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News briefs: March 1
Posted: Sat, Mar 2, 2002, 8:35 AM ET (1335 GMT)
- The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) is planning a major reorganization of its space business, AFP reported Friday. EADS chairman Francois Auque said that the company, the largest industrial shareholder in Arianespace and prime contractor for the Ariane launch vehicles, wanted to reduce costs in its Ariane division by 50 percent, or US$300-400 million. Auque said EADS also plans to separate its satellite and launcher activities by the end of the year, and hinted that major job cuts could take place.
- India is proposing a 22 percent increase in the budget for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Space News reported Thursday. ISRO would get 19.5 billion rupees ($401 million) for 2002-2003 according to the budget proposal. The budget includes funding for a radar imaging satellite, communications satellites, and upgrades to the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle.
- Russian space pioneer Boris Chertok celebrated his 90th birthday on Friday. Chertok led the development of control systems for a wide range of Soviet-era spacecraft, including both manned spacecraft like Vostok and Voskhod, and unmanned scientific and communications satellites.
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