KOUROU, FRENCH GUIANA and PARIS The largest European science satellite ever built was undergoing checkout in orbit following a launch that greatly boosted the commercial prospects of the new Ariane 5 heavy-lift booster. The X-ray Multi Mirror (XMM) spacecraft is designed to make far-reaching studies of gamma ray bursts, black holes, pulsars, exploding stars and other phenomena that cannot be readily studied with optical telescopes.

DENVER Severe cost constraints that led to "acceptable" risks created a stressful environment during development of the Mars Climate Orbiter (MCO) and Mars Polar Lander (MPL) and could have contributed to loss of the spacecraft. However, no shortcuts were taken, according to Lockheed Martin Astronautics officials.

MARIGNANE, FRANCE Europe’s long-delayed NH-90 transport/frigate helicopter program is set to slip once again, but the new delay is not likely to affect initial deliveries, program officials said here. The contracts had initially been set for signature in early 1999, after the submittal in late 1998 of a revised bid by NH Industries, the Eurocopter-led consortium that is developing and building the NH-90 (AW&STNov. 2, 1998, p. 46).

Dallas Lockheed Martin has completed installation of a Pratt & Whitney JSF119611 flight-rated engine in its X-35A Joint Strike Fighter concept demonstrator aircraft in preparation for initial runs in the first quarter of next year.