ISS: Zvezda module launched

ISSThe third major piece of the International Space Station, the Mir-derived Zvezda service module, is launched from Russia. Once in orbit, automatic systems guide Zvezda toward rendezvous and docking with the combined Zarya and Unity modules that currently comprise the station. Zvezda adds life support systems and living quarters, as well as additional power-generating solar panels, to the station, completing the most basic building blocks necessary for ongoing occupation.

Doctor Who At The BBC Radiophonic Workshop, Volume 1: The Early Years – 1963-1969 (soundtrack)

The Early YearsBBC Music releases Doctor Who At The BBC Radiophonic Workshop, Volume 1: The Early Years – 1963-1969, collecting early music cues and sound effects created by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop during Doctor Who’s early black & white years. Read more

Doctor Who At The BBC Radiophonic Workshop, Volume 2: New Beginnings – 1970-1979 (soundtrack)

New BeginningsBBC Music releases Doctor Who At The BBC Radiophonic Workshop, Volume 2: New Beginnings – 1970-1979, collecting early music cues and sound effects created by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop during the Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker years of Doctor Who. Read more

Sir Alec Guinness, Star Wars actor, dies

Sir Alec GuinnessSir Alec Guinness, best known to SF fans as Obi-Wan Kenobi, dies at the age of 86. He was a working actor for over six decades, though directors had to beg him into participating in his two best-known outings – Star Wars and The Bridge Over The River Kwai; indeed, in recent years, he has made his disdain for the former project very well known to any fans who dared to ask. Reports around the time of his death indicated that Sir Alec Guinness has been suffering from liver cancer. He is survived by his wife and son.