Japan's Institute of Space and Astronautical Sciences launched the first M5 solid-propellant three-stage satellite booster from Kagoshima on 12 February.
The 30m-high three-stage vehicle placed the 1,800kg Muses B radio-telescope satellite into orbit. The world's largest radio telescope will be created, combining radio waves detected by the Muses B with ground-based telescopes. It will have a resolution comparable to detecting a grain of rice in Tokyo from Sydney.
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.
