GenCorp Aerojet has been awarded a $16.4 million contract to provide a de-orbit propulsion stage for the International Space Station X-38 Crew Return Vehicle (CRV). The technology demonstrator will make an unpiloted re-entry and landing test flight from the orbiting Space Shuttle in 2000-1. The contract includes an option for a second unit and another for five stages for operational X-38 CRV missions, should the project receive full NASA funding.
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.
