NASA 分别同 TRW 和洛克希德签定了四百万美元的合同,由这两家公司同时进行大型天文卫星 AXAF 的研制。该卫星重10吨,长13米、直径4.3米,将在1991年用航天飞机发射到520公里高的圆形轨道。它将是一个寿命10至15年的长期观测站。将观测宇宙中各种引人入胜的物体,如类星射电源、中子星以及神秘莫测的黑洞等。 NASA signed a $ 4 million contract with TRW and Lockheed respectively for the simultaneous development of the large astronomical satellite AXAF. The satellite weighs 10 tons, 13 meters long and 4.3 meters in diameter, will be launched in 1991 by a shuttle to a 520-kilometer high circular orbit. It will be a long-term observatory with a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. The universe will observe a variety of fascinating objects, such as quasi-radio sources, neutron stars and the mysterious black hole.