Three different lunar exploration studies are being conducted by the European Space Agency following NASA's inter-governmental conference in Washington DC last November.
The three architecture-level studies cover: how to explore as much of the Moon as possible; how to use the planetoid as a Mars mission technology test area; and how to operate a manned base there. The USA's emphasis on the Moon in its exploration planning led ESA to initiate the studies.
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.
