Aerospace Joins with Air Force to Investigate Launch Failures

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (5/16/99) -- Aerospace Corporation President Edward C. "Pete" Aldridge, Jr., briefed the House Intelligence Subcommittee on Technical and Tactical Intelligence on May 12 regarding the recent series of U.S. launch failures, which total six in the last nine months. Also briefing the subcommittee were representatives from Lockheed Martin and Boeing.

The subcommittee's review is one of several under way in light of the most recent mishap April 30, in which a Titan IVB failed to place a Milstar satellite into the proper orbit.

Satellite controllers at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., have boosted Milstar Flight 3 to a terminal orbit after exhausting all possible salvage options.

The Aerospace Corporation is participating in three review boards assembled by Air Force Space Command to investigate the April 30 failure.

Serving on the Accident Investigation Board is Dr. George Widhopf, general manager of the Launch Systems Engineering Division.

Participating on the Joint Engineering Analysis Board is Dr. Robert Fillers, principal director of Medium Launch Vehicles in the Launch Programs Division.

Serving on the Safety Investigation Board is Ken Holden, principal director of the Electronics Engineering and Evaluation Subdivision.

Meanwhile, Whitten Peters, acting secretary of the Air Force, has requested a broad area review of Air Force space launch capabilities to ensure continued access to space for the Department of Defense.

The causes of recent launch failures will be analyzed and changes recommended in practices, procedures and operations to prevent such failures.

The review will be conducted jointly with the National Reconnaissance Office and will include military, civil and commercial launch partners. It will not replace the safety and accident investigation boards convened by Air Force Space Command.