Week in Photos: Artemis II, Hungary Elections and Trump’s Triumphal Arch

NASA’s Artemis II mission concluded on April 10, 2026, as four astronauts splashed down off the coast of California, marking the completion of the first human lunar voyage in more than half a century.

The crew spent nearly 10 days in space, traveling more than 600,000 miles in a flyby mission around the moon. The mission was commanded by Reid Wiseman.

Artemis II Lunar Mission

The splashdown on April 10, 2026, brought the crew back to Earth after a mission designed to test the capabilities of the spacecraft and the endurance of the astronauts in deep space. The mission represents the first time humans have returned to the lunar vicinity since the Apollo era.

Following the return, the astronauts began the process of reaccustoming to Earth’s gravity. The mission has drawn significant attention from the public, including students in Maryland who followed the launch and mission progress.

Proposed Triumphal Arch in Washington, D.C.

In the United States, President Donald Trump unveiled official architectural renderings on April 11, 2026, for a proposed triumphal arch to be added to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The plans were released by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, the federal agency responsible for the design and aesthetics of construction within the capital, on April 10, 2026.

The monument is designed to stand 250 feet tall, a height the White House stated is intended to be a fitting recognition of America’s 250th birthday. The structure would be located at one end of the Arlington Memorial Bridge, adjacent to the Arlington National Cemetery. At more than twice the height of the nearby Lincoln Memorial, the arch would be one of the most prominent structures on the National Mall.

The design, produced by the architecture, interior, and landscape design firm Harrison Design, bears a strong resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, though the proposed U.S. Monument would be nearly 100 feet taller. The architectural details include:

• Two golden eagles topping the structure.
• A winged, crowned figure reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty.
• The phrase One nation under God inscribed on one side.
• The phrase Liberty and justice for all inscribed on the opposite side.

The official renderings released in April 2026 are similar to a 3D model that was previously displayed during a White House press conference on October 15, 2025, and at a fundraising dinner in October 2025.

Hungarian Political Developments

In Europe, Hungary is currently in the run-up to crucial national elections. While specific polling or candidate details were not provided in current reports, the elections are characterized as a key political event for the country.