space exploration

While much of the first day of the Space Elevator Conference was dedicated to the problem of space trash, the concept also faces another significant challenge.

The first man in space died in a jet fighter training accident just seven years after his famous flight. But the reasons for that crash have always been mysterious -- until now.

The European Space Agency wants volunteers to take the 520-day trip to Mars. Well ok, a simulated version of the red planet voyage but you would get to go to Moscow and pretend you were on a spaceship.

Koichi Wakata, a Japanese astronaut who will be living on the ISS for the next six months, will be testing specially designed underwear that can remain stink-free for much longer than traditional undergarments.

China's official Xinhua News Agency ran a story on Thursday announcing ground controllers were tracking Chinese astronauts sent aloft for the country's first spacewalk, complete with details and quotes from the astronauts. There was just one problem: the astronauts had yet to blast off for the spacewalk, which is scheduled for the early hours of Saturday morning, Beijing time.