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Cassini preview
The Cassini spacecraft's arrival at Saturn is previewed in this detailed news conference from NASA Headquarters on June 3. (50min 01sec file)
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Saturn arrival explained
Cassini's make-or-break engine firing to enter orbit around Saturn is explained with graphics and animation. Expert narration is provided by Cassini program manager Robert Mitchell. (3min 33sec file)
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Cassini mission science
The scientific objectives of the Cassini mission to study the planet Saturn, its rings and moons are explained by Charles Elachi, director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. (4min 54sec file)
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Zenit booster puts Russian military satellite into space
BY SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: June 10, 2004

Delayed numerous times by technical troubles over the past few months, a Zenit 2 rocket finally launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome early Thursday carrying a classified Russian military payload.

Liftoff occurred at 0128 GMT (9:28 p.m. EDT Wed.), and the rocket deployed its cargo into orbit at 0141 GMT, officials said.


File image of Zenit rocket. Credit: Globalstar/Loral TV
 
Experts suspect the secret satellite is an electronic reconnaissance craft.

It has been dubbed Kosmos 2406, which is the name that had been given to a military spacecraft launched earlier this year. But Russian space officials have shuffled the names, creating some confusion along the way.

The Ukrainian-built, two-stage Zenit is a highly automated vehicle that began flying in the mid-1980s. It has suffered several spectacular failures but today's launch went as planned, according to Russian reports.

A three-stage version of the Zenit is used by the Sea Launch group to carry commercial communications satellites into space from a floating platform in the Pacific Ocean.

Apollo 12 tribute DVD set

New! Featuring the jovial crew of Pete Conrad, Dick Gordon and Alan Bean, the Apollo 12 mission was struck by lightning shortly after liftoff but proceeded on the second successful exploration voyage to the lunar surface. This three-disc DVD brings the mission to life with extraordinary detail.
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Fallen Heroes special patch
This special 12-inch embroidered patch commemorates the U.S. astronauts who made the ultimate sacrifice, honoring the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia.
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Women in Space
Women of Space: Cool Careers on the Final Frontier is for girls, young women, and anyone else interested in learning about exciting careers in space exploration. Includes CD-ROM.
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Mars rover poster
This new poster features some of the best pictures from NASA's amazing Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity.
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Apollo 11 special patch
Special collectors' patch marking the 35th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing is now available.
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Inside Apollo mission control
An insider's view of how Apollo flight controllers operated and just what they faced when events were crucial.
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The ultimate Apollo 11 DVD
This exceptional chronicle of the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing mission features new digital transfers of film and television coverage unmatched by any other.
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Next ISS crew
Own a little piece of history with this official patch for the International Space Station's Expedition 11 crew. We'll ship yours today!
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