Exploration The European Space Agency (ESA) is to provide instruments for India's first Moon mission, Chandrayaan-1. The Indian Space Research Organisation will launch a 1,050kg (2,310lb) lunar orbiter that will carry an imaging X-ray spectrometer and a near-infrared spectrometer provided by ESA along with equipment for the probe's high-energy x-ray spectrometer. Data from the instruments will be available to ESA members.
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.
