OTTAWA – CBC News covered the successful return of the Artemis II astronauts on Thursday, marking the first crewed return from lunar orbit since 1972. The crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 7:07 p.m. Central Time, following a mission that included a flyby of the far side of the moon.

Artemis II Mission Details

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen was among the four crew members aboard the Orion spacecraft. According to the broadcast, the mission aimed to gather data and included symbolic gestures, such as displaying Canadian and American flags. The broadcast highlighted a particularly emotional moment when Hansen read the name of the late wife of fellow astronaut Reed Wiseman, prompting tears among those watching.

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) views the mission as a culmination of decades of partnership and is already looking towards future collaborations, including sending Canadian technologies to the moon for scientific research and exploration. Two Canadians are currently active in the NASA core, including Jenny Gibbons.

International Tensions Rise

The CBC News broadcast also addressed escalating tensions in the Middle East. Delegations from the U.S. and Iran arrived in Pakistan Thursday evening to attempt to negotiate a ceasefire. The broadcast reported that Iran currently controls the Strait of Hormuz and is impacting global oil markets by blocking approximately 20% of global oil traffic.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran is “militarily defeated” and threatened to open the Gulf “with or without them.” Iran’s parliamentary speaker indicated that talks will only begin with a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s blocked assets. The broadcast described Iran as a “highly ideological regime” that believes it holds a strong negotiating position.

Additionally, the program covered the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, with Israel continuing airstrikes.

Other News

Protests in Ireland over high fuel costs have paralyzed parts of the country for four days, leading to fuel shortages. The government has agreed to meet with protest leaders. The situation in Gaza, six months after the ceasefire, was described as dire, with ongoing violence and insufficient aid reaching the territory.

In Canada, police in Ontario are searching for suspects following a shooting at Lambton College in Sarnia, resulting in one death and two injuries. Eight people were hospitalized after a chlorine gas exposure at a public pool in Victoria, British Columbia.

The Liberal Party is gathering in Montreal, nearing a potential majority government after recent floor crossings. Prince Harry is facing a defamation lawsuit from an African charity he co-founded.