Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space has delivered to International Space Station prime contractor Boeing the solar array rotary joints and the second of two thermal radiator rotary joints for the station. The 3m (10ft)-diameter solar array joints are "the largest mechanisms ever designed to operate in a space environment", says Lockheed Martin. The joints will ensure the arrays and radiators will be properly aligned.
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.
