SpaceX successfully launched the Jason-3 ocean altimetry mission to low Earth orbit atop a Falcon 9 rocket Jan. 17, though an attempt to land the vehicle's core stage on a barge in the Pacific Ocean was unsuccessful.

Orbital ATK plans to start ground tests next year of first elements for an all-new, next-generation launch vehicle to compete for the U.S. Air Force’s Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program.

The European Space Agency is expected to ask member states next December for a three-year portion of financing valued at several hundred million euros to fund the agency’s continued participation in the NASA-led International Space Station.

NASA and Aerojet Rocketdyne are negotiating the final details of a public-private “tipping-point” partnership designed to produce a low-cost propulsion system for CubeSats that uses non-toxic “green” propellant in lieu of hydrazine.

As India moves into the new year, it plans a shift toward launching bigger space missions ranging from larger satellites aboard heavy-lift launchers to improved Earth observation spacecraft.

This week's big talking points in aerospace and defense, including a successful third round of flight tests for BAE Systems' Taranis Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle.

The launch of an upgraded Orbital ATK Cygnus commercial cargo spacecraft with more than 7,000 lb. of supplies for the International Space Station moves the orbiting outpost back toward its normal stock of consumables and gives on-board scientific research a boost.

This week's big talking points in aerospace and defense, including progress for Terrafugia's flying car.