Shuttle Discovery returns to launch pad

Space shuttle Discovery was rolled out to its seaside launch pad early on Tuesday in preparation for a February 24 launch to the International Space Station, officials said.

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• NASA marks 25 years after Challenger disaster
• SpaceX sets sights on manned spaceflight
• NASA plans Valentine's date with comet
• NASA can't afford new rocket, spacecraft

NASA marks 25 years after Challenger disaster

WASHINGTON (AFP) – NASA on Thursday marked a day of remembrance for astronauts who have died in the line of duty, particularly the victims in the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger 25 years ago.

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• NASA plans Valentine's date with comet
• Russia set to re-enter space tourism business
• NASA can't afford new rocket, spacecraft
• Astronaut mourns shuttle end ahead of mission
• U.S. plan to return to moon 'is dead': administration advisor

SpaceX sets sights on manned spaceflight

After becoming the first private company ever to blast a spacecraft into Earth orbit and have it return intact last month, rocket maker Space Exploration Technologies Corp. is pushing toward its next big step.

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There's no life outside of Earth, scientist claims

There is no hope of finding alien life in space because conditions on all other planets are too hostile, a leading astronomer has claimed.

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Secret payload launched on largest West Coast rocket

The largest rocket ever launched from the U.S. West Coast blasted off on Thursday from Vandenberg Air Force Base, carrying a top secret satellite into orbit, military officials said.

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• NASA plans Valentine's date with comet
• NASA can't afford new rocket, spacecraft
• Dwarf planets in a big solar system
• NASA spots Earth-like planet, too hot for life
• NASA’s humanlike robot to fly in space

NASA plans Valentine's date with comet

Like two strangers in the night, a U.S. spacecraft and a speeding comet will dash past one another on Valentine's Day, NASA said Wednesday, and skywatchers are eager to see what happens.

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• NASA can't afford new rocket, spacecraft
• Russia set to re-enter space tourism business
• NASA spots Earth-like planet, too hot for life
• NASA’s humanlike robot to fly in space
• Dwarf planets in a big solar system
• Sex and space? Houston, we have a problem
• NASA's arsenic life-form scientist answers critics