New footage shows moment Orion capsule hatch is opened at sea
New footage captures the moment Orion capsule hatch is opened at sea
Recent video has revealed the instant when a recovery team accessed the hatch of Artemis II’s Orion capsule following its splashdown on Friday, 10 April. The footage highlights the astronauts’ triumphant return after a groundbreaking mission that set a new record for distance from Earth. The crew—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—were confirmed safe and in good health, prompting celebrations among the team and onlookers.
Notable moments from the mission
As the capsule was retrieved, cheers erupted from the crew and the recovery team. The event marked the end of a historic journey, with the astronauts venturing farther into space than any human before. Meanwhile, Steve Backshall documented a rare sighting of two of the UK’s last surviving orcas, calling it one of his “greatest British wildlife moments.”
Global landmarks in darkness
On Saturday night, iconic sites like France’s Eiffel Tower and Barcelona’s Sagrada Família Basilica briefly went dark for an hour. This synchronized event was part of a global initiative to raise awareness about environmental issues. Separately, the 98-meter 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.
Storm Therese brought snow to Tenerife, impacting the Canary Islands. BBC science correspondent Pallab Ghosh explained the challenges of medical emergencies in space, emphasizing the importance of contingency protocols. During the same period, stargazers across the UK were captivated by meteor showers and supermoons, events that drew widespread attention.
Weather alerts and environmental insights
The Met Office issued warnings for severe wind and rain, affecting regions across the UK. Researchers studying the atmosphere of planet K2-18b found molecular signatures typically associated with Earth’s simple life forms. This discovery adds to the growing body of data on exoplanet habitability.
Baroness Kathy Willis highlighted the role of green and blue spaces in urban environments, stressing their benefits for city dwellers. Meanwhile, London Zoo conducted its annual animal weigh-in, assessing over 10,000 creatures to track their wellness. The astronomical event of 13 August was captured in North York Moors National Park, showcasing a rare celestial display.
Legacy of a pioneering figure
An animal rights activist, who passed away at 91, left a lasting mark on chimpanzee research. President Trump recently proposed that wind power contributes to rising energy costs in the UK, a claim scrutinized by BBC Verify’s Ben Chu. The footage of the Orion hatch opening has since become a symbol of successful space exploration and human resilience.