The French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is back at sea. It was docked after one of its propellers broke during a high-speed test run last November. Examination of the other propeller and the spares showed that the metal was flawed, so new propellers have been ordered for delivery in 2002. For now, the ship will use the spare propellers from the carrier Clemenceau, which will cut its speed from 27 knots to 24 knots. This should still be enough to operate its aircraft in most conditions.--Stephen V Cole