Jeff has been involved in aerospace journalism since the mid 1990s. Prior to joining Aviation Week, Jeff served as managing editor of Launchspace magazine and the International Space Industry Report. He has been the editor and chief of Aviation Week's Aerospace Daily & Defense Report since 2007 and has been a regular contributor to Aviation Week magazine. He received his B.A. from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va.
A "sectoral" federal budget for aerospace could provide valuable guidance for financiers who have been leery of investing in the industry, according to Aerospace Commission Chairman Robert Walker.
While European launch provider Arianespace moves to ensure its dominance in a flat market, the company is hoping for an upswing in commercial launches by 2004-2005, according to Chairman and CEO Jean-Marie Luton. In the meantime, Luton said he expects 20-25 commercial geostationary satellite launch contracts per year for the next couple of years.
As final preparations continue for the Ariane 5's return to space Feb. 28, manufacturer Arianespace has received an order to launch the Satmex 6 satellite for Mexico, the company announced Feb. 8 Satmex 6 is under construction at Space Systems/Loral's facilities in Palo Alto, Calif. Weighing about 5,700 kilograms at liftoff, it will be positioned at 109.2 degrees West and carry 36 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders.
