BBC tours Orion spacecraft model ahead of Artemis II return
Artemis II Crew to Return to Earth on April 10
The Artemis II mission, set to bring the crew back to Earth on April 10, features the Orion spacecraft as its primary vehicle. BBC reporters visited the Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas, to explore a full-scale model of the spacecraft. During re-entry, the shield at the bottom will face extreme heat, reaching nearly 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,760 degrees Celsius)—half the Sun’s surface temperature. The crew transmitted video messages to their families, recounting their experiences during the journey.
Preparing for the 10-Day Mission
From spacesuit fitting to final communications checks in the rocket, the crew prepared for liftoff to begin their 10-day mission. NASA astronauts conducted a variety of tests on board the Orion spacecraft, including simulating capsule manoeuvring. The installation, titled “A throne fit for a king,” was placed at the National Mall as a critique of President Trump’s White House renovations.
Behind the Scenes of the Mission
Training for the Artemis II flight took place at the Johnson Space Centre in Texas, commencing shortly after the crew was announced in 2023. The spacecraft’s spacesuits are designed to safeguard astronauts during launch and landing, as well as in potential emergency scenarios. A new “universal waste management system,” or space loo, was developed by NASA scientists for the 10-day mission.
Public Reaction and Broader Context
Large protests against the Trump administration occurred in cities nationwide, marking the third round of No Kings rallies. Meanwhile, the average price at the pump in the US surpassed $4 for the first time since 2022, driven by the ongoing Iran war and rising fuel costs. At the Supreme Court, the BBC’s Ione Wells interviewed protesters and attendees about President Trump’s executive order.
Global Attention and Political Dynamics
People on a commercial flight were treated to a rare view of NASA’s first Moon mission in half a century. Science editor Rebecca Morelle observed the launch from three miles away, witnessing the most powerful rocket ever built lift off from Florida. After delays and technical challenges, the first crewed Moon mission in 50 years launched successfully and is now in Earth’s orbit. The BBC’s Gary O’Donoghue spoke with a farmer in Alabama who remains a vocal supporter of President Trump despite financial strain.
Reflections on the Mission’s Significance
Conservatives at the annual CPAC conference in Texas expressed mixed opinions about the current economy. The reactions followed a Los Angeles jury ruling that Meta and Google intentionally designed addictive social media platforms harmful to young people’s mental health. The US aims to be the first nation to land humans on the lunar surface again by 2028, though the Artemis II mission’s primary goal is to test systems for future lunar exploration.
