China plans to launch the world's largest and most advanced space solar telescope (SST) in 2008. The $120 million SST, with a 1m (3ft) -diameter mirror capable of observing a 70km2 (27 miles2) area of the solar surface, will be placed into a 735km (455 miles) Sun-synchronous orbit to study the Sun's magnetic field, fine structure, energy, solar flares and Sun-Earth interaction.
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.
