The space agencies of Brazil and Ukraine have signed along-expected memorandum of understanding to use the Alcantara Launch Centre in a joint venture to launch Tsyklon 4 boosters. From 2005 the Tsyklon 4 will be able to place payloads of just 1,800kg (3,965lb) into geostationary orbit for about$30 million. The venture predicts 10 launches a year, but market forecasts for such lightweight communications satellites do not match this optimism.
Source: Flight International
Orbital launch pioneer SpaceX is being contracted by the American space agency NASA to develop a so-called “US Deorbit Vehicle” that can safely return the International Space Station to Earth via controlled re-entry.
BAE Systems has completed its acquisition of Ball Aerospace, with the move further strengthening its US business presence.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has retired its Mars helicopter Ingenuity after the craft suffered damage upon landing.
