Artemis II Crew Experiences 40-Minute Communication Blackout During Lunar Flyby
During their lunar flyby, the Artemis II crew encountered a planned 40-minute communication blackout as the Orion spacecraft passed behind the Moon, temporarily severing contact with Earth.
On April 6, 2026, NASA's Artemis II mission reached a pivotal phase as the Orion spacecraft executed a lunar flyby, bringing its crew of four astronauts to the Moon's far side. During this maneuver, the spacecraft passed behind the Moon, resulting in a planned 40-minute communication blackout with Earth. This temporary loss of contact occurred because the Moon obstructed radio and laser signals between Orion and mission control.
The blackout is a standard aspect of lunar missions, echoing similar experiences from the Apollo era. During this period, the crew relied on onboard systems and pre-programmed procedures to continue their mission tasks. Upon re-emerging from behind the Moon, Orion successfully re-established communication with NASA's Deep Space Network, confirming the spacecraft's status and the crew's well-being.
Artemis II marks NASA's first crewed lunar mission since 1972, serving as a critical step toward the agency's goal of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon. The mission aims to test Orion's systems and gather data to inform future lunar expeditions.
