Close-up radar images of the lunar south and north poles by NASA's tracking network antenna indicate that deep craters that do not receive direct sunlight may hold ice deposits. NASA's Lunar Prospector could release up to 18kg of water vapour from the craters when it makes its scheduled controlled crash on the moon's south pole on 31 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.
