Mishap ends Nasa robotic test craft mission early

A mishap ended the mission of a computer-controlled Nasa robotic spacecraft prematurely after it came within 300ft (91.44m) of a Pentagon satellite, officials said today.

The spacecraft was able to track the satellite 472 miles (759.58km) above Earth without the help of astronauts or human controllers, but ended its approach after the mishap last night and sent itself into orbit, Nasa said in a statement.