Jonathan's Space Report Dec 5,1989 (no.30) OK, let's catch up on the backlog... --------------------------------------------------------------------- Two major astrophysics missions were orbited this past month: The Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) was launched by Delta 5920 from Vandenberg on Nov 18. COBE carries three instruments to study the diffuse extragalactic background radiation. The DMR experiment is searching for spatial variations in the 3K microwave background radiation: is the radiation slightly more intense in some directions than in others? The FIRAS experiment is studying the spectrum of the background radiation: how does the intensity of the radiation vary with wavelength? Is there an extra source of background radiation in the submillimetre wavelength range? The DIRBE experiment will study the amount of radiation at somewhat shorter infrared wavelengths, mapping the distribution of dust in our Galaxy and possibly from galaxies at high redshift. The 'Granat' X-ray astrophysical observatory was launched by Proton from Baykonur on Dec 2; it carries Soviet and French x-ray and gamma-ray telescopes. November also saw the flight of Discovery on the STS-33 mission, which deployed a payload in a low 28 degree orbit on Nov 23. The payload was probably a Mentor (alias Magnum) signals intelligence satellite for the National Security Agency, boosted to geostationary orbit with an IUS upper stage. On November 26, the Kvant-2 space station module was put in orbit. The module is due to dock with the Mir station, and carries an EVA airlock and EVA manoeuvring unit. One of two solar arrays failed to deploy initially, but has now been fully extended. The first attempt to dock with Mir failed on Dec 2, and another attempt is due this week. Kosmos-2049, launched Nov 17, is an advanced reconnaissance satellite. Kosmos-2050, launched Nov 23, is an early warning satellite operated by the PVO (Soviet Air Defence). Kosmos-2051, launched Nov 24, is a recon satellite. The 36th Molniya-3 communications satellite was orbited on Nov 28. A number of large satellites have reentered recently: the Kosmos-122 weather satellite on Nov 14, the Kosmos-1064 navigation satellite on Nov 12, the Kosmos-1662 radar calibration satellite on Nov 16, and the Solar Max satellite on Dec 2. The STS-32 mission is due for launch on Dec 18 from Complex 39A. (c) 1989 Jonathan McDowell