January 24
A planned 180-second test of a modified Space Shuttle Main Engine ended after only 5 seconds. The problem appeared to be less-than-adequate supply of liquid oxygen to the engine, causing a computer to automatically shut down. ("Shuttle Motor Test is Stopped Early," The Huntsville Times, January 25, 1990)
January 25
Marshall Center officials recognized local school leaders, community members, and Marshall volunteers for their support of Project LASER (Learning About Science, Engineering and Research). (Marshall Star, January 31, 1990)
January 25
In a special article carrying his by-line in the Birmingham News, MSFC Director Jack Lee outlined justification for Space Station Freedom. "I can't over emphasize the importance of Space Station Freedom to the success of our national program. in order to return to the moon and so on to Mars -- goals President Bush has set for our nation -- and in order to benefit from the rich resources of the other planets, we must have Space Station Freedom." ("It's Easy for NASA to Justify Need for Space Station Freedom," Birmingham News, January 25, 1990)
January 26
NASA Headquarters confirmed the following U.S. complement as the payload for the Spacelab-J payload: Protein Crystal Growth; Frog Embryology Experiment; Lower Body Negative Pressure; Autogenic Feedback Training Experiment; Space Acceleration Measurement Systems; Fluid Therapy System Experiment; and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. In addition, a number of U.S./Japanese experiment collaborations were confirmed. (See MSFC History Office Microfiche #2127 "Notable MSFC Events During 1990," January 29, 1990)
January 27
The STS-31 Orbiter/Hubble Space Telescope end-to-end test was conducted. (See MSFC History Office Microfice #2127, "Notable MSFC Events During 1990," February 5, 1990)
4
