Nasa has selected 10 candidates for a low-cost Mars Scout mission that could be launched in 2007. Concepts include a martian atmospheric sample return mission, science orbiters, reconnaissance gliders, surface rovers and weather stations. Each should cost less than $300 million. The 10 will receive up to $150,000 funding for six months of continued study. NASA plans to initiate a competition to select a Scout mission next year.
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.
