Space and astronomy

• Mars rover plans its escape

  Crunch time approaches for a decision on how to free Spirit from a sand trap.

  5 November 2009

• Supernova mystery solved? - Premium content

  Sooty neutron star could lie at the heart of Cassiopeia A.

  4 November 2009

• Satellite launches to track the world's water - Premium content

  Soil moisture and ocean salinity set to be monitored from space.

  2 November 2009

• Planet hunt delayed - Premium content

  Noise confounds NASA mission to find an Earth twin.

  30 October 2009

• Most distant gamma-ray burst spotted - Premium content

  Observations suggest the early Universe is ripe for exploration.

  28 October 2009

• An intergalactic race in space and time - Premium content

  A burst of γ-rays lets scientists test quantum theories of gravity.

  28 October 2009

• Dark energy rips cosmos and agencies - Premium content

  An international space mission to study an astronomical mystery is foundering.

  27 October 2009

• US physicists propose astrophysics goals - Premium content

  Dark energy and dark matter prove popular choices for funding.

  27 October 2009

• Probe uncovers Mercury's youthful secret - Premium content

  Latest fly-by reveals planet's recent volcanic activity.

  21 October 2009

• Moon scientist arrested on spy charges - Premium content

  Radar expert worked on US and Indian missions.

  20 October 2009