Watch: Artemis II’s historic lunar flyby… in 90 seconds
Watch: Artemis II’s historic lunar flyby… in 90 seconds
NASA’s Artemis II crew has set a new record for distance from Earth, surpassing previous milestones during a remarkable lunar flyby. The mission’s Orion capsule executed a maneuver that captured rare imagery of the planet from an unprecedented perspective. During the maneuver, the crew experienced a 40-minute communication blackout with mission control, as anticipated. When contact was restored, astronaut Christina Koch expressed relief:
“It’s so great to hear from Earth again.”
Following the flyby, the crew observed a total solar eclipse as the Moon obscured the Sun’s light. This event marked a pivotal moment in their journey before they began their return to Earth. President Trump later praised the team, stating:
“Today, you’ve made history and made all America really proud, incredibly proud.”
Other Headlines
During the annual ‘Great Marshmallow Drop’, over 15,000 soft treats were released from a helicopter, drawing crowds of children eager to collect them. A former prosecutor has maintained a close connection with President Trump, having defended him in a criminal hush-money case. The BBC’s Ione Wells reported on public sentiment outside the Supreme Court during a hearing about Trump’s executive order.
Meanwhile, the average gasoline price in the U.S. has reached $4 for the first time since 2022, driven by rising fuel costs linked to the Iran conflict. In Alabama, a farmer shared his continued support for Trump despite financial strain, as reported by the BBC’s Gary O’Donoghue. A temporary government shutdown has also caused severe delays at a major U.S. airport, with TSA staff working without pay.
Political and Social Reactions
Conservatives attending the CPAC conference in Texas expressed mixed views on the current economic climate. Recent legal developments have intensified debates, as a Los Angeles jury ruled that Meta and Google designed addictive platforms harming youth mental health. In her first interview since the disappearance, Savannah Guthrie detailed the moment she discovered her mother was missing.
At the New York City airport, a plane crash involving a firefighting vehicle left no injuries reported, according to Valero’s spokesperson. BBC Verify analyzed the sequence of events leading to the deadly collision. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were deployed to aid TSA during the shutdown. The wreckage temporarily blocked access to one runway at the busy airport.
Art and Public Commentary
A public art installation, “A Throne Fit for a King,” was unveiled at the National Mall, critiquing Trump’s White House renovations. Large protests against his administration occurred nationwide, forming the third round of No Kings rallies. A yellow Labrador Retriever named Tessie survived a fall and was safely returned to her yard after a sinkhole was filled.
