Lewis satellite nearing re-entry

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Excerpted from http://www.flatoday.com/space/today/n97208.htm

>Repeated attempts to re-establish radio contact with NASA's Lewis spacecraft
>since it entered a slow spin on Aug. 26 have been unsuccessful. Due to
>increasing atmospheric drag, the spacecraft's orbit is deteriorating. Unless
>contact is regained early next week, it is expected to re-enter and burn up
>between Sept. 23-30, with Sept. 27 as the current most likely re-entry date,
>according to program officials.

...stuff deleted...

>The total cost to NASA of the Lewis mission, including its launch vehicle and
>one year of planned orbital operations, is $64.8 million. NASA incurred an
>additonal cost of $6.2 million for storage and maintenance of the spacecraft
>during a one-year delay due to launch vehicle issues.

Wow. $6.2 million for just >STORING< the satellite for a year.  I think I'll
call up NASA and offer to store their satellites in my backyard tool shed
for a mere $1 million a year.  <g>

Craig Cholar

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