Page:Marshall Space Flight Center 1990 Annual Chronology of Events.pdf/9



STS-32, Space Shuttle Columbia, rocketed into orbit at 6:35 a.m. CST. As part of the mission astronauts planned to retrieve NASA's Long Duration Exposure Facility and deploy the Syncom IV-F5 Navy Synchronous Communications Satellite. (Marshall Star, January 10, 1990)

STS-32 included a series of successful Microgravity Disturbance Experiments which investigated Orbiter and crew induced disturbances on the stability of molten zones used in float-zone crystal growth. The Fluids Experiment Apparatus was conducted under a Joint Endeavour Agreement with Rockwell. (See MSFC History Office Microfiche #2127. "Notable MSFC Events During 1990,", January 22, 1990)

The FBI confirmed that it had closed a Utah investigation of fraud allegations against the Thiokol Corp., manufacturer of the Solid Rocket Motors for the Space Shuttle. The investigation dealt with allegations that Thiokol falsified safety data and withheld information from NASA following the Challenger accident. ("FBI Closes Thiokol Investigation," Huntsville News, January 12, 1990)

The Boeing Company announced plans to put a new $15 million building for its Space Station Freedom work in Alabama. Robert Hager, Boeing's Vice President for its Huntsville Division, said the new 130,000-square-foot building would house more than 1,000 company employees dedicated to $1.6 billion in Space Station contract work by the end of the year. ("Boeing Announces Plans for New Building," Huntsville News, January 12, 1990)