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 set a new record for distance from Earth, capturing unprecedented views of the planet during a notable lunar pass. The Orion spacecraft’s crew experienced a 40-minute communication blackout as they maneuvered into position behind the Moon, as anticipated. With contact reestablished, astronaut Christina Koch remarked:
“It’s so great to hear from Earth again.”
The team also observed a total solar eclipse, with the Moon blocking sunlight before they began their return journey.
President Trump’s Statements and Supporters
Following the flyby, President Trump addressed the crew, expressing pride:
“Today, you’ve made history and made all America really proud, incredibly proud.”
Meanwhile, at the Supreme Court, the BBC’s Ione Wells interviewed participants during a hearing on Trump’s executive order. The former prosecutor, who previously defended him in a criminal hush-money case, highlighted a long-standing alliance with the president.
Protests and Political Reactions
Across the U.S., large demonstrations against the Trump administration occurred, marking the third round of No Kings rallies. The installation “A throne fit for a king” on the National Mall served as a critique of White House renovations. A farmer in Alabama, despite economic strain, remained a vocal Trump supporter, as noted by the BBC’s Gary O’Donoghue.
Immigration and Airport Updates
The New York City airport faced prolonged delays due to a partial government shutdown, with TSA agents operating without pay. A passenger plane collided with a firefighting vehicle on the runway, leaving no injuries reported, according to Valero’s spokesperson. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were deployed to assist during the shutdown. BBC Verify detailed the moments leading to the deadly crash, while a yellow Labrador Retriever named Tessie escaped unharmed after a sinkhole incident.
Other News Snippets
At the annual “Great Marshmallow Drop,” over 15,000 fluffy treats were dropped from a helicopter, drawing crowds of children. The average fuel price in the U.S. surpassed $4, a level not seen since 2022, amid ongoing tensions with Iran. A robot accompanied First Lady Melania Trump at the White House during an AI summit focused on education and digital safety. In a post-disappearance interview, Savannah Guthrie described learning of her mother’s absence and reflecting on her fame’s potential role in the incident.
Collision and Refinery Details
Air Canada’s plane, carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, landed safely from Montreal before colliding with a firefighting vehicle. The wreckage temporarily blocked access to one of two runways. The event followed a ruling by a Los Angeles jury, which found Meta and Google intentionally designed addictive platforms harming youth mental health. The airport’s delays also impacted the broader logistics network, with TSA agents working under current conditions.