‘It’s a special thing to be on Planet Earth’: Artemis crew welcomed home in Houston
‘It’s a special thing to be on Planet Earth’: Artemis crew welcomed home in Houston
NASA’s Artemis II crew, comprising four astronauts, has returned to Earth following their lunar journey, with a celebratory event held in Houston, Texas. The mission marked a historic milestone, as the team ventured farther from Earth than any humans in history. The astronauts—Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen—were all reunited with their families on Saturday.
“The most special thing I ever went through in my life,” said Commander Reid Wiseman, reflecting on the experience.
During their nine-day expedition, the crew demonstrated resilience and adaptability. The spacecraft’s waste management system, dubbed the “universal waste management system” or space loo, was a key innovation developed by NASA scientists for the mission. Training for the flight took place at the Johnson Space Center in Texas, commencing shortly after the crew was announced in 2023.
Meanwhile, a large warehouse fire swept through a facility housing toilet paper and paper towels, but no injuries were reported. Separately, one of the world’s most active volcanoes has been erupting intermittently since December 2024. The first lady addressed claims of her connection to a late convicted sex offender, stating that any such links “need to end.”
At the annual Great Marshmallow Drop, over 15,000 fluffy treats were released from a helicopter, drawing crowds of children eager to collect them. A homeowner in Tampa discovered a nine-foot alligator in his residence’s pool area, leading to its removal by specialists. The BBC’s Gary O’Donoghue spoke with a Florida farmer who remains steadfast in supporting President Trump despite financial challenges.
American cities witnessed large protests against the Trump administration, including the third edition of No Kings rallies. In Washington, the airport faced extended delays as TSA agents operated without pay during a partial government shutdown. The former prosecutor, who represented President Trump in a criminal hush-money case, maintains a long-standing relationship with the leader.
Outside the Supreme Court, the BBC’s Ione Wells engaged with protesters and attendees during a hearing on President Donald Trump’s executive order. The installation “A Throne Fit for a King” on the National Mall served as a critique of the White House’s renovation projects. Additionally, the average fuel price at the pump in the US surpassed $4 for the first time since 2022, driven by ongoing tensions with Iran.
