SAN FRANCISCO Japan’s National Space Development Agency has decided to take its losses by killing the H-2 launch program in favor of a newer design it hopes will prove less costly and risky. As a practical matter, NASDA’s decision will have little effect on its launch programs because there was only one H-2 launch still scheduled.

Following the two lost Mars missions this year, key NASA and congressional officials agree that exploration of the planet and the faster-better-cheaper management approach must survive. However, they are still wrestling with what changes need to be made to ensure success.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF. LITTLETON, COLO. The two competitors in the U.S. Air Forces Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program have developed boosters aimed at achieving a delicate balance among cost, performance and system reliability that will be required to meet future government and commercial launch requirements.