The Russian pilot reportedly misinterpreted instructions from a radar operator on the ground and thought he had permission to fire.
Aliens may be sending us very small "dandelion seed" probes to gather information.
US officials say the United States can only take limited steps against allies on rights issues if it wants to avoid rival powers gaining influence.
"The targeted ISIS senior leader, Hamza al-Homsi, was killed," the Defense Department said.
A nuclear thermal engine for a space rocket could be three or more times as efficient as conventional chemical rockets.
The missile uses electro-optical systems to collect surveillance information and can take off and land in a soldier's hand.