The Nation - News from May 11, 1987

The first objects to be launched into orbit by a private U.S. company will be a series of five navigation and location satellites, Space Services Inc. announced. Former astronaut Donald K. Slayton, president of Space Services, said his company has agreed to launch the satellites from Wallops Island, Va., a National Aeronautics and Space Administration facility, for Star Fine Inc. of Laguna Niguel, Calif. Star Fine officials said the satellites will provide their customers navigation and positioning information more accurate than any current system. The first launch is scheduled for late next year.