Russia's Cosmos 2348 photo-reconnaissance satellite returned to Earth on April 14. Launched last December, the satellite was in orbit for 119.5 days, around 30 days longer than the previous record holder, Cosmos 2331. Russia does not now have a low-orbit photo reconnaissance satellite operating in orbit, says the Molniya Space Consultancy.
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.
