Shuttle Studies Rocket Fuel Vapor in ‘Star Wars’ Test

Discovery’s astronauts aimed a “Star Wars” research satellite at rocket fuel spewed in space Thursday, then snagged the craft and tucked it back into the shuttle’s cargo bay.

The seven astronauts quickly closed in on the satellite after the fuel observation. Minutes later, they used the ship’s 50-foot mechanical arm to grab the probe.

“We’ve got it!” shuttle commander Michael Coats shouted.

The shuttle, satellite and fuel canisters had zipped around the world in formation for the propellant observations, intended to help the Pentagon design a space defense system.

Fifteen pounds of rocket fuel shot from a canister on cue and pierced the dark, star-studded sky in the first release, forming a bright vapor cloud. The satellite’s infrared sensors and television cameras captured the event from 111 miles away.

Discovery, orbiting two miles behind the satellite at a speed of 17,500 m.p.h., swung away when the fuel was released to give the satellite a clear view.

The fuel was discharged as the canister passed above Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Controllers there sent signals initiating the release, and instruments on the ground made observations.

In a video of the event beamed live by the satellite cameras, the fuel appeared as a huge, bright star. It rapidly swelled, then began to fade and disappeared.

“What a release,” mission control’s Brian Duffy told the crew.

The astronauts later observed 52 pounds of another type of rocket propellant that spurted from a second orbiting canister. A third container was to be tossed from the shuttle later, with its fuel contents discharged today.

Earlier Thursday, the $94-million satellite studied gases sprayed from the shuttle’s cargo bay.

Scientists need infrared readings of gases and chemicals in space, as well as information about rocket plumes, to develop sensors that can track and destroy enemy missiles. The gases used in the tests are potential camouflage for warheads and are believed to have been deployed by other countries, said Michael Harrison, director of the spacecraft project for the Strategic Defense Initiative, or “Star Wars.”

The mission is scheduled to end Monday, with the shuttle landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.