Watch: Artemis II mission loses contact with Earth for 40 minutes
Watch: Artemis II mission loses contact with Earth for 40 minutes
During their journey behind the Moon, Artemis II’s crew encountered a 40-minute communications blackout with Earth. This interruption was anticipated, as the spacecraft’s signals were blocked by lunar terrain. NASA confirmed the farthest distance reached during the blackout was 252,756 miles (406,771km).
“It is so great to hear from Earth again,” said astronaut Christina Koch once contact was restored.
Following the mission, NASA scientists unveiled a new “universal waste management system” designed for the 10-day journey. Training for the flight occurred at the Johnson Space Center in Texas, shortly after the crew was announced in 2023. The spacesuits were crafted to ensure astronaut safety during launch, landing, and emergency scenarios.
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