The Galileo Jupiter orbiter made its closest fly-by yet of the volcanic moon Io on 22 February, passing within 200km (125 miles) of the surface. Galileo could end its mission with a plunge into one of Jupiter's four large moons.
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.
