The maiden flight of India's Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) has been delayed to 2001, says the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Integrating the Indian booster with its Russian-built cryogenic upper stage, which will be used on the first flights of the GSLV, has proved more difficult than anticipated. The $240 million GSLV will be able to place 2,500kg (5,500lb) payloads into geostationary transfer orbit.
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.
