Below are the latest space-related news headlines. We'll cover these topics and more in out next show:

• The first rocky planet outside our solar system has been detected! This little ball of rock is the smallest extrasolar planet to be discovered and the first that could potentially support liquid water and life (as we know it on Earth). It zips around a star in the constellation Libra. Check out the story from NPR. [link]
• The European Space Agency (ESA) is planning to send an iPod full of tunes up to the space station later this year. Kids in Europe get to choose the songs! [link]
• NASA has decided to allow newcomer Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) to launch from Cape Canaveral. The Falcon 1 rocket had trouble on its first two flights. Will the new kid on the block really cut the cost of space launches in half? [link]
• World-renowned black hole theorist and author Dr. Stephen Hawking experienced nearly 4 minutes of weightlessness during his recent Zero Gravity flight. This paves the way for more disabled people to take the trip and have an "out of chair" experience. Richard Branson previously offered Hawking a seat on Virgin Galactic so that he can experience space first-hand. [link]

Stay tuned for more news stories in our next report! As always, comments and suggestions are appreciated.

Remember: we are still looking for some good theme music! Send your awesome space tunes to us via spaceshark (at) gmail.com

A new message from the Space Task Force is just around the corner. Should be up later today.

The latest episode of the Space Task Force is now available for your listening pleasure. Just click here to download.

We were honored to have Paul Sierpinski from the United Space Alliance in the studio. He's an expert on the Space Shuttle's External Fuel Tank.

In the show, we talk about ZeroG (G Force One gets an upgrade).

Tim gives us a recap of Yuri's Night - from Washington, DC to California. Pictures from Yuri's Night. The story of Moon Trees.

In space headlines:

• there could soon be a space raffle with your name on it from a man who's walked on the moon. [link]
• We also discuss the new Space Shuttle schedule. [link] In-studio guest Paul Sierpinski talks about the Shuttle's External Tank and what's involved in making it flight worthy.
• Lawmakers argue with the NASA Administrator over money and moon landings [link]
  
• Some sonic booms in the sunshine state - could they clear the way for-a-one-of a kind vacation?[link]
  

We also give a special shout out to the National Space Society and the International Space Development Conference coming up this May.

Enjoy the show... please let us know your feedback.

Let's Go!"

These were the words spoken by Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin as he embarked on the historic first manned space flight on 12 April 1961. Twenty years later on 12 April 1981, the US launched the first space shuttle flight.

Every year on April 12th Yuri's Night is celebrated all around the world – last year there were over 90 events or parties held in over 30 countries worldwide - and 2007 looks set to be even bigger. The range of events is as diverse as the people who hold them – even the residents of the International Space Station have been known to join in the fun!

Start your own Yuri's Night party or find a party near you at YurisNight.net

Click the play button above for a special April 11, 2007 SpaceTaskForce Update.