Nov 24 1980
From The Space Library
The Space Shuttle Columbia, OV 102, rolled out of KSC's orbiter-processing facility at 6:01 p.m. and moved to the VAB for mating to its external tank and solid-fuel rocket boosters. Next rollout, from VAB to launch pad, would occur late in December. (NASA Dly Am Rpt Nov 26/80; NASA anno Nov 24/80)
NASA reported that Dr. Robert A. Frosch, its administrator, had signed an agreement November 18 in Bangalore, India, with Dr. Satish Dhawan, secretary of the Indian government's Department of Space, for launch by NASA of two India communications satellites/metesats. In geosynchronous orbit, India's national satellites (INSAT) 1A and 1B would provide the subcontinent with point-to-point television and voice, community broadcasting, and weather data. Launch would be either by Shuttle or, at India's option, on Delta (expendable) launch vehicles.
Under the agreement, India's Department of Space would be responsible for manufacture of the satellites (under contract to Ford Aerospace), and for checkout and integration of a spinning solid upper stage (SSUS) to boost them into transfer orbit for maneuver to geosynchronous stations. NASA through KSC would provide all other launch-related services. INSAT 1A was scheduled for Shuttle launch in August 1983, or on a Delta in February 1982; INSAT 1B, by Shuttle in December 1983 or a Delta in July 1983. (NASA Release 80-176)
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