X-Nico

4 unusual facts about Westar


Manned Maneuvering Unit

The MMU was used in practice to retrieve a pair of faulty communications satellites, Westar VI and Palapa B2.

The propulsion unit was used to retrieve two communication satellites, Westar VI and Palapa B2, that did not reach their proper orbits because of faulty propulsion modules.

Space Shuttle Challenger

Deployed WESTAR and Palapa B-2 communications satellites unsuccessfully (both were retrieved during STS-51-A).

Westar 1

Westar 1 was the first of five Westar satellites launched by Western Union from 1974 to 1982.


British Columbia Resources Investment Corporation

Unfortunately, because of significant investment in a North Sea oil play by a subsidiary, Westar Petroleum, as well as bad timing in a mining investment by another subsidiary, Westar Mining, the company ran into financial trouble.


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