The US Air Force's Lockheed Martin-built GPS 2R-II navigation satellite was launched by Boeing Delta II from Cape Canaveral, Florida on 20 March. The much-delayed Delta II launch of NASA's Gravity Probe B is planned for 17 April from Vandenberg AFB, California. NASA's Messenger Mercury orbiter is to be launched by Delta II-Heavy from Canaveral after 30 July.
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.
