News In Brief

January shuttle task includes launching of new spy satellite

A new spy satellite that will intercept radio, telephone, and satellite transmissions will be launched into orbit over the Soviet Union during the January military mission of space shuttle Discovery, reliable sources told the Associated Press.

In addition to electronically eavesdropping on communications, the satellite is able to collect radio telemetry data from Soviet missile tests.

The satellite is a military payload Discovery will carry on liftoff here on Jan. 23.