NASA Astronauts to Experience Tense 40-Minute Blackout During Lunar Flyby
The Artemis II crew is on a historic mission that will see them break the record for the farthest distance ever travelled by humans, but a critical phase of their journey will involve a nerve-wracking 40-minute communications blackout. As their spacecraft passes behind the moon tonight, radio signals will be blocked by the lunar surface, severing contact with mission control on Earth.
Record-Breaking Journey and Lunar Observations
This mammoth 685,000-mile round-trip mission marks the first time humans have been sent to the moon in over 50 years. The Orion capsule is currently approximately 32,000 miles from the lunar surface, with astronauts already capturing unprecedented images of lunar features. At around 6:56pm UK time, the crew is expected to surpass the previous record set by Apollo 13 in 1970, reaching a maximum distance of 252,757 miles from Earth.
Following this milestone, the team will commence seven hours of moon observations, closely examining both the near and far sides of the lunar surface. Due to limited window space, the crew will divide into pairs, with two members observing for 55 to 85 minutes while the others exercise or handle other tasks.
The Critical Blackout Period
The most tense moment will occur at 11:47pm UK time when mission control loses communication as Orion passes behind the moon. During this blackout, the astronauts will make their closest approach to the lunar surface, with the moon appearing about the size of a basketball held at arm's length. This means that if any emergencies arise, there is no way for the crew to contact Earth for assistance.
Artemis pilot Victor Glover previously told the BBC: 'When we’re behind the moon, out of contact with everybody, let’s take that as an opportunity. Let’s pray, hope, send your good thoughts and feelings that we get back in contact with the crew.'
Mission Confidence and Infrastructure
Judd Frieling, ascent flight director, appeared unfazed during a recent briefing, noting that physics will naturally guide the spacecraft back to Earth using the moon's gravity rather than risky engine burns. He assured there will be no 'loss of control' during the blackout.
NASA expects to re-establish communication at 00:27 UK time, after which the crew will have two more hours of flyby observations before transferring imagery and data to the ground. Such communications blackouts are not unprecedented; similar events occurred during Artemis I and Apollo missions due to current infrastructure limitations.
Mission Details and Future Implications
The Artemis II mission, with an estimated total cost of $44 billion, aims to test systems for future lunar landings. Key facts include:
- Launch Date: Initially planned for April window
- Mission Duration: 10 days
- Crew: Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen
- Key Stages: Launch from Kennedy Space Centre, translunar injection, lunar flyby, and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean
So far, the mission has proceeded smoothly, with only minor issues like toilet malfunctions now resolved. Once the flyby is complete, the capsule will take four days to return to Earth, during which astronauts will conduct safety demonstrations, including radiation shielding tests. The voyage paves the way for a planned moon landing in 2028, potentially the first human lunar landing since December 1972.
