40 minutes when Artemis crew loses contact with the Earth

The crew of Artemis program will experience a brief but significant period of isolation when their spacecraft moves behind the Moon, cutting off all communication with Earth.

As the astronauts travel farther from Earth, they have remained in constant contact with mission control in Houston, receiving steady guidance and reassurance from NASA teams. However, that link will be temporarily lost when the Moon blocks radio and laser signals.

The blackout is expected to last about 40 minutes, during which the four astronauts will be completely out of contact, travelling through space in silence.

Artemis pilot Victor Glover said before the mission that he hopes people on Earth will use the moment to reflect and send positive thoughts. "When we're behind the Moon, out of contact with everybody, let's take that as an opportunity," he said. "Let's pray, hope, send your good thoughts and feelings that we get back in contact with the crew."

Such communication blackouts are not new. During the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, astronaut Michael Collins experienced a similar period of isolation while orbiting the Moon alone as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on its surface.

Collins later described the experience as being "truly alone" and "isolated from any known life," though he said he did not feel fear. In later interviews, he recalled the calmness of the moment, noting that the silence provided a break from constant communication.

Back on Earth, the temporary loss of signal is expected to create tension among teams monitoring the mission. At Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall, engineers are tracking the Orion spacecraft and relaying its position to NASA. Officials there said they would feel anxious during the blackout but relieved once contact is restored.

Experts say such communication gaps highlight the need for continuous coverage as future lunar exploration expands. Projects like Moonlight, led by the European Space Agency, aim to deploy satellite networks around the Moon to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

During the blackout, the Artemis crew will focus on scientific observation, including capturing images and studying the Moon's surface. Once communication resumes, the astronauts are expected to share their findings and views with Earth, marking another milestone in human space exploration.