Global News Podcast – Artemis II Splashdown & Key World Events
Date: April 11, 2026
Host: Ankar Desai, with reporting by Shamikh Khalil, Paul Henley, Caroline Davies, Lee Doucet, Sarah Smith, Pete Ross, and others
Produced by: BBC World Service
Episode Overview
This episode centers on the historic Artemis II mission's successful return as the first crewed lunar voyage in over 50 years concludes. The podcast also covers critical diplomatic moves in Iran and Pakistan, civilian perspectives from Beirut during airstrikes, Hungary’s pivotal election, a study on chimpanzee aggression, and a light-hearted cultural note from Japan.
Artemis II: Historic Splashdown & Analysis
[01:08–10:02]
Mission Success & Public Reaction
- The Orion capsule carrying four astronauts successfully splashed down in the Pacific after a ten-day journey, marking the first crewed lunar voyage since the Apollo era.
- “History has been made as the four astronauts of the Artemis lunar mission have safely returned to Earth, having made the first manned voyage to the moon and back in over half a century.” – Ankar Desai [01:58]
- NASA Mission Control confirmed splashdown at 7:07pm CT.
- “Splashdown confirmed at 7:07pm Central Time, 5:07pm Pacific Time. From the pages of Jules Verne to a modern-day mission to the moon, a new chapter of exploration… is complete.” – NASA Mission Control [02:38]
Tense Re-entry Moments
- A tense six-minute blackout occurred during atmospheric re-entry, worrying mission controllers due to previously reported heat shield issues.
- “Six minutes of silence. It was excruciating…if anything was going to go wrong, it would go wrong then.” – Palab Ghosh [03:31]
- Relief came when communications were re-established:
- “Houston. Integrity. We have you loud and clear.” – Astronaut, John Mitani [03:17]
Technical & Programmatic Insights
- Previous issues with heat shield and refueling complicated planning.
- “The Artemis II mission was canceled twice because they couldn't get the refueling right. Just imagine how hard it's going to be in space.” – Paul Henley [05:08]
- The lunar landers for future missions remain unbuilt, and the true timeline may extend beyond NASA’s 2028 goal.
Astronaut Recovery & Legacy
- Medical checks await astronauts; balance issues from short-term microgravity expected but mild.
- Families’ relief echoed worldwide; community events highlighted milestone:
- “I have a list of emotions now: fear, anticipation, excitement, nerves, anxiety, pride, happiness…The relief was palpable, but also the pride and the happiness.” – Shamikh Khalil, live from the Columbia Memorial Space Center [07:27]
STEM Inspiration
- The event galvanized public enthusiasm for space and STEM, with families and educators emphasizing the educational value.
- “This is not just for the space enthusiasts. This is also for families…they’re witnessing a moment the world hasn’t seen in almost five decades.” – Shamikh Khalil [07:27]
- “Moments like this…you can push forward space programs studies for children and get them interested at an early age.” – Shamikh Khalil [09:07]
US-Iran-Pakistan Diplomatic Talks
[10:02–16:00]
Historic Negotiations
- Iran and the US are sending senior delegations to Islamabad for what could be the most direct face-to-face talks since 1979, amid persistent regional tensions.
- “All eyes are on Islamabad as Pakistan's capital prepares to host one of the most high-profile diplomatic events in its history.” – Caroline Davies [11:12]
- Iranian delegation includes key ministers and the parliamentary speaker; preconditions include demands for a ceasefire in Lebanon and Israeli military restraint.
US & Global Stakes
- For the US, stakes revolve around opening the Strait of Hormuz (key oil route) and halting Iran’s uranium enrichment.
- “The biggest issue is opening the Strait of Hormuz because it’s…the increase in the oil price that’s really been hurting Donald Trump with voters…” – Sarah Smith [14:21]
- “Iran must never be able to have a nuclear weapon.” – Sarah Smith [14:21]
- President Trump’s administration signals willingness to negotiate but readiness for force if necessary:
- “I wish him luck. He’s got a big thing. I will find out what’s going on…If it doesn't, we'll be able to finish it off one way or the other.” – Donald Trump [15:27]
Civilian Stories Amid Middle East Conflict: Beirut Airstrikes
[17:50–22:17]
Viral Video from Beirut
- 13-year-old Naya filmed as bombs landed near her; her candid, frightened reaction captured the chaos of life under airstrikes.
- “The first thing we did was run to another building and I didn't know what to say, so I just started swearing. I was just so scared.” – Naya [21:01]
- “I want them to tell their children…I need to post it online so people can see what actually happened.” – Gita Magi, Naya’s mother [20:33]
- Mother recounts frantic minutes without contact and the emotional impact of seeing Naya’s video.
The Human Face of Conflict
- Naya’s account powerfully illustrates the psychological toll on children and families in conflict zones.
- “I've never seen a building fall in front of me and I never thought I would ever see a building fall like that.” – Naya [21:40]
Hungarian Elections: A Pivotal Vote
[22:17–26:17]
Political Landscape
- Hungary’s parliamentary election pits incumbent Viktor Orbán against the opposition Tisza party, with ramifications for EU politics and regional alliances.
- “In the election campaign, Viktor Orban stresses one theme above all. He stands for peace in neighbouring Ukraine, he says…” – [23:16]
- Orbán styles himself as a bulwark against involvement in the Ukraine war and against alleged EU pressure; challengers promise change and honesty.
External Influence and Tension
- US Vice President JD Vance underscores rare splits within NATO as the US administration supports Orbán against European partners.
- “You have stood up to the bureaucrats. You have stood up to the nihilists. And now I wonder, will you do it again?” – JD Vance [25:43]
- High turnout expected; the world watches closely.
Science Feature: Chimpanzee Civil War
[26:17–30:20]
Groundbreaking Primate Research
- Thirty-year study finds chimpanzees in a large Ugandan group split into violent factions, challenging notions of continuous cooperation.
- “The group grew so large that they couldn’t hold together anymore. Feeding competition intensified, reproductive competition among the males intensified, and a few males died just before hostilities broke out in 2015.” – John Mitani [28:03]
- Researchers compare chimpanzee aggression to human societal dynamics:
- “Chimpanzees appear to consider outsiders as the enemy, no matter who they are. We typically don’t act in this way. One stark difference…is that we’re an unusually pro-social and cooperative species…this difference…gives me hope, especially in this time of increasing polarization.” – John Mitani [29:14]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “History's been made, and it's been made to perfection. This mission has so far been flawless.” – Palab Ghosh on Artemis II [03:31]
- “This is rock and roll on another level.” – Ben Decoy, President of Columbia Memorial Space Center, via Shamikh Khalil [07:27]
- “I just collapsed. And I said, everybody needs to see this video.” – Gita Magi, on seeing Naya’s viral Snapchat [20:33]
- “This ability to get along with others is unusual, if not unique…this difference between chimpanzees and humans is something that actually gives me hope, especially in this time of increasing polarization.” – John Mitani [29:14]
Segment Timestamps
- Artemis II Engagement & Splashdown: 01:08–10:02
- Middle East Diplomatic Talks (US-Iran-Pakistan): 10:02–16:00
- Beirut Airstrikes, Naya’s Story: 17:50–22:17
- Hungarian Election Coverage: 22:17–26:17
- Chimpanzee Civil War Research: 26:17–30:20
- Japan-Deep Purple Cultural Feature: 30:20–31:22
Tone & Language
- The episode maintains informative, accessible reporting infused with moments of emotion and humanity in recounting both achievements and tragedies.
- Experts and correspondents combine analysis with personal anecdotes, bringing global stories closer to the listener.
This episode captures a world in flux: triumph in space, tension and hope in diplomacy, renewed political battles, and rare scientific insights—anchored by voices living history firsthand.