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Article: Soviets Launch Probe of Mars' Moon;U.S. Military Among Guests in International Effort at Baikonur
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- July 8, 1988
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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A Soviet Proton rocket carrying a load of international robots
bound for a moon of Mars blasted off through light clouds on cue
tonight, with an unprecedented audience of U.S. Air Force officers,
NASA officials and reporters gathered on a dune nearby.
"I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd be standing here," said
Brig. Gen. Robert Beuthe, a surgeon stationed at Langley Air Force
Base, Va., one of seven in this first Air Force delegation. The
American reporters also were the first to witness a major Soviet
launch.
The Soviets have sought both to increase international
participation in their scientific space missions and to market abroad
the services of their work-horse Proton launcher. ...