New footage shows moment Orion capsule hatch is opened at sea
New footage reveals the moment Orion capsule hatch is opened at sea
A recently unveiled video captures the instant a recovery team unlatched the hatch of Artemis II’s Orion capsule following its splashdown on Friday, 10 April. The scene highlights the crew’s triumphant return, as four astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—were confirmed safe and in good condition. Cheers erupted as the team was welcomed back, marking the culmination of a mission that pushed human exploration beyond previous limits.
Global landmarks dimmed during historic space event
On Saturday night, iconic structures such as France’s Eiffel Tower and Barcelona’s Sagrada Família Basilica briefly turned off their lights, joining a global effort to commemorate a significant milestone. The event coincided with the return of astronauts who traveled farther from Earth than any humans before them.
“I spotted two of the UK’s last surviving orcas, which I’d call one of my greatest British wildlife moments,” said Steve Backshall, reflecting on the serendipitous encounter during the mission’s aftermath.
Orion’s journey to launch site
The 98-meter-tall Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft undertook a four-mile trek from their assembly building to Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This movement was part of the preparations for the mission, which ultimately led to the capsule’s successful recovery.
Weather warnings and space research updates
Meanwhile, Storm Therese brought unexpected snowfall to Tenerife, affecting the Canary Islands. In a separate update, BBC science correspondent Pallab Ghosh explored the implications of an astronaut falling ill in space. Researchers also made headlines by identifying molecular signatures on planet K2-18b that mirror those produced by basic Earth organisms.
London Zoo conducted its annual animal weigh-in in Regent’s Park, assessing over 10,000 creatures to track their health. The Met Office issued yellow severe weather alerts for wind and rain across the UK, while Storm Floris was predicted to deliver unseasonably strong gusts. Baroness Kathy Willis emphasized the value of green and blue spaces in urban environments, linking them to city well-being.
Additional footage highlighted the awe-inspiring celestial events of the year, including meteor showers and supermoons that captivated stargazers. These moments, captured in nature reserves like North York Moors National Park, underscored the intersection of space exploration and Earth’s natural wonders.
