DWARF PLANET MISSION TO LAUNCH THIS WEEKEND The Madainn Probe is set to be launched this coming weekend. The probe is designed to fly to investigate a protoplanet called Ceres which is situated between Nergal and Marduk and forms part of the asteroid belt that sits between the two planets. It is likely that the Mandainn probe is likely to claim several firsts in space exploration. According to the Dr. Lee McRae the project co-ordinator, its the first purely scientific probe powered by ion thrusters. Its the first probe to visit Ceres, and thus the first probe to visit a protoplanet. If it is successful in observing Ceres it is likely to move onto a second nearby protoplanet called Vesta and if it achieves orbit with that dwarf planet, will be the first probe to orbit two bodies in a single mission.
Dr.McRae spoke of excitement about the programme saying "By studying these two bodies we can learn much about the processes by which our own planets have formed. Hopefully we can see how celestial dust merged into clusters, which merged into rocks, which merged into planets. Vesta and Ceres should have been right there alongside Earth, Venus, Mars, etc., in our sixth-grade light bulb diorama, but they couldnt quite make the jump to planet-hood. . These proto-planetsone rocky and the other icyare more or less windows into the past, and by studying them, we can fill in the blanks on the history and makeup of the Solar System. Madainn will arrive at Ceres in April. The probe also features many elements manufactured by SmartWar who Dr.McRae said, "They have a proven track record in making successful remote systems and we'd be fools not to use their expertise in a project where our probe is likely to be in and out of flying debris. There is a good chance some giant rock will slam into Madainn as it transition making it important to give it some ability to act autonomously."
KING CÓEMGEIN FINALLY LEAVES HOSPITAL King Cóemgein of Cantabria was today released from hospital. The 44 year old had been involved in a major car accident and was in a medically induced coma for close to two months and has then been slowly regaining his cognitive ability over the last six months. While hospitalised he also suffered from MRSA which further set back his recovery. While he has been hospitaliised the Kingdom of Cantabria has been run by his wife Queen Cait, sister of King Finley of Ui Cenneslaig. The Queen has juggled representing the royal family with bringing up the pairs two year daughter Niamh. The Queen, who turned 30 last week, has acted as regent and is likely to continue to do so until the King is passed as medically fit enough to return to his duties.
The Queen spoke briefly with the media before going into the Claith Royal Hospital to take her husband home and said, "I'm thrilled to get him home finally, as will Niamh. She's spent a good few months not really having her father around and I'm sure being with her well only help my husband recover." King Finley also sent his regards saying, "Cóemgein is effectively a brother to me and I'm delighted to hear he's on the road to recovery. I look forward to catching up with him soon."
It is expected to be at least another six months before Cóemgein can resume even the most basic royal duties.