MCI COMMUNICATIONS and The News Corporation, with Loral Space, have formed a joint venture to launch two $400 million communications satellites in 1997-8. The satellites will provide high-power digital direct-to-home television services from a co-location at 110¡W longitude in geostationary orbit.
The first Loral-built satellite will be launched on an ILS International Launch Services Russian Proton in late 1997 and the second on an ILS Atlas 2AS in early 1998.
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.
