New Shuttle Passes Engine Test
Associated Press
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. —
Atlantis, the newest space shuttle, roared and blasted flame for 22 seconds on the launch pad today in a successful test of its rocket engines that cleared the way for its maiden flight with a secret military cargo Oct. 3.
The engine firing was to verify that all systems on the fourth shuttle in NASA’s fleet were operable before its debut with a crew of five military officers.
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