Hacker steals Nasa shuttle plans

It has emerged that a hacker last week broke into Nasa's network and stole detailed designs for future space craft.

Among the files lifted from the system was a PowerPoint presentation introducing a proposed shuttle design which included detailed technical drawings of the top secret craft.

A hacker, known as Rafa, uploaded the files to an FTP site and then showed them to a reporter from US newswire ComputerWorld.

Rafa reportedly cut his teeth in website defacement but of late has branched out into more worthy employment - as a self-styled 'investigative' hacker - seeking out weaknesses and bringing them to people's attention.

Reports suggest the plans are unlikely to be used for any nefarious purpose - but the hack will certainly prove an embarrassment to Nasa.