New footage shows moment Orion capsule hatch is opened at sea
New footage captures the moment Orion capsule hatch is opened at sea
A newly released video captures the instant a recovery team opens the hatch of Artemis II’s Orion capsule following its splashdown on Friday, 10 April. The crew, including Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, emerged safely, sparking joyous celebrations among the team. The historic mission marked the farthest journey from Earth by humans since the Apollo program.
Excitement erupted as the astronauts were confirmed safe and in good health. The footage highlights the culmination of a mission that pushed the boundaries of space exploration. Meanwhile, Steve Backshall documented a rare wildlife event, spotting two of the UK’s last surviving orcas, which he called one of his “greatest British wildlife moments.”
“This was one of my greatest British wildlife moments,” Steve Backshall remarked, emphasizing the significance of the orca sighting.
Global landmarks in darkness
On Saturday night, iconic structures such as France’s Eiffel Tower and Barcelona’s Sagrada Família Basilica temporarily turned off their lights. The event, part of a global initiative, aimed to raise awareness about environmental issues.
Spacecraft journey to launch site
The 98-meter-tall Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft embarked on a four-mile trek from their assembly building to Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center. The move was a crucial step before the mission’s launch, showcasing the logistical challenges of space operations.
Weather alerts and natural phenomena
Storm Therese brought unexpected snowfall to Tenerife, impacting the Canary Islands. The Met Office issued yellow severe weather warnings for wind and rain, urging residents to prepare for the unusual conditions. Separately, London Zoo conducted its annual animal weigh-in, assessing over 10,000 creatures to track their wellbeing.
Scientific discoveries and environmental records
Researchers analyzing ice sheet samples revealed an environmental history spanning more than a million years. Meanwhile, a study of planet K2-18b’s atmosphere detected molecules typically produced by simple Earth organisms, hinting at potential signs of life-supporting conditions.
President Trump proposed a link between rising UK energy costs and wind power, a claim scrutinized by BBC Verify’s Ben Chu. The analysis focused on data connecting renewable energy to utility bills, offering a fresh perspective on energy policy debates.