First Human-Rated Spacecraft Launched from Europe's Spaceport

For the first time in 40 years of space activities, a silent revolution is taking place at the European launch site in Kourou. Jules Vernes, the first human-rated spacecraft to be launched from Europe's Spaceport, is being prepared for launch. The launch and maiden voyage to the International Space Station is scheduled on the first Ariane 5 flight of the new year in February 2008. Read more...

NASA Announces Discovery of Assault by a Black Hole

Astronomers will hold a media teleconference Monday, Dec. 17, at 1 pm EST to announce the discovery of a first-of-its-kind phenomenon involving a black hole and a neighboring galaxy. Researchers made the finding by combining data from NASA's space-based telescopes and ground-based observations. Audio of the event will be streamed live on the Web at:

http://www.nasa.gov/newsaudio