Abstract
The NOAA‐B environmental monitoring satellite, launched from the Western Space and Missile Center in California on May 29, is expected to remain in orbit only about 6 months. Difficulties, developed during the launch, caused the satellite to go into a highly elliptical rather than a planned circular orbit of 470 miles. During the launch one booster engine in the Atlas‐F launch vehicle developed only 75% thrust.Attempts by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to correct the orbit were unsuccessful. In its elliptical orbit, the spacecraft cannot operate effectively.A replacement satellite, NOAA‐C, will be launched in about 5 months
Published Version
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