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Reports on the plan of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to launch the Europa Orbiter spacecraft in 2002. Goal of the aircraft; Information on the X2000 Deep Space System Technology Program of JPL: Details on the 1998 International Astronautical Federation Conference.

Focuses on China's space strategy. Strategy aired at the 47th International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Congress in Beijing; Developments including design of an Ariane 5-class booster and a new imaging radar spacecraft and communications satellites; The push for closer cooperation with the West; Other projects involving Western cooperation; Satellite and booster initiatives; Details of subjects discussed at the congress.

Focuses on the importance of satellites in reconciling the 'digital divide' between developed countries with high speed Internet access and developing countries having scarce communication facilities. Discussion of the issue during the International Astronautical Federation congress; Development of broadband satellites in developing countries; Introduction of several satellites for communication.

Reports that international pilots are cataloguing safety deficiencies in Latin American countries, including Argentina. Efforts of Latin American officials to pressure pilots into silence; Complaints of Argentine airline pilots; Use of obsolete air equipment; Training for air traffic controllers; Data collected by the International Federation of Air Line Pilots; Team to inspect air equipment in Argentina; The possible designation of a Black Star flying area; The crash of a DC-0-32 plane.

Focuses on the excitement that the Mars Pathfinder has aroused in Japan and Europe with the discovery of possible life on the red planet. Hopes of space agencies around the world to pool their resources for such missions; Discussion of plans for multinational spacecraft missions at the 48th International Astronautical Federation (IAF) meeting. INSET: Initial images from MGS at Mars..

Looks at the possibility that Europe is about to attempt the second launch of its Ariane 5 heavy booster. Enormous implications for the space program; The failure of the June 1996 launch; Second launch attempts; Why the future of the European Space Agency is at stake; Preparations for the mission; The 48th International Astronautical Federation congress (IAF). INSET: France reiterates space station attack..

Reports on the Independent Federation of Flight Attendants' ratification of a tentative agreement with Trans World Airlines (TWA). Provisions of the agreement; Similar agreements of TWA with its airline's pilots union and the International Association of Machinists.

Outlines results from the 42nd International Astronautical Federation Congress, where about 1,500 senior space managers and engineers from 46 countries agreed that the current global space recession was caused by overly optimistic planning, soaring costs, delays and changing national priorities. Growing emphasis on space systems to help developing countries; Manned lunar and Mars exploration; Recommendations from the UN/IAF/Canadian session; Japanese presentations.

Reports developments on the airline industry as of October 2001. Request of regional airlines to be a part of the Phase Two service expansion of Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.; Grant of contract to Thales by the Civil Aviation Administration in China; Conference of the Security Committee of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations.

Reports that two dozen aircraft were involved in hostile action, accidents and serious incidents in Africa during 1999, according to the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations. Total worldwide fatal events; Source of the majority of the downed aircraft; Breakdown of aircraft accidents.

Reports on highlights in the 45th International Astronautical Federation congress in Jerusalem in 1994. Israel's development of an uprated four-stage version of the Shavit booster; Lack of discussion on station development and science programs; Call for IAF participation in forming new deep-space exploration strategies; Marketing of the three-stage version of the Shavit booster.

Editorial. Discusses the recently completed International Astronautical Federation's 40th congress and the important role it plays in the exchange of information, and suggests ways to improve and strengthen the congress' administration.

Reports that the International Astronautical Federation has changed the site of its 1989 annual congress from Beijing, China, to Malaga, Spain, because of the civil unrest in China. Congress dates are October 7 to 13.