Hughes Space and Communications and DirecTV - a unit of Hughes Electronics - are to launch a new satellite series, the DirecTV 1-R, based on the HS-601 HP direct broadcasting spacecraft bus. The first DirecTV 1-R will be stationed at 101ºW in geostationary orbit, equipped with 16 Ku-band transponders, adding 20 channels for expanded direct-to-home programming services. It will generate 7.5kW of power.
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.
