The European Space Agency's Artemis technology-demonstration satellite has reached geo- stationary orbit after its July 2001 Ariane 5 launch failed to place the spacecraft in the correct transfer orbit. Artemis used its ion propulsion system to reach orbit.
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.
