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Premium video content for our Spaceflight Now Plus subscribers. Next station crew Expedition 10 Commander and NASA ISS Science Officer Leroy Chiao and Soyuz Commander and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov discuss their planned six-month mission on the space station. (11min 23sec file) Play video Station crew set for EVA Space station officials brief the news media on the continuing mission of the Expedition 9 crew and the plan for an upcoming spacewalk. (58min 42sec file) Play video Welcome back to Earth The Apollo 11 astronauts are retrieved from their capsule and welcomed back to Earth by President Richard Nixon. (2min 04sec file) Play video Apollo 11 returns Apollo 11 safely returns to Earth, making a parachute-assisted splashdown in the ocean. (3min 57sec file) Play video MESSENGER preview Mission officials and scientists preview the flight of NASA's MESSENGER space probe to orbit the planet Mercury during this news conference. (41min 36sec file) Play video Apollo 11 moonwalk Armstrong and Aldrin gather lunar samples and conduct experiments during their moonwalk. (2min 27sec file) Play video Moon landing explained The Apollo 11 astronauts narrate footage of their historic landing on the moon and describe the technical details of the descent. (22min 02sec file) Play video Leaving the moon The Eagle lunar module returns to the orbiting command module and the Apollo 11 astronauts head back to Earth. (5min 33sec file) Play video Nixon calls the moon President Richard Nixon calls Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to congratulate the astronauts following their successful landing on the moon. (1min 29sec file) Play video Anniversary celebration The Apollo 11 astronauts and other dignitaries hold a special 35th anniversary celebration in Washington on July 20. Hear from Armstrong, Aldrin, Collins, Walter Cronkite, NASA Administrator O'Keefe and others. (76min 12sec file) Play video Heading for landing The "Eagle" lunar lander undocks from the "Columbia" command module in preparation for landing. (1min 21sec file) Play video The Eagle has landed! The Apollo 11 spacecraft "Eagle" lands on the moon 35 years ago, delivering Armstrong and Aldrin. (2min 04sec file) Play video Walking on the moon Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin step foot on the surface of the moon on July 20 1969, forever changing history. (11min 17sec file) Play video Shuttle engine test One of the liquid-fueled main engines that will power space shuttle Discovery on the return-to-flight mission next spring is test-fired at NASA's Stennis Space Center. (1min 56sec file) Play video Cronkite interview Famed CBS News anchorman Walter Cronkite recalls the Apollo 11 mission in this interview on NASA Television. (3min 15sec file) Play video Become a subscriber More video
Sunday:
August 1, 2004
0121 GMT
MESSENGER counting down to overnight blastoff
The MESSENGER spacecraft's departure for its seven-year voyage to Mercury remains scheduled for blastoff at 2:16 a.m. EDT (0616 GMT) Monday aboard a Boeing Delta 2 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. MISSION STATUS CENTER - live updates! OUR PREVIEW STORY LAUNCH EVENTS TIMELINE GROUND TRACK MAP
Additional coverage for subscribers: VIDEO:
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Catching a falling star
While observing a supernova in a distant galaxy with the Very Large Telescope at Paranal Observatory, astronomers were incredibly lucky to obtain serendipitously a high quality spectrum of a very large meteor in the terrestrial atmosphere. FULL STORY
OTHER HEADLINES Additional stories today
Space station status update -- Expedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineer Mike Fincke this week marked their 100th day in orbit, oversaw the undocking of a resupply craft and prepared for their third spacewalk. NASA releases Broad Agency Announcement -- NASA's Office of Exploration Systems has released a Broad Agency Announcement for Human and Robotic Technology system-of-systems that will seek research and technology development proposals in support of the nation's Vision for Space Exploration.
Saturday:
July 31, 2004
0633 GMT
Titan's purple covering points to a fuzzy past
Encircled in purple stratospheric haze, Saturn's largest moon, Titan, appears as a softly glowing sphere in this colorized image taken on July 3, one day after Cassini's first flyby of that moon. Titan has a dense atmosphere composed primarily of nitrogen with a few percent methane. The atmosphere can undergo photochemical processes to form hazes. FULL STORY
Neutrinos linked to 'dark energy'
Two of the biggest physics breakthroughs during the last decade are the discovery that wispy subatomic particles called neutrinos actually have a small amount of mass and the detection that the expansion of the universe is actually picking up speed. FULL STORY
Friday:
July 30, 2004
0121 GMT
NASA looks to new astronomy mission ideas
NASA has selected nine studies to investigate new ideas for future mission concepts within its Astronomical Search for Origins Program. Among the new missions are some that will survey one
billion stars within our own galaxy, measure the distribution of galaxies in the distant universe, study dust and gas between galaxies, study organic compounds in space and investigate their role in planetary system formation and create an optical-ultraviolet telescope to replace the Hubble Space Telescope. FULL STORY
Swift to catch mysterious bursts from deep in cosmos
The Swift satellite, which will pinpoint the location of distant yet fleeting explosions that appear to signal the births of black holes, arrived at Kennedy Space Center Thursday in preparation for an October launch. FULL STORY
OTHER HEADLINES Additional stories today
Boeing names chief engineer for NASA Systems -- Joy Bryant has been selected as the chief engineer for Boeing's NASA Systems business unit. In her new position, Bryant will leverage her experience and expertise in expendable launch systemsÊto further launch the Vision for Space Exploration.
Thursday:
July 29, 2004
0458 GMT
Hazy all over Titan
Following its first flyby of Titan, Cassini gazed back at the smog-enshrouded moon's receding crescent. This natural color view was seen by the spacecraft about one day after closest approach. The slight bluish glow of Titan's haze is visible along the limb. FULL STORY
Mysterious plasma jets on the Sun explained
Solar physicists from Lockheed Martin and the Solar Physics and upper-Atmosphere Research Group at the Department of Applied Mathematics of the University of Sheffield, UK have used computer modeling and some of the highest resolution images ever taken of the solar atmosphere to explain the cause of supersonic jets that continuously shoot through the low atmosphere of the Sun. FULL STORY
Stellar pair shot out from supernova birthplace
Astronomers studying data from the National Science Foundation's Very Long Baseline Array and other telescopes have concluded that a binary pair of stars forming an energetic microquasar was blasted out of the cluster in which it was born by a supernova explosion some 1.7 million years ago. This is the first time that a fast-moving stellar pair has been tracked back to a specific star cluster. FULL STORY
Wednesday:
July 28, 2004
0158 GMT
X Prize competitors announce flight plans
The $10-million Ansari X Prize took on a David vs. Goliath flavor on Tuesday, as one well-funded team announced plans to fly its vehicle in late September in a bid for the prize while an upstart Canadian competitor reasserted its plans to go after the prize this fall as well. FULL STORY X PRIZE NEWS RELEASE
Cassini's rear-view image of Saturn's moon Titan
A day after entering orbit around Saturn, Cassini sped silently past Titan, imaging the moon's south polar region. This natural color image represents Cassini's view only about two hours after closest approach to the moon. FULL STORY
Boeing submits design proposal for Jupiter probe
Boeing has delivered its conceptual design proposal for the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO), a spacecraft that could become the nation's first nuclear-fission-powered exploration vehicle with technologies applicable to future Mars and lunar missions. FULL STORY
Largest environmental experiment in history on tap
Researchers from around the globe participating in the world's largest environmental science experiment, the Large-Scale Biosphere Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia, will, fittingly, convene in Brazil this week. FULL STORY
Tuesday:
July 27, 2004
0257 GMT
NASA approves new design for shuttle tank bipod
NASA is moving ahead with plans to redesign a part of the space shuttle external fuel tank that investigators believe played a critical role in the Columbia accident. The shuttle program will soon begin manufacturing and installing an improved bipod fitting, which connects the external fuel tank to the shuttle during launch. FULL STORY
Odd-looking moon Mimas photographed by Cassini
Soon after orbital insertion, Cassini returned its best look yet at heavily cratered Mimas. The enormous crater at the top of this image, named Herschel, is about 80 miles wide and 6 miles deep. FULL STORY
Ship-sinking monster waves revealed by satellites
Once dismissed as a nautical myth, freakish ocean waves that rise as tall as ten-story apartment blocks have been accepted as a leading cause of large ship sinkings. Results from the European Space Agency's ERS satellites helped establish the widespread existence of these 'rogue' waves and are now being used to study their origins. FULL STORY
OTHER HEADLINES Additional stories today
NASA helps bring space and science to blind students -- NASA is making available its resources and facilities as part of a program to provide the first-ever science camp for blind middle- and high-school students from all over the United States.
Monday:
July 26, 2004
0325 GMT
Challenger crew honored with Space Medal of Honor
The families of the Space Shuttle Challenger's crew has accepted the Congressional Space Medal of Honor from NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe. The honors, presented in the name of Congress and on behalf of President George W. Bush, were made during a private ceremony with the families of the seven astronauts in Washington. FULL STORY
China launches second Double Star satellite
The second of two joint Chinese-European science satellites was launched Sunday to probe the complicated relationship between Earth and our Sun. A Long March 2C rocket carried the Double Star 2 craft into orbit. FULL STORY COVERAGE OF FIRST DOUBLE STAR LAUNCH
News Archive July 19-25: Spitzer pinpoints elusive but violent starbursts; Doughnut-shaped cloud has 'black hole' filling; Cassini shows the dark side of Saturn's moon Dione; Stunning true-color picture of Saturn's rings; Gas between galaxies helps case for dark energy. July 12-18: Aura launched to probe atmosphere's chemistry; Panel says keep options open for Hubble repair; Cassini exposes Saturn's two-face moon Iapetus; Mars rovers roll into martian winter; Ariane 5 lofts broadband communications satellite. July 5-11: Ultraviolet pictures hint at origin of Saturn's rings; Glimpse at early universe reveals surprise; New view of Orion Nebula's stellar nursery; Space probes track blast wave through solar system; How to fail at being a star. More news See our weekly archive of space news. Columbia Report A reproduction of the official accident investigation report into the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew of seven. Choose your store: U.S. -
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Worldwide Mars Panorama DISCOUNTED! This 360 degree image was taken by the Mars Pathfinder, which landed on the Red Planet in July 1997. The Sojourner Rover is visible in the image. Choose your store: U.S. Apollo 11 Mission Report Apollo 11 - The NASA Mission Reports Vol. 3 is the first comprehensive study of man's first mission to another world is revealed in all of its startling complexity. Includes DVD! Choose your store: U.S. -
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Worldwide Rocket DVD If you've ever watched a launch from Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Vandenberg Air Force Base or even Kodiak Island Alaska, there's no better way to describe what you witnessed than with this DVD. Choose your store: U.S. -
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Worldwide Apollo patches The Apollo Patch Collection: Includes all 12 Apollo mission patches plus the Apollo Program Patch. Save over 20% off the Individual price. Choose your store: U.S. -
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Worldwide Apollo 11 special patch Special collectors' patch marking the 35th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing is now available. Choose your store: U.S. -
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Worldwide Inside Apollo mission control
An insider's view of how Apollo flight controllers operated and just what they faced when events were crucial. Choose your store: U.S. The ultimate Apollo 11 DVD This exceptional chronicle of the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing mission features new digital transfers of film and television coverage unmatched by any other. Choose your store: U.S. -
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Worldwide Next ISS crew
Own a little piece of history with this official patch for the International Space Station's Expedition 11 crew. We'll ship yours today! Choose your store: U.S. Get e-mail updates
Sign up for our NewsAlert service and have the latest news in astronomy and space e-mailed direct to your desktop (privacy note: your e-mail address will not be used for any other purpose). Apollo 12 tribute DVD set New!
Featuring the jovial crew of Pete Conrad, Dick Gordon and Alan Bean, the Apollo 12 mission was struck by lightning shortly after liftoff but proceeded on the second successful exploration voyage to the lunar surface. This three-disc DVD brings the mission to life with extraordinary detail. Choose your store: U.S. -
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Worldwide Fallen Heroes special patch This special 12-inch embroidered patch commemorates the U.S. astronauts who made the ultimate sacrifice, honoring the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia. Choose your store: U.S. -
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Worldwide Women in Space Women of Space: Cool Careers on the Final Frontier is for girls, young women, and anyone else interested in learning about exciting careers in space exploration. Includes CD-ROM. Choose your store: U.S. -
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Worldwide Mars rover poster This new poster features some of the best pictures from NASA's amazing Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity. Choose your store: U.S. Current Shuttle Mission Patch The official embroidered patch for shuttle Atlantis' flight to deliver critical spare equipment to the space station. U.S. STORE WORLDWIDE STORE Ares 1-X Patch The official embroidered patch for the Ares 1-X rocket test flight, is available for purchase. U.S. STORE WORLDWIDE STORE Apollo Collage This beautiful one piece set features the Apollo program emblem surrounded by the individual mission logos. U.S. STORE WORLDWIDE STORE Project Orion The Orion crew exploration vehicle is NASA's first new human spacecraft developed since the space shuttle a quarter-century earlier. The capsule is one of the key elements of returning astronauts to the Moon. U.S. STORE Fallen Heroes Patch Collection The official patches from Apollo 1, the shuttle Challenger and Columbia crews are available in the store. U.S. STORE WORLDWIDE STORE Contact us
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A reproduction of the official accident investigation report into the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew of seven. 
Choose your store:
Apollo 11 - The NASA Mission Reports Vol. 3 is the first comprehensive study of man's first mission to another world is revealed in all of its startling complexity. Includes DVD!
If you've ever watched a launch from Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Vandenberg Air Force Base or even Kodiak Island Alaska, there's no better way to describe what you witnessed than with this DVD.
The Apollo Patch Collection: Includes all 12 Apollo mission patches plus the Apollo Program Patch. Save over 20% off the Individual price. 
Special collectors' patch marking the 35th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing is now available.
An insider's view of how Apollo flight controllers operated and just what they faced when events were crucial.
This exceptional chronicle of the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing mission features new digital transfers of film and television coverage unmatched by any other.
Own a little piece of history with this official patch for the International Space Station's Expedition 11 crew. We'll ship yours today!
This special 12-inch embroidered patch commemorates the U.S. astronauts who made the ultimate sacrifice, honoring the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia.
Women of Space: Cool Careers on the Final Frontier is for girls, young women, and anyone else interested in learning about exciting careers in space exploration. Includes CD-ROM.
This new poster features some of the best pictures from NASA's amazing Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity.
The official embroidered patch for shuttle Atlantis' flight to deliver critical spare equipment to the space station.
The official embroidered patch for the Ares 1-X rocket test flight, is available for purchase.
This beautiful one piece set features the Apollo program emblem surrounded by the individual mission logos.
The Orion crew exploration vehicle is NASA's first new human spacecraft developed since the space shuttle a quarter-century earlier. The capsule is one of the key elements of returning astronauts to the Moon.
The official patches from Apollo 1, the shuttle Challenger and Columbia crews are available in the store.
Expedition 10 Commander and NASA ISS Science Officer Leroy Chiao and Soyuz Commander and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov discuss their planned six-month mission on the space station. (11min 23sec file)
Space station officials brief the news media on the continuing mission of the Expedition 9 crew and the plan for an upcoming spacewalk. (58min 42sec file)
The Apollo 11 astronauts are retrieved from their capsule and welcomed back to Earth by President Richard Nixon. (2min 04sec file)
Apollo 11 safely returns to Earth, making a parachute-assisted splashdown in the ocean. (3min 57sec file)
Mission officials and scientists preview the flight of NASA's MESSENGER space probe to orbit the planet Mercury during this news conference. (41min 36sec file)
Armstrong and Aldrin gather lunar samples and conduct experiments during their moonwalk. (2min 27sec file)
The Apollo 11 astronauts narrate footage of their historic landing on the moon and describe the technical details of the descent. (22min 02sec file)
The Eagle lunar module returns to the orbiting command module and the Apollo 11 astronauts head back to Earth. (5min 33sec file)
President Richard Nixon calls Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to congratulate the astronauts following their successful landing on the moon. (1min 29sec file)
The Apollo 11 astronauts and other dignitaries hold a special 35th anniversary celebration in Washington on July 20. Hear from Armstrong, Aldrin, Collins, Walter Cronkite, NASA Administrator O'Keefe and others. (76min 12sec file)
The "Eagle" lunar lander undocks from the "Columbia" command module in preparation for landing. (1min 21sec file)
The Apollo 11 spacecraft "Eagle" lands on the moon 35 years ago, delivering Armstrong and Aldrin. (2min 04sec file)
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin step foot on the surface of the moon on July 20 1969, forever changing history. (11min 17sec file)
One of the liquid-fueled main engines that will power space shuttle Discovery on the return-to-flight mission next spring is test-fired at NASA's Stennis Space Center. (1min 56sec file)
Famed CBS News anchorman Walter Cronkite recalls the Apollo 11 mission in this interview on NASA Television. (3min 15sec file)
