Aug 7 1986
From The Space Library
NASA and the Space Telescope Science Institute announced that U.S. amateur astronomers would be given a small amount of observing time with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Amateur astronomers have made significant contributions to astronomy, and, at this point, there are at least a quarter million of these astronomers. With a 94-1/2-inch mirror, the HST would be the largest astronomical telescope ever placed in space; it serves as an example of international cooperation between NASA and the European Space Agency. (NASA Release 86-108)
In a White House meeting President Ronald Reagan indicated that he would allow NASA to honor only some of its higher priority contracts for commercial and foreign satellite launches from the Space Shuttle. Regarding a new orbiter, Chief of Staff Donald Regan has reversed his stance and now favors the replacement. Regan changed his mind, he stated, because he believed that NASA would not just correct its major faults, but would bring the Shuttle up to date with current technology. In a related matter, the Senate agreed to reimburse NASA with $56.3 million for military launches, a move protested by Senator Sam Nunn, who claimed that the money would come at the expense of intelligence activities. (NY Times, Aug 8/86; W Post, Aug 8/86)
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