‘It’s a special thing to be on Planet Earth’: Artemis crew welcomed home in Houston

Artemis II Crew Celebrates Return to Earth in Houston

NASA’s Artemis II mission crew, comprising four astronauts, has returned to Earth following a welcome event in Houston, Texas. The team—Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen—was reconnected with their families on Saturday. Their nine-day journey marked the farthest distance traveled by humans from Earth in history.

“This mission was the most special thing I’ve ever experienced in my life,” said Commander Reid Wiseman, reflecting on the unique nature of their lunar voyage.

As part of the mission, NASA scientists introduced a new “universal waste management system,” or space loo, designed to handle waste during launch, landing, and emergency situations. The crew’s training for the flight occurred at the Johnson Space Center in Texas, starting shortly after their selection in 2023.

Meanwhile, the first lady addressed claims linking her to a late convicted sex offender, stating that any such connections “need to end.” Separately, a warehouse fire damaged a large storage area where toilet paper and paper towels were kept, though no injuries were reported. A volcano in the region has remained active, erupting intermittently since December 2024.

Other news highlighted the day’s events: a homeowner in Tampa discovered a nine-foot alligator in his pool area, which was later removed by specialists. The annual “Great Marshmallow Drop” saw over 15,000 treats released from a helicopter as children raced to collect them. The BBC’s Gary O’Donoghue spoke with a farmer in Alabama who continues to back President Trump despite financial challenges.

Protests against the Trump administration surged across cities, including the third round of “No Kings” rallies. An installation titled “A Throne Fit for a King” was unveiled at the National Mall, critiquing the White House’s renovation efforts. Additionally, the airport faced record delays as TSA agents operated without pay during a partial government shutdown.

Conservatives at the annual CPAC conference in Texas expressed mixed views on the current economic climate. The former prosecutor, known for their longstanding ties to President Trump, had previously represented him in a criminal hush-money case. The BBC’s Ione Wells engaged with protesters and attendees outside the Supreme Court during a hearing on President Trump’s executive order.