DR Congo's deadly anti-UN protest: Soldiers go on trial in Goma
More than 40 people were killed after troops opened fire on protesters in Goma last week.
2023-09-06 20:47
Tropical Storm Lee forecast to become 'extremely dangerous' hurricane
The storm is likely to reach hurricane status soon, but it is too early to assess its potential impact.
2023-09-06 19:24
Starship ‘ready to launch’, Elon Musk says
SpaceX is ready to launch its next-generation Starship rocket, according to Elon Musk, pending regulatory approval. Starship is the most powerful rocket ever built, measuring 121 metres in height and capable of producing 5,000 metric tons of thrust. Once testing is complete, the craft will form part of Nasa’s Artemis mission to return astronauts to the Moon. Mr Musk also plans to use the rocket to transport people and cargo around the solar system, eventually using fleets of Starships to establish a permanent human colony on Mars. The next launch will be the second attempt at an orbital flight test, with the only previous effort ending in an explosion just three minutes into the 90 minute flight earlier this year. Each launch attempt requires approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), while also requiring favourable weather conditions. “Starship is ready to launch, awaiting FAA licence approval,” Mr Musk posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday. A spokesperson for the FAA previously told The Independent that the launch licence application for Starship depends on various requirements being met, including reviews on policy, payload, safety, airspace integration, financial responsibility and environmental impacts. “The FAA will make a licence determination only after the agency is satisfied SpaceX meets all licensing, safety and other regulatory requirements,” the spokesperson said. SpaceX typically only reveals the date for rocket tests a few days before they take place, though numerous factors can still delay them. Weather at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas is currently favourable for a launch, though the area can be prone to storms and hurricanes between June and November. SpaceX performed its 62nd orbital rocket launch of 2023 earlier this week, breaking its own record for the most number of launches in a single year. The private company has delivered roughly 80 per cent of all Earth payload mass to orbit in 2023, with Mr Musk predicting that this figure will rise to more than 99 per cent once Starship is in operation. “These magnitudes are madness to consider, but necessary to make consciousness multiplanetary,” he posted on X on Sunday. Read More SpaceX smashes rocket launch record as Musk eyes historic Starship mission SpaceX abandons YouTube for live streams of launches in favour of X/Twitter
2023-09-06 18:22
Sara Sharif: Dad and stepmum release video in first public contact since her death
In a video sent to the BBC Urfan Sharif and his partner describe Sara's death as an "incident".
2023-09-06 16:28
Sara Sharif: So badly injured mum 'did not recognise her' in mortuary
Police in Surrey want to speak to three family members in relation to their murder investigation.
2023-09-06 15:25
Dollar Rally Hits Resistance, Stock Futures Fall: Markets Wrap
The greenback’s rally paused and stocks futures fell amid elevated oil prices that reignited concerns over inflation. The
2023-09-06 14:56
Japan Warns on Yen After Currency Hits Fresh 10-Month Low
Japan issued its strongest warning over sharp currency movements in weeks after the yen set a fresh 10-month
2023-09-06 08:51
Kumbh Mela: Antibiotics and the world's biggest gathering in India
Researchers discover excessive antibiotic prescriptions at India's Kumbh Mela, the world's biggest gathering.
2023-09-06 05:29
Ken Paxton: Why Republicans are impeaching a Trump ally in Texas
Ken Paxton's trial exposes deep divides between the party's pro-Trump and establishment factions.
2023-09-06 05:23
Irish police chief in Dubai to discuss criminal gangs
Gardaí say Commissioner Drew Harris is to attend a series of meetings as part of an ongoing operation.
2023-09-06 01:59
Palak Tiwari issues skincare warning to fans: 'Don't overdo it!'
Palak Tiwari has warned fans against "over-exfoliating" their face as she reveals a tip her mother gave her more than a decade ago.
2023-09-05 20:57
Jill Biden: US first lady tests positive for Covid-19
She is experiencing mild symptoms, the White House says, while President Joe Biden tested negative.
2023-09-05 19:52