Pence sorry after ‘don’t touch’ gaffe

US Vice-president Mike Pence has made a tonguein-cheek apology to Nasa after a photo of him touching a piece of space flight equipment went viral.

Mr Pence was visiting the Kennedy Space Center in Florida when he placed his hand on the hardware – despite a large sign that read “do not touch”.

He later apologised on Twitter, joking that Florida Senator Marco Rubio “dared” him to do it.

Nasa has assured Mr Pence the equipment was in need of a clean anyway.

The Vice-president was addressing staff at Cape Canaveral on Thursday.