Russia will discontinue the use of the uprated Soyuz U2 booster for launches of manned Soyuz TM and other craft into low-Earth orbit, and revert to the sole use of the Soyuz U, because of budget difficulties. The Soyuz U2 had more redundant systems and used a more expensive synthetic fuel. It had been used for 47 launches, all successful. The launches of the TM23 and 24 craft were on the original Soyuz U.
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.
