Physics and Astronomy

With NASA reporting a "significant amount" of water on the lunar surface, is it time to re-examine our priorities regarding living and working in space? Mark Sykes, director of the Planetary Science Institute, talks about why and how people should venture beyond Earth.

Two instruments from the Hubble Space Telescope, including the camera that corrected an early flaw in the telescope, are now on exhibit at the Smithsonian. The camera, about the size of a baby grand piano, is responsible for some of Hubble's most astounding photos.

The shuttle rocketed into orbit with six astronauts and a full load of spare parts for the International Space Station that should keep it humming for years to come. The launch was NASA's first launch "tweetup," attended by about 100 Twittering space enthusiasts.

A rocket set on a collision course with the moon reveals it's not just a dull, dry satellite. Water lurking in its craters could someday provide everything from drinking water to rocket fuel for astronauts exploring the moon.

A NASA rocket slammed into a lunar crater in October. A second spacecraft followed minutes later, taking inventory of kicked-up debris and sending data to Earth. Scientists have now analyzed those data, which may reveal whether the moon harbors significant quantities of water ice.

Engineers tried to move the Spirit from a sand trap where it became stuck in May, but the maneuvers stopped after less than a second.

Atlantis set off for the International Space Station, carrying spare parts and equipment as a hedge against failures after the shuttle fleet is retired next year.

The discovery, which came out of a mission a month ago, confirmed scientists? suspicions and could help explorers.

Navigating the cosmos on winds of starlight is an ancient dream, and in about a year, a spacecraft called LightSail-1 may make it come true.

Capt. Lisa Marie Nowak pleaded guilty on Tuesday to felony burglary of a car and misdemeanor battery as part of a plea bargain.