Japan's National Space Development Agency says that the failure of the H2 launcher to place the Comets satellite into the correct orbit on 21 February was likely caused by gas leaking from the combustion chamber of the LE-5 second stage. This caused the engine parts to overheat and damaged the electrical system, resulting in premature shutdown.
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.
