“SPACE SHUTTLE RECOVERS PAYLOAD---With its manipulator arm extended, the Space Shuttle orbiter prepares to retrieve a satellite. A key feature of the Space Shuttle system will be its capability of recovering payloads in orbit for repair or maintenance in space, or for return to Earth. The Space Shuttle orbiter, being developed by Rockwell International Corporation’s Space Division, will be able to return up to 14,545 kilograms (32,000 lbs.) of payload to Earth. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration plans to have Space Shuttle operational by 1980.”
Note the emblem of the United Nations on the satellite. Obviously then, the retrieval of it was because it didn’t work. At the most, if/when it was briefly/sporadically operational, it must have been in a passive capacity, only able to receive or merely reflect/divert ‘signals’, with no ‘transmit’ capability.
One of many superb shuttle/orbiter renderings by Rockwell International’s eminently talented artist, Manuel E. Alvarez.