Space Systems Loral's Tempo 1 communications satellite, not the Astra 1F spacecraft, will make the first commercial launch of a Russian Proton booster from Baikonur in June 1996. The Proton, marketed by International Launch Services, has five bookings for satellites launches into geostationary orbit, (Flight International, 27 September-3 October).
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.
