US shifts radio satellite to try for permanent orbit

May 11, 1983

The troubled US radio relay satellite was boosted 284 miles in the start of a final series of rescue maneuvers. The $100 million satellite did not go as high as expected, but deputy project manager Charles M. Hunter said he was satisified with the 82-minute rocket firing. Another maneuver was scheduled for this afternoon (Wednesday). Officials said as many as 40 such firings may be needed to move the satellite into a permanent orbit 22,300 miles high.