April 26
The Phase I Space Station Preliminary Design Review, including Environmental Control Life Support System, Internal Thermal Control System, Internal Audio/Video, Structures/Mechanisms and Software (Preliminary Requirements Review), began with a kickoff meeting April 26-27 at the Boeing Trade Zone Facility. (See MSFC History Office Microfiche #2127, "Notable MSFC Events During 1990,” April 30, 1990)
April 26
Engineers tried unsuccessfully to point two high-speed antennas on the Hubble Space Telescope toward two widely separated Tracking and Data Relay Satellites. The antennas represented the two primary links for relaying scientific information to the ground. ("Telescope's Main Antennas Work on Second Try," Huntsville News, April 27, 1990)
April 26
The first section of the 1700-foot guide tube for the X-ray Calibration Facility at the Marshall Center was installed. (MSFC Observatory Project Office, Draft Chronology of Events for 1990)
April 27
NASA confirmed that it had achieved communications with the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite through the high-gain antennas on the Hubble Space Telescope. ("Telescope's Main Antennas Work on Second Try," Huntsville News, April 27, 1990)
April 27
The first starlight fell on the Hubble Space Telescope's polished primary mirror at 8:48 a.m. CDT. ("Hubble Still Not Ready for Debut," Huntsville Times, April 28, 1990)
April 27
Electronic instruments on the Hubble Space Telescope automatically shut down when they sensed a problem with one of two high-gain antennas. ("Telescope Scientific Apparatus Still Down," Birmingham News, April 29, 1990)
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