Russian prime minister Yevgeny Primakov has signed a decree allowing the Mir space station to remain in orbit for a further three years. The station was to have been de-orbited in June, to allow the cash-starved Russians to concentrate on their obligations to the International Space Station (ISS). NASA will be angered by the decision and concerned about its effect on the ISS assembly schedule.
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.
