The Artemis II crew will experience the first-ever complete loss of communication with Earth for about 40 minutes as the Orion spacecraft passes behind the Moon. Until now, astronauts have maintained continuous contact with the control center in Houston, Texas, but this will be temporarily interrupted, reports the BBC.
According to NASA data, around 23:47 BST (18:47 EDT) on Monday, the radio and laser signals enabling two-way communication between Orion and Earth will be blocked by the Moon. During this time, the four astronauts will be isolated in the darkness of space, experiencing a moment of profound peace and solitude.
Mission pilot Victor Glover expressed that this moment could be used as an opportunity for reflection and to send positive thoughts from people on Earth. He warned that while the astronauts are out of contact, the public might think about their hopes and safety.
The event has historical precedents. During the Apollo 11 mission, Michael Collins remained alone in the module while orbiting the far side of the Moon, while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were on the lunar surface. Collins experienced 48 minutes of signal loss, which he later described as a moment of peace, away from the constant demands of mission control.
On Earth, the communication interruption creates tension for the teams monitoring the mission. Matt Cosby, the chief technology officer, said the team will feel nervous during the passage behind the Moon but will relax as soon as the signal is restored, confirming the astronauts' safety.
During the isolation, the crew will focus on lunar observations, capturing images, studying geology, and assessing the Moon's spectacular landscape. The return of the signal will allow the astronauts to share their extraordinary experiences and views with the world, reinforcing the magic and risk of space exploration.
This moment also highlights the need for more advanced communication systems, especially for future plans of sustainable bases on the Moon, where programs like the European Space Agency's Moonlight aim to provide full and continuous communication coverage across all parts of the Moon.