Flight International online news 11:30GMT: SpaceDev, supplier of rocket launcher motors to the Virgin's space tourism spacecraft SpaceShipOne has acquired space engineering company Starsys.
The deal worth around $9 million, will see Starsys' mechanical systems capabilities combined with SpaceDev's experience in micro-satellites and affordable access to space.
Starsys has approximately 130 employees and its components have flown in over 200 missions including the Mars Rover and Deep Impact missions.
SpaceDev says it will contribute at least £2.5 million to Starysys' working capital throughout 2006.
ROSS BENTLEY/LONDON
Source: Flight International