NPR : Space

The Mars Phoenix Lander hasn't transmitted a signal since Nov. 2. With a cold polar winter approaching and declining light levels, the Lander appears to be gone for good. Ira Flatow looks back at the short, but productive, life of the planetary explorer.

NASA's aging shuttle fleet is expected to be retired before the agency has a new space transportation system in place. The GAO has identified this spaceship gap as one of 13 urgent issues facing the new administration.

The International Space Station turns 10 this week, and NASA is celebrating with an upgrade of the orbiter's bedrooms and bathrooms.

A spacewalking astronaut accidentally let go of her tool bag Tuesday after a grease gun inside exploded. She helplessly watched as the tote and everything inside floated away.

A new exhibit at California's Huntington Library is opening up the work of the giants of science. Colorful star charts, close-up lunar sketches and dog-eared books reveal the world as seen by the eyes of Newton, Galileo and Copernicus.

Mechanical engineers Seth Lichter and Mark Weislogel wondered what would happen if they popped water balloons aboard NASA's low-gravity aircraft. Aside from the "fun factor," as Weislogel puts it, the results demonstrate some basic principles of physics.

Two independent research teams have detected exoplanets through unconventional methods — by taking snapshots using visible and infrared light. Astronomer James Graham discusses the findings — including what the exoplanets might tell us about the formation of planets and solar systems.

Scientists have taken images of multiple planets orbiting a star other than our own sun. One extrasolar system reportedly has three planets; another star, 25 light-years away from Earth, has one planet in its orbit.

A new toilet and fridge will soon be orbiting the Earth. Astronauts on board space shuttle Endeavour will take a load of new equipment up to the International Space Station, to get everything ready so that next year the station can double its crew from three to six. The space shuttle is scheduled to lift off Friday night.

NASA has lost contact with the Mars Phoenix probe, and officials say the mission is over. Phoenix landed in the northern polar region of Mars last May. Mission managers knew this day was coming. It's getting to be winter at the Phoenix landing site, and the few hours of daylight aren't enough for the lander's solar panels to recharge the batteries.