relates that first AOS may occur for ZS1FE as soon as T+2:30; a full two and one half hours earlier than previously reported (cf PreLaunch #001, 002). The correct time, Phil points out, should be corroborated by W3GEY who was out of town as this bulletin was composed. Further detail on this as it becomes available. [This time refers to when the general beacon will be first commanded on; it is my understanding that this will be done in time for AOS at ZS1FE in South Africa at T + 2hours 30 minutes - KA9Q]