Page:Marshall Space Flight Center 1990 Annual Chronology of Events.pdf/32

 June 1 Phase C/D contracts for the Science Instruments to fly aboard the Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility were initiated. Pennsylvania State University, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Goddard Space Flight Center, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology were the involved institutions. (MSFC Observatory Projects Office, Draft Chronology of Events for 1990)

June 7 NASA announced the termination of its Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV) program. Citing budgetary pressures "across the space flight realm" for the next several years, together with a lack of firm, near-term requirements for such a vehicle, NASA's Associate Administrator for Space Flight, Dr. William B. Lenoir, concluded that it was necessary to terminate the OMV which had been scheduled for a maiden flight in 1995. (NASA News Release, June 7, 1990)

June 15 The STAR 63F solid rocket motor manufacturing test model was successfully fired at the Arnold Engineering Development Center. All test performance parameters were within 0.2-3.0 percent of predicted values. (MSFC Space Systems office Inputs for Draft Chronology of MSFC Events for 1990)

June 17 Twenty-five teachers from 14 states attended the NASA Educational Workshop for Math and Science Teachers (NEWMAST) at the Marshall Center June 17-29. The purpose of the workshop was to assist teachers in updating and enhancing their knowledge of space science and technology. while at Marshall, the teachers visited each of the seven research and development laboratories in the Science and Engineering Directorate.

June 20 MSFC employees gathered by the hundreds to see and hear President George Bush speak during a visit to the Marshall Center. Bush vowed to continue his fight for space exploration funding as well as other NASA programs. "History tells us what happens to nations that forget how to dream. The American people want us in space," Bush said. (Marshall Star, June 27, 1990) 24