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Nasa’s Artemis II mission rocket arrives at launch site

The last stages of planning are currently in progress for a historic lunar mission, marking the first time a crew will travel to the Moon since the 1960s, a span of over five decades.

In preparation for the first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years, NASA's Space Launch System has been transported to the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida, marking a significant step towards the upcoming Artemis II mission.

The 98m-tall rocket was relocated from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad over a period of nearly 12 hours, covering a distance of 4 miles (6.5km).

With the rocket now in position, the focus shifts to conducting final tests, checks, and a dress rehearsal to ensure a successful 10-day mission, which will see four astronauts travel around the Moon.

According to NASA, the earliest possible launch date for the Artemis II mission is 6 February, with additional launch windows available later in February, as well as in March and April.

The rocket's journey to the launch pad began at 07:04 local time (12:04 GMT) and concluded at 18:41 local time (23:42 GMT), with the rocket arriving at Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center.

An image of a mega rocket in a stable position, surrounded by blue skies, as it was rolled towards the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. — The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket that will fly the Artemis II mission to the Moon

A massive crawler-transporter was used to transport the rocket, moving at a top speed of 0.82 mph (1.3 km/h) along the 4-mile route, with live coverage capturing the slow and deliberate process.

In the coming days, NASA will prepare the rocket for a "wet dress rehearsal," a critical test of fuel operations and countdown procedures to ensure the mission's success.

The Artemis II crew, consisting of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, were present at the Kennedy Space Center to witness the rocket's relocation.

In the near future, these four astronauts will be secured inside a spacecraft atop the rocket, ready to embark on their historic journey to the Moon.

This mission will mark the first time humans have visited the Moon since the Apollo 17 landing in December 1972, a significant milestone in space exploration.

NASA has stated that the Artemis II mission has the potential to take astronauts further into space than ever before, pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight.

Four smiling astronauts wearing bright orange spacesuits but no helmets. From left to right they are Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen. They are standing together positioned in a row with their arms crossed. The room they are in is filled with technical equipment and cabling. — From left to right the Artemis crew is Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen

Although the Artemis II mission will not involve a lunar landing, it will lay the groundwork for future missions, including the Artemis III mission, which is slated to include a lunar landing.

The launch of the Artemis III mission is currently scheduled for "no earlier than" 2027, although experts predict that 2028 may be a more realistic target date.

Christina Koch expressed her excitement and awe upon seeing the rocket, describing it as an incredible experience.

Koch noted that astronauts tend to remain calm on launch day, attributing this to their extensive training and preparation, which enables them to focus on the mission at hand.

Jeremy Hansen expressed his hope that the mission would inspire people around the world, fostering a newfound appreciation for space exploration.

Hansen reflected on his own perspective on the Moon, stating that he had previously taken it for granted, but now sees it as a fascinating and complex celestial body worthy of further study.

Hansen believes that the Artemis II mission will captivate people's attention, encouraging them to gaze at the Moon with renewed interest, particularly as humans fly around its far side.

Prior to embarking on their lunar journey, the Artemis II crew will spend the first two days in orbit around the Earth, conducting initial checks and preparations.

According to Koch, the crew will enter an orbit approximately 40,000 miles out, equivalent to about one-fifth of the distance to the Moon, providing a unique perspective on the Earth.

Koch described the experience of seeing the Earth as a single, unified entity, a view that none of the astronauts have previously witnessed.

The crew will then travel over 250,000 miles to the Moon, conducting scientific experiments and operations along the way.

During their flyby of the Moon's far side, the astronauts will dedicate three hours to observing the lunar surface, taking images, and studying its geology to inform future landing sites.

A crucial component of the Orion spacecraft, the European Service Module, was manufactured in Bremen, Germany, by Airbus, a key contributor to the mission.

The European Service Module, which is a large cylindrical part of a spacecraft, sits in a cleanroom. On its top surface, several spherical metal tanks are surrounded by metallic insulation. There is shiny silver metallic insulation on its sides too. The module sits on a square platform, and the floor around it is marked with yellow and black safety tape. — The European Service Module provides power and propulsion and life support systems

The European Service Module provides the necessary propulsion for the Orion spacecraft to reach the Moon, making it an essential component of the mission.

Sian Cleaver, a spacecraft engineer at Airbus, emphasized the importance of the European Service Module, stating that it is indispensable for the success of the mission.

The module's large solar arrays will generate the electrical power required for the spacecraft, while its tanks will supply oxygen, nitrogen, and water to sustain the astronauts during their journey.

Cleaver highlighted the module's critical role in providing life-support systems for the crew, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout the mission.

The Airbus team is currently working on building additional modules for future Artemis missions, a complex process that requires thousands of engineering hours and approximately 18 months to complete.

The team's primary objective is to ensure the safe transportation of astronauts to the Moon and back, a responsibility that demands meticulous attention to detail and perfection.

Sian Cleaver from Airbus says the safety of the astronauts is the top priority

Cleaver reiterated the importance of safety, stating that the team must guarantee the astronauts' safe return, a top priority for the mission.

With the rocket now positioned on the launch pad, the Artemis team is working tirelessly to prepare for liftoff, driven by the urgency to meet the mission's timeline.

The mission has already experienced significant delays, and NASA is under pressure to launch the Artemis II mission as soon as possible, while maintaining its commitment to safety.

John Honeycutt, chair of the Artemis mission management team, emphasized that his primary responsibility is the safe return of the astronauts, and that the mission will only proceed when all safety protocols are met.

Honeycutt reaffirmed NASA's commitment to prioritizing crew safety above all else, stating that the mission will only launch when the team is confident that all necessary precautions have been taken.

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Family of Murder Victim Expresses Frustration Over Delayed Trial Scheduling

A 21-year-old woman, Chloe Mitchell, lost her life in June 2023, and a man is set to stand trial, facing a murder charge.

The family of Chloe Mitchell, a 21-year-old woman from Ballymena, is facing further uncertainty as they await the outcome of a trial for her alleged murderer, which may be impacted by an ongoing barristers' strike.

A close-up photo of Chloe Mitchell - a young woman with long, straight, fair hair - smiling at the camera. She is wearing black-framed sunglasses with blue lenses on her head, which are partially visible. — Chloe Mitchell's remains were found eight days after she went missing in 2023

Chloe Mitchell's life was cut short in June 2023, when she was killed in an incident that has left her family and community in shock.

Brandon John Rainey, the man accused of her murder, is scheduled to stand trial on February 23, but the proceedings may be delayed due to the industrial action by defence barristers.

Following a recent court hearing to review trial arrangements, Nadine Mitchell, Chloe's sister, expressed her family's distress and frustration, telling BBC News NI that they are struggling to cope with the uncertainty.

Nadine Mitchell stated that her family has been left with no choice but to wait once again for a resolution, having already endured a prolonged period of anxiety and uncertainty.

The family's emotional turmoil is evident, with Nadine describing the experience as a prolonged period of distress, marked by sleepless nights and unbearable tension.

The Mitchell family is struggling to come to terms with their situation, which has left them feeling overwhelmed and distraught.

The current strike by defence barristers in Northern Ireland, which began last month, is a result of a long-standing dispute over legal aid fees, with barristers arguing that their fees have not kept pace with inflation.

The strike has brought almost all criminal trials in Northern Ireland to a standstill, with the exception of cases where the defendant does not require legal aid.

The Mitchell family has appealed for their case to be treated as an exception, allowing the trial to proceed as scheduled.

Chloe Mitchell, who was 21 at the time of her disappearance, was reported missing in early June 2023, prompting an extensive search operation.

Her remains were discovered about a week later, following a series of searches in the Ballymena area.

Brandon John Rainey was subsequently arrested and charged with Chloe's murder, which is alleged to have taken place between June 2 and June 5, 2023.

Rainey also faces a charge of attempting to prevent the lawful burial of a deceased body.

The dispute between barristers and the Department of Justice centres on the level of legal aid fees, which barristers claim have not increased since 2005.

A close-up of Brandon Rainey, a man with short, fair hair and stubble, looking at the camera. He is sitting in a vehicle on a dark, wet night. — Brandon Rainey is accused of the murder of Chloe Mitchell

Barristers argue that the fees have not kept pace with inflation, resulting in a significant decrease in their real-terms value over the past 20 years.

The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) has warned that the low fees have created a crisis in the justice system, with many younger barristers refusing to take on legal aid cases due to the low rates of pay.

The CBA has described the strike as a "last resort" in their dispute with the Department of Justice, which has been ongoing for some time.

Despite an announced 16% increase in fees, which is set to take effect in mid-January, the strike has continued, with barristers arguing that the increase does not go far enough to address their concerns.

Chloe's father, George Mitchell, has previously appealed for an exception to be made in their case, allowing the trial to proceed despite the strike.

George Mitchell has argued that any delay to the trial would cause further trauma and distress for the families of victims.

He had invited Justice Minister Naomi Long to meet with him and his wife, Georgina, to discuss the matter further.

However, Minister Long has stated that it is not feasible to allow individual cases to proceed while the dispute over legal aid fees remains unresolved, citing ethical and practical concerns.

The minister has reiterated that the decision to grant exceptions lies with the CBA, which must weigh the competing demands of their members and the needs of the justice system.

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Keanu Reeves’ John Wick Video Game Revealed at PlayStation Event

The iconic hitman has made previous appearances in games, however, the version developed by Saber will mark the first instance where the character is voiced by Reeves.

A video game adaptation of the John Wick franchise, which has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, is in development, with Keanu Reeves set to lend his likeness and voice to the project.

An in game screenshot of a video game version of Keanu Reeves as the character John Wick. He is wearing a suit and looking at the camera.

The game, currently titled "Untitled John Wick Game", is being developed by Saber Interactive, the studio behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, in collaboration with Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick film series.

A trailer for the game, expected to serve as a prequel to the film series, was unveiled during PlayStation's "State of Play" event on Thursday.

The event also featured announcements for remakes of several major game franchises, including the God of War trilogy, as well as a special 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman.

The John Wick film series, which has earned over $1 billion globally, follows the story of a retired assassin, played by Keanu Reeves, as he seeks vengeance in a world of high-stakes action.

Although the character of John Wick has appeared in games before, this will be the first time Keanu Reeves has provided his voice for the role.

Reeves has previous experience in the gaming industry, having played a key role in the hit game Cyberpunk 2077 as the character Johnny Silverhand.

According to Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive, the development team is "honored" to be working with Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves to bring the John Wick universe to life in a AAA game.

The game's story will be an original narrative designed for mature audiences, featuring a mix of familiar characters from the film series and new ones.

Jenefer Brown, president of global products at Lionsgate, the producer of the John Wick films, expressed the company's goal of capturing the "intense action" and "distinctive fight choreography" that define the franchise.

The reaction to the game's announcement has been largely positive among fans on social media.

However, some fans have expressed concerns about the potential impact on Saber Interactive's other projects, including the long-awaited remake of the classic Star Wars game Knights of the Old Republic.

Christopher Dring, editor-in-chief of The Game Business, believes that the John Wick game is a strong fit for Saber Interactive, given the studio's experience with action-oriented IPs and its ability to release multiple games across various genres.

Dring notes that Saber Interactive operates as a collective of studios working on multiple IPs, allowing it to release a diverse range of games annually.

During the same event, Sony announced that Santa Monica Studios is working on remakes of the first three God of War games, building on one of the platform's most successful franchises.

An in-game screenshot of Silent Hill Townfall. We see the back of a man who is looking at a sign that says "Welcome to St. Amelia". — Konami's trailer for Silent Hill Townfall revealed it is set in St Amelia, a "fictional island inspired by Scotland"

Although a release date for the God of War remakes was not provided, Sony did announce a surprise side-scrolling prequel game, Sons of Sparta, which is available now.

The event also offered a first look at Townfall, the latest installment in the Silent Hill series, set on the fictional island of St. Amelia, which draws inspiration from Scotland.

A 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman was also announced, featuring five versions of the 1995 game, along with a near-immediate release.

Loic Gounon, brand producer for the Rayman games, discussed the anniversary edition with the BBC, highlighting the inclusion of a new documentary that explores the making of the original game, as well as accessibility features designed to enhance the experience for modern players.

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Tottenham set to appoint temporary boss ahead of permanent summer hire

Tottenham expect to appoint an interim manager to oversee the team for the rest of the season by this weekend, with plans to make a permanent appointment in the summer.

The task of finding a successor to Thomas Frank has fallen to Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, who are overseeing the selection process.

Tottenham Hotspur intends to appoint an interim manager to see out the current season, with a view to making a more permanent appointment during the summer months.

The dismissal of Thomas Frank occurred earlier this week, at a time when the team was five points clear of the relegation zone.

According to sources close to BBC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur is expected to finalize an agreement with an interim manager before the team resumes training on Monday.

Following their early exit from the FA Cup in the third round, Tottenham has a nine-day break before facing Arsenal in the north London derby on February 22.

With no match scheduled for this weekend, the first-team squad has been given a brief break and is set to return to training on Monday.

The club is aware that the mid-season transfer window presents limited options, and it may be more feasible to secure a long-term manager at the end of the campaign.

An in-depth examination of Thomas Frank's tenure reveals the challenges he faced in winning over players and fans.

A closer look at Frank's time at Tottenham highlights the risks involved in his appointment and the ultimate failure of his tenure.

Although the search for an interim manager is still ongoing, the successful candidate will be considered for the permanent position if they perform well in the role.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is a potential candidate to take the reins on a permanent basis, particularly since his contract with the US men's national team is set to expire after the World Cup this summer.

Another candidate being considered is Roberto De Zerbi, who recently parted ways with French club Marseille by mutual consent.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Tottenham, please refer to our dedicated section.

If you have any questions about Tottenham, feel free to ask and we will do our best to provide you with the information you are looking for.