The Artemis 2 mission is set to encounter a communications blackout as astronauts prepare to engage in prayer while their spacecraft loses contact with ground control for 40 minutes. This blackout will occur as the astronauts pass behind the Moon around 23:47pm UK time (18:47pm EDT) today, marking the first instance during their journey that they will be out of contact with mission control in Houston, Texas, since the mission commenced on April 1.
The interruption in communication is due to the obstruction of radio and laser signals by the Moon itself, preventing the continuous two-way communication with Earth. Artemis pilot Victor Glover expressed that the team will utilize this moment of silence to unite in prayer, hoping to restore contact with the crew.
Meanwhile, individuals on Earth responsible for maintaining contact with the spacecraft admit they will feel somewhat anxious as communication temporarily ceases. The Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall has been receiving signals from the Orion capsule and relaying information back to Nasa HQ.
Matt Cosby, Chief Technology Officer, noted that this will be the team’s first experience tracking a spacecraft with humans on board. He mentioned that there will be a mix of nervousness as the spacecraft disappears behind the Moon, followed by excitement upon its reappearance, ensuring the safety of the crew.
Cosby emphasized the importance of continuous communication for a sustainable lunar presence, highlighting the necessity for full-time communication even on the far side of the Moon to facilitate exploration.
The Artemis 2 mission is a significant milestone as it marks the first human journey to lunar orbit since Apollo 17 in December 1972. This event draws parallels to past missions, such as the Apollo 11 mission where Michael Collins lost contact with his crewmates and mission control for 48 minutes while they ventured onto the lunar surface.
Reflecting on past experiences, Collins described feeling “truly alone” and disconnected from familiar surroundings during the silent period but expressed that he did not experience fear or loneliness. He found solace in the respite from constant communication requests from mission control.
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