NASA launched a new telescope into space on Monday to scan the cosmos for undiscovered objects, including asteroids and comets that might threaten Earth.

It was a launch that was marred by weather delays and other issues that had sprouted a hint of skepticism among the public in regards to the launch of NASA’s space shuttle Atlantis.

The space shuttle Atlantis was fueled up Monday for its mission to ferry six astronauts and tons of spare parts to the International Space Station.

Making a bigger splash than expected, the crash of an empty rocket stage in a permanently shadowed crater near the moon's south pole last month kicked up a surprising amount of water ice and vapor, confirming the presence of a potentially valuable resource for future space travelers.

The former astronaut Lisa Nowak arrested in an attack on victim Colleen Shipman. On Tuesday she was sentenced one year probation.