The UK Defence Evaluation and Research Agency's 100kg Space Technology Research Vehicles (STRV 1C and D) will be launched into geostationary transfer orbit by Arianespace in 1999 using the Ariane 5 Structure for Auxiliary Payloads system. Each STRV will weigh 100kg and each one will be equipped with 25 research experiments.
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.
