Astronauts Seddon and Bobko work on extension for RMS

51D-04-015 (15 April 1985) --- Astronaut Rhea Seddon and Karol J. Bobko continue work on snag-type extension for the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) as part of an effort to activate a lever on a troubled communications satellite. Since the crew learned soon after deployment of the Syncom IV (LEASAT) spacecraft that it was not functioning properly plans were formulated for a rendezvous in space between the Discovery and the satellite. A fly swatter-like extension and another resembling a LaCrosse stick were fashioned from onboard supplies and furnishings. Stowage lockers nearby serve as a work bench for the two. At various times during the seven-day mission, the majority of the seven-member crew participated in the tool-making and preparations for an extravehicular activity (EVA) by the flights other two mission specialists -- Jeffrey A. Hoffman and S. David Griggs -- to connect the two tools to the RMS. Bobko is mission commander and Dr. Seddon, a mission specialist.