The Chinese Academy of Sciences' (CAS) next five-year space plan includes a series of lunar and planetary spacecraft, starting with a lunar orbiter to be launched in about 2000. The CAS intends to be "a leader in lunar exploration", says professor Jiang Jingshan, the director of the academy's space unit.
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.
