China first country in launching rocket from sea
Beijing: In a first, China on Wednesday successfully launched a rocket from a sailing ship into space, showcasing its prowess in the field.
A Long March-11 solid propellant carrier rocket blasted off at 12.06 p.m. from the mobile platform in the Yellow Sea off Shandong Province, Chinese news agency Xinhua reported.
It is China’s first space launch from a sea-based platform and the 306th mission of the Long March carrier rocket series, the state-owned news outlet said.
China has spent billions of dollars on space technology and aims to become a dominant superpower by 2030.
The Long March-11 can carry small satellites and can take multiple satellites into orbit at the same time.
The rocket carried two technology experiment satellites and five commercial satellites into space.
“The seaborne launch technology will meet the growing launch demand of low inclination satellites and help China provide launch services for countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative,” experts were quoted as saying by Xinhua.
The two satellites are expected to step up all-weather monitoring of ocean wind fields, improve typhoon monitoring and accuracy of the weather forecast in China. (IANS)
Passengers trapped for 6 hours in Paris tunnel on high-speed train
Paris: Train passengers were stuck for six hours in a tunnel outside Paris on Tuesday after their high-speed service suffered a power cut just minutes after departure, leaving them in sweltering heat, without electricity or working toilets.
The train bound for Barcelona became trapped in the tunnel in the Yerres area outside Paris. French rail operator SNCF said the power failure lasted only 10 or 15 minutes but the train was unable to restart because of its position. A new train was sent in to shunt the stalled carriages along, but without success.
Passengers were relocated through the tunnel to the working train in front accompanied by SNCF staff, firefighters and police, according to an AFP journalist, who said two passengers were looked after by emergency workers.
One tourist, 68-year-old Australian Heather Manton, expressed concern over her reservations in Barcelona and described the experience as “horrible”.
The passengers were finally on the move by late afternoon. (AFP)
