India is making headway toward launching Astrosat, the country’s first satellite devoted to astronomy, which will look at the universe in X-ray, ultraviolet and visible light bands, a senior space scientist says. Astrosat, a multi-wave-length observatory in space, will be launched with six instruments aboard India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman K. Radhakrishnan says. “It is getting ready now,” Radhakrishnan says. “It will be integrated by 2015.”

All of the 42 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft ordered by Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet on March 12 will be powered by Leap-1B engines, made by CFM. The engine order is valued at $1.1 billion at list price. “We are pleased that SpiceJet has continued to place its trust in CFM,” says Gael Meheust, vice president of sales for CFM. “We have built a great relationship with this airline over the years and really look forward to introducing the Leap engine into their new fleet.”

Beechcraft Corp., hoping to capitalize on a growing market for its flagship King Air 350i turboprop in India, is expanding its presence there with a new office, additional staff and a new sales representative. Beechcraft last month opened an office in New Delhi and appointed John Williams to the new position of India county director. Reghu Raman was further named field service representative. In addition, the company recently appointed Arrow Aircraft Sales and Charters Private Limited as its exclusive sales representative for India.