New footage shows moment Orion capsule hatch is opened at sea
New footage shows moment Orion capsule hatch is opened at sea
A newly released video captures the instant a recovery team opens the hatch of the Orion capsule for Artemis II, revealing the four astronauts in a jubilant reunion. The crew—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—were confirmed safe and unharmed after splashdown on Friday, 10 April, sparking spontaneous applause from the team.
The historic mission marked a significant milestone, with the crew venturing farther from Earth than any humans have previously reached. As the capsule was retrieved, the astronauts were greeted with excitement, symbolizing the success of the venture.
Other notable events and updates
On Saturday night, iconic structures like France’s Eiffel Tower and Barcelona’s Sagrada Família Basilica briefly turned off their lights, joining a global event. Meanwhile, BBC presenter Steve Backshall discovered two of the UK’s remaining orcas, calling it one of his “greatest British wildlife moments” in a
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During the mission, the 98-meter-tall Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft traveled four miles from their assembly facility to Pad 39B at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. This movement was part of the pre-launch preparations for the historic journey.
The Met Office issued yellow severe weather alerts for wind and rain, highlighting potential disruptions. In another update, BBC Verify’s Ben Chu examines the data behind President Trump’s recent claim that wind power contributes to increased energy costs in the UK.
Meanwhile, London Zoo in Regent’s Park conducted its annual animal weigh-in, with staff assessing over 10,000 animals for health monitoring. A separate report noted that an astronomical phenomenon was recorded at North York Moors National Park on 13 August, capturing the event on camera.
Storm Floris is set to deliver unseasonably strong gusty winds to the UK, while Tenerife faced unexpected snowfall due to Storm Therese battering the Canary Islands. Scientists analyzing K2-18b’s atmosphere have found evidence of molecules typically associated with simple Earth-based organisms, offering intriguing insights into its composition.
Baroness Kathy Willis emphasizes the value of urban green and blue spaces, highlighting their role in city ecosystems. Additionally, a trailblazing animal rights activist, who dedicated their career to studying chimpanzees, has passed away at 91, leaving a lasting impact on the field.
As the mission concluded, the focus shifted to monitoring the astronauts’ well-being and analyzing data from the journey. The successful splashdown and subsequent hatch opening underscored the resilience and teamwork involved in space exploration.
