Watch: BBC asks Artemis II crew a question in space

Artemis II Crew Reflects on Historic Mission

During their return to Earth following a remarkable lunar fly-by, BBC Science Editor Rebecca Morelle engaged with the four Artemis II astronauts. The mission, which set a new record for distance from our planet, is anticipated to conclude with a splashdown on Saturday. As they prepare to end their space journey, mission specialist Christina Koch shared her sentiments, highlighting what she would most miss.

“I’ll mainly miss the camaraderie,” Koch remarked, describing the bonds formed among the crew as “brothers and sisters.”

Trump and the News Cycle

Meanwhile, the Trump administration faced ongoing scrutiny as protests erupted in cities nationwide, marking the third round of No Kings rallies. A bronze sculpture titled “A throne fit for a king” was installed at the National Mall, symbolizing a critique of White House renovations. The former prosecutor, who has represented Trump in legal matters, remains closely tied to the president’s affairs.

At a Supreme Court hearing, BBC’s Ione Wells interviewed protesters and attendees discussing Trump’s executive order. The average fuel price in the U.S. has reached $4 per gallon, the highest since 2022, driven by tensions with Iran. In Alabama, a farmer expressed continued support for Trump despite financial strain, as reported by BBC’s Gary O’Donoghue.

Rex Heuermann has admitted guilt in the murders of eight women over a span of 17 years on Long Island. Jasveen Sangha received a 15-year prison sentence for drug sales linked to the death of actor Matthew Perry. Trump recently hosted a summit focusing on AI, education, and safeguarding children online.

Other Notable Events

A Tampa resident’s pool area became the scene of an unusual encounter when a nine-foot alligator was discovered. TSA agents, working without pay during a partial government shutdown, contributed to record airport delays in the U.S. Meanwhile, a yellow Labrador Retriever named Tessie emerged unscathed after a sinkhole incident near her yard.

At the annual “Great Marshmallow Drop,” thousands of fluffy treats were dropped from a helicopter, drawing eager participants. BBC Verify analyzed the moments preceding a fatal collision at the New York airport, where no injuries were reported, according to Valero refinery operator.

Conservatives at the CPAC conference in Texas voiced mixed opinions on the current economy. A Los Angeles jury ruled that Meta and Google intentionally designed addictive social media platforms, impacting youth mental health. Savannah Guthrie, in her first interview since her mother’s disappearance, recounted the moment she learned of her mother’s absence and questioned if her fame played a role in the tragedy.

Additionally, a robot joined First Lady Melania Trump at the White House. The airport’s wreckage temporarily disrupted one of its two runways, affecting operations at a major New York City hub.