"This is not the type of mission that you plan and execute overnight, it's just not, " the official said.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

At the same time, Arianespace would find efficiencies in operating a single model of rocket to carry out every type of mission.

BBC: Ariane rocket aims to pick up the pace

"If we're tasked to execute this type of mission, doesn't matter what service, male, female, they're our brothers and sisters in arms, " SERE specialist "Jesse" said.

CNN: Quade: Secretive military team allows reporter inside

Had the mission been using almost any other type of rocket, its payload would now be at the bottom of the Atlantic.

ECONOMIST: SpaceX goes to the ISS

The numbers of applications are very encouraging, and US Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Todd Park and I are thrilled to see this type of enthusiasm for the program and the mission it represents.

WHITEHOUSE: Hitting the Ground Running With the Digital Strategy

Some space experts have said that any manned Mars mission using existing rockets probably would need to have a capsule dock with some type of booster in orbit.

WSJ: First Space Tourist to Outline Trip to Mars

But computer networks are now deemed mission-critical for many companies and that means the IT guys cant make this type of decision without consulting with the fellow in the corner office.

FORBES: Net gains

Last week's Soyuz was a type 2.1b, compared with the 2.1a version used for the Globalstar mission.

BBC: Soyuz back in service after failed launch

"This type of behavior distinguishes real variations in surface brightness from mere lighting effects, " the NEAR mission team said in a statement.

CNN: NASA unveils quartet of asteroid movies

The reality is spelled out in the list of daily mission assignments displayed on a multicolored chart cluttered with boxes, letters and numbers: where the missions are, what type of aircraft or sensors are being used, and which team of airmen is assigned to monitor each one.

NPR: AP IMPACT: Combat Stress Felt Far From Front Lines