NASA completes first ever aircraft accident investigation on another planet
The US space agency and manufacturer AeroVironment will soon release a detailed review of the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter’s final flight, which came at the end of three years of operations that saw 72 sorties and 2h of flight on the Red Planet.
Airbus details 5% staff reduction target for defence and space unit
Airbus has detailed proposed reductions that will reduce the headcount of its defence unit by approximately 5% over the next 18 months, with just over 2,000 posts to be removed.
AVIC wins contract for winged, reusable spacecraft
China’s AVIC has secured a contract from the China Manned Space Agency to develop a winged, reusable spacecraft called Haolong.
Tyche ISR satellite launch boosts UK Space Command
The UK Space Command’s first owned earth observation microsatellite has been launched, providing the inaugural element of a planned space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) constellation.
SpaceX wins contract to build vehicle for returning International Space Station to Earth
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 completes $4.8bn acquisition of Ball Aerospace
BAE Systems has completed its acquisition of Ball Aerospace, with the move further strengthening its US business presence.
NASA retires Mars helicopter Ingenuity due to rotor damage
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has retired its Mars helicopter Ingenuity after the craft suffered damage upon landing.
Saab test pilot trades Gripen for scientific stint aboard International Space Station
Saab’s chief test pilot for the Gripen, Marcus Wandt, has traded the cockpit for a roughly two-week stint aboard the International Space Station.
Scottish spaceport secures approval as UK’s first vertical-launch facility
UK regulators have granted a licence to a Scottish spaceport, located in the Shetland Islands, enabling it to conduct vertical launches from next year.
Stratolaunch prepares to introduce ex-Virgin Orbit 747-400 to aerospace test fleet
US air-launch specialist Stratolaunch has shown off the Boeing 747-400 it acquired after former operator Virgin Orbit was broken up earlier this year.