NASA Moon rocket ready for second attempt at liftoff

23 Sept 04:45 Key points summarised by AI

NASA prepares for its second launch attempt of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on Saturday, aiming to send the uncrewed Artemis 1 mission towards the Moon after technical issues stalled the first try.
The Artemis 1 mission is crucial for validating the Orion capsule's safety for future human spaceflight, using instrumented mannequins to gather vital data during its six-week journey.
This launch initiates NASA's ambitious Artemis program, which seeks to return humans to the Moon, including the first woman and person of color, 50 years after the final Apollo mission.
The mission will test the Orion capsule's heat shield, the largest ever built, as it withstands extreme conditions upon re-entry, paving the way for subsequent crewed lunar missions and eventual Mars exploration.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.