Sign of alien life? Kepler telescope spots strange star

A distant star is getting a lot of attention from astronomers – possibly as a sign that alien life is out there.

Liftoff! Orion launches into history

NASA took a small step towards another giant leap Friday. The space agency's Orion capsule successfully blasted off on an unmanned test flight, safely splashing down a few hours later.

Space shuttle Atlantis blasts into history

Space shuttle Atlantis found a hole in the clouds and launched into history on Friday, dazzling hundreds of thousands of spectators who mobbed Florida's coast to see the program's final flight.

Space shuttle Endeavour launches for final time

Space shuttle Endeavour soared into the sky for the last time Monday morning, delighting a crowd of hundreds of thousands of spectators as it created a bright but brief second sunrise.

Final launch for space shuttle Discovery

Space shuttle Discovery shook off delays and even a last-second glitch with a spectacular launch – a bittersweet moment for NASA as its most experienced craft blasted into orbit for the last time.