Feb 28 1990
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(New page: After five delays because of the Shuttle Commander's head cold, a faulty ground computer, and inclement weather, Atlantis (STS-36) lifted off under dark skies from [[Cape Canaveral...)
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After five delays because of the Shuttle Commander's head cold, a faulty ground computer, and inclement weather, Atlantis (STS-36) lifted off under dark skies from Cape Canaveral, Florida, to deliver a 37,300-pound classified military satellite into orbit. The postponements tacked on an additional $2.7 million to the mission, but NASA Administrator Richard Truly reiterated NASA's policy that meeting launch schedules was secondary to safety observation. The Space Shuttle deployed its $500 million military pay-load the following day at an orbit inclined 62 degrees north of the equator, allowing it to fly over every major populated and industrialized center in the Soviet Union. An even higher inclination orbit would have been preferred. A polar orbit was considered ideal for a reconnaissance satellite, but the Shuttle base at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, from where such an orbit could have been safely achieved, was not operational; the weight of the anger satellites required they be launched from the Space Shuttle.
Atlantis landed safely at Edwards Air Force Base, California on March 4. No problems were reported during the brief 4-1/2 day mission, the Space Shuttle's 34th mission and the 6th mission dedicated solely to the military. (W Post, Mar 1/90; Mar 2/90; Mar 5/90; Feb 28/90; NY Times, March 1/90; Mar 2/90; Mar 6/90; P Inq, Mar 5/90)
NASA Administrator Richard Truly announced the completion of the merger of the Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology and the Office of Exploration; the two offices were merged into the Office of Aeronautics, Exploration, and Technology. Arnold D. Aldrich was named to head the new NASA office, which was intended to combine the analysis of exploration mission alternatives with innovative technologies, two closely related efforts that Truly felt should proceed under a strong central management.
Truly also announced the establishment of the Office of Legislative Affairs, effective March 18, 1990. Headed by Martin P. Kress, this NASA office would be responsible for legislative matters and the coordination of budgetary and policy matters with Congress. (NASA Release 90-32; 90-33)
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