Russia plans to launch 28 spacecraft this year including a first flight of the operational Proton M booster in March carrying an Ekran-M communications satellite. The Proton M is equipped with a Breeze M upper stage. This can place satellites weighing up to 2,920kg (6,430lb) into geostationary orbit (GEO) with up to four engine burns, compared with the Proton DM, which can place 1,880kg directly to GEO.
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.
