April 3-4
A preliminary design review was held on the Rarified Flow Aerodynamics Measurement at KMS Fusion. (MSFC Space Systems Office Inputs for Draft Chronology of MSFC Events for 1990)
April 4
The Marshall Star reported that an improved technique for measuring global atmospheric temperature changes and possible global warming had been developed by scientists at the Marshall Center and at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. (Marshall Star, April 4, 1990)
April 5
A status review of the Laser Inertial Navigation System procurement was held at MSFC on April 4, 1990, with Orbital Sciences Corporation and Honeywell personnel. The contract negotiations for this procurement were completed on April 5. 1990. (MSFC Space Systems Office inputs for Draft Chronology of MSFC Events for 1990)
April 10
NASA scrubbed the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope just 4 minutes before a 7:37 a.m. CDT liftoff. Erratic performance of an auxiliary power unit was blamed for the delay. ("NASA Scrubs Shuttle Launch," Huntsville Times, April 10, 1990)
April 10
Mississippi Governor Ray Mabus, as well as officials from NASA and the Marshall Center, formally kicked off construction of NASA's Advanced Solid Rocket Motor Plant in Tishomingo County. ("'New Day for Mississippi' Proclaimed at Groundbreaking for Rocket Plant," Decatur Daily, April 10, 1990)
April 10
The Block II Space Shuttle Main Engine Controller completed its initial hotfire test. Extensive development testing and acceptance testing had taken place in 1989. The main engine controllers perform prelaunch engine checkout and monitor the status at engine start. (Marsha!! Star, April 18, 1990)
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