New footage shows moment Orion capsule hatch is opened at sea
New footage captures the instant Orion capsule hatch is pried open at sea
A newly released video documents the moment a recovery team unseals the hatch of Artemis II’s Orion capsule following its splashdown on Friday, 10 April. The crew—comprising Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—was found safe and unharmed, prompting jubilant celebrations among the team.
The mission marked a historic milestone, as the astronauts ventured farther from Earth than any human before them. Meanwhile, BBC science correspondent Pallab Ghosh delves into the challenges of medical emergencies in space, explaining the critical steps taken to address such situations.
Steve Backshall’s recent expedition highlighted a rare wildlife encounter, as he spotted two of the UK’s final surviving orcas, calling it one of his most memorable moments. On the same day, global landmarks like France’s Eiffel Tower and Barcelona’s Sagrada Família Basilica dimmed for an hour, joining a worldwide event.
The Space Launch System (SLS), a 98-meter structure, and Orion spacecraft undertook a four-mile journey from their assembly facility to Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This movement was part of the pre-launch preparations for the mission.
As Storm Therese swept through the Canary Islands, Tenerife experienced an unusual snowfall, drawing attention to the region’s weather anomalies. Concurrently, the Met Office issued warnings for severe wind and rain conditions in the UK, forecasting unseasonably strong gusts linked to Storm Floris.
Amid these events, London Zoo conducted its annual weigh-in, assessing the health of over 10,000 animals. The astronomical event of 13 August was captured in North York Moors National Park, showcasing celestial phenomena that captivated observers.
Researchers analyzing planet K2-18b’s atmosphere identified molecular signatures typically associated with Earth’s simple organisms, sparking new discussions about extraterrestrial life. The footage of the Orion hatch opening stands as a testament to the successful return of the crew, emphasizing the blend of human achievement and natural wonders.
“One of my greatest British wildlife moments,” Steve Backshall remarked while observing the orcas in their natural habitat.
