A historic space launch, scheduled to happen yesterday evening, had to be postponed just 17 minutes before lift off as bad weather covered the launch site. The launch of the Crew Dragon spacecraft was set to be a historic moment, marking the return of America to manned spaceflight after the retirement of the Space Shuttles in 2011.
The Crew Dragon, built by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, would also have been the first privately built spacecraft to carry astronauts to the International Space Station.
The next window for launch is on Saturday at 9:22pm European time. The launch will be livestreamed on both NASA and SpaceX websites.
EC proposes €750bln economic relief package
The European Commission has put forward a new economic support package for EU countries hit by coronavirus.
The recovery fund worth €750 billion would be made up of €500 billion of grants and €250 billion in loans for EU states. The money could be raised on capital markets and paid back over 30 years through new taxes on carbon, non-recycled plastic, and digital products.
Speaking to the European Parliament yesterday, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the economic impact of the virus was a challenge never before seen in the history of the Union, adding that Europe was facing a „defining moment”.
The proposal has gained initial support in France and Germany, as well as Mediterranean countries. However Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden have so far opposed the plans. Others, including Poland, have yet to commit either way. The proposal will need approval of all 27 member states if it is to pass.
June 28th last possible date for election: PiS leader
The leader of Poland’s ruling party, Jarosław Kaczyński, has said June 28th is the last possible date for the Polish presidential election.
The election, which was originally scheduled for May 10th, was postponed due to the pandemic earlier this month.
St. Dominic’s Fair to go ahead despite pandemic
Organisers in Gdansk have said the annual Saint Dominic’s Fair will go ahead this year.
The festival, which dates back to the year 1260, is celebrating its 760th anniversary. It is one of the largest outdoor trade fairs in Europe alongside the Weihnachtmarkt and Oktoberfest.
Although the fair will go ahead as planned from July 25 to August 16, it’s understood there will be safety measures in place to allow for social distancing.
WW2 Bunker on sale for 1zł
A Second World War bunker has gone on sale in Gdynia.
The T-750 „Truppenmannschaftsbunker”, located in Oksywie in north Gdynia, features 500sqm of floor space with eight rooms.
Originally built in 1944 using forced labour, the German Navy used the building as an air raid shelter during the later stages of World War 2. It’s now a protected building so any developments on the site are strictly limited, but anyone with a plan and the money can purchase this piece of history for the sum of just 1zł.
Weather
Some clouds hanging around as we go into the afternoon but clearing up later on. Remaining cool for this time of year with highs of 13/14°C, around 55°F.
Radio Gdansk News/TAH
