* Intelsat has delayed launch of its IA-8 satellite while manufacturer Space Systems/Loral investigates the temporary loss of IA-7, which has been returned to service after experiencing an electrical anomaly in late November.
* NASA has delayed launch of its comet impact probe to 12 January. Deep Impact will release a 372kg (820lb) impactor to collide with comet Tempel 1 at 32,000km/h (19,900mph) on 4 July, excavating a crater in the 6km (3.7 miles) -wide nucleus.
* Brazilian telecommunications provider Embratel is to order a second satellite, Star One C2, from France's Alcatel Space, local reports suggest. The $260 million contract for Star One C1 was awarded last year.
* Japan's Space Communications says the life of its Boeing-built Superbird A2 satellite, launched in April, will be shortened significantly by the loss of one of two main propellant tanks.
* Russia's Voronezh-based KB Khimavtomatiki has tested the new RD-124 liquid-propellant rocket motor designed to power the planned Angara satellite launcher.
* Sea Launch partner Kvaerner has lost $210 million on its commercial launch venture with Boeing, Energia and Yuzhnoye. Sea Launch plans increase flights from four to five in 2005.
* Alcatel Space has delivered the Corotel telescope for French space agency CNES's Cotor stellar observation satellite, scheduled for launch in 2006. CNES has also confirmed its participation in the European/Japanese Bepi Colombo Mercury mission for launch in 2011-12 and NASA's 2009 Mars Science Laboratory.
Source: Flight International
