BBC tours Orion spacecraft model ahead of Artemis II return

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At Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas, BBC got a tour of a model of the Orion spacecraft. Upon re-entry, the bottom of the shield will experience the hottest temperatures on Earth and it travel about 25,000 mph and endure temperatures of nearly 5,000F (2,760C) — about half as hot as the Sun. ShareSave'Trust us, you look amazing': Artemis II astronauts speak from spaceThe crew on board the Artemis II spoke by video link, sharing messages for their families and experiences of the trip so far. What to know about Acting Attorney General Todd BlancheThe former prosecutor has a long-standing relationship with President Trump, having represented him in the criminal hush-money case. Why isn't Artemis II landing on the Moon?The US is aiming to be the first country to land humans on the lunar surface again by 2028 - so what's this mission for? First live view of Artemis II crew since arriving in spaceNasa astronauts conducted a number of different tests on board the Orion spacecraft - including practising manoeuvring the capsule. Passengers watch Artemis II blast off from commercial planePeople on a commercial flight were treated to a rare view of the launch of Nasa's first crewed mission to the Moon in half a century. 'Spectacular!' - BBC journalist's emotional reaction to Artemis II launchScience editor Rebecca Morelle watched from just three miles away as the most powerful rocket ever built blasted off from Florida. Watch the moment Artemis II blasts into space on historic missionAfter delays and technical issues, the first crewed Moon mission in 50 years finally took off from Florida and is now in Earth's orbit. 'A historic moment' - Americans react to birthright citizenship caseThe BBC’s Ione Wells spoke with protesters and attendees outside the Supreme Court hearing on President Donald Trump’s executive order. Suited up and ready to go: Watch the Artemis crew's journey to launchFrom spacesuit fitting to final communications checks in the rocket, the crew prepared for liftoff to begin their 10-day mission. 'It's phenomenal!': Excitement in Florida ahead of Artemis launchBBC’s Leyla Khodabakhshi speaks to locals and visitors in Florida ahead of the Artemis II mission blast off. 'Something needs to be done' - Americans struggle as petrol prices surgeThe average price at the pump has topped $4 in the US for the first time since 2022 as the Iran war continues to push up fuel prices. As Iran war continues, US farmers absorb rising costsThe BBC’s Gary O'Donoghue spoke to one farmer in Alabama who, despite facing intense financial pressures, continues to support President Trump. 'Art is a very powerful tool' - Golden toilet throne appears in DCThe installation, titled "A throne fit for a king", was placed at the National Mall as a critique of President Trump's White House renovations. How will the Artemis astronauts go to the toilet in space?For the 10-day mission, Nasa scientists have developed a new "universal waste management system" - or space loo. Behind the scenes: Astronaut training for Nasa’s moon missionTraining for the Artemis II flight took place at the Johnson Space Center in Texas, and began soon after the crew was named in 2023. Inside Nasa's moon spacesuit lab ahead of Artemis launchThe Artemis II spacesuits are designed to protect the astronauts during launch and landing, as well as possible emergency scenarios. 'No Kings' protesters gather across the US as Bruce Springsteen joins rallyLarge protests against the Trump administration took place in cities across the US, marking the third iteration of No Kings rallies. BBC journalist caught in travel chaos at Houston AirportThe airport is experiencing some of the longest delays in the US as TSA agents work without pay in a partial shutdown. 'Affordability is the biggest thing' - Conservatives mixed on economy under TrumpConservatives gathered at the annual CPAC conference in Texas were mixed when asked about their feelings on the current economy. Is social media addictive? What young adults sayThe reactions come after a Los Angeles jury found that Meta and Google intentionally built addictive social media platforms that harm young people's mental health. 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