The 40 minutes when the Artemis crew loses contact with the Earth
The 40 Minutes of Silence: A Unique Moment for Artemis Crew
The Artemis astronauts have ventured farther from Earth than any crew before them. While their journey through space brings them closer to the Moon, they’ve relied on steady communication with mission control in Houston, Texas. This connection has provided reassurance and a sense of grounding. But soon, that link will be severed. As the crew orbits the Moon, they will pass behind it at approximately 23:47 BST on Monday, creating a 40-minute window where radio and laser signals are blocked by the lunar body.
Breaking the Silence
During this period, the astronauts will experience a profound sense of solitude. With no direct contact from Earth, each will be left to reflect on their mission alone. Victor Glover, an Artemis pilot, shared his hope for this moment: “When we’re behind the Moon, out of contact with everybody, let’s take that as an opportunity,” he told BBC News. “Let’s pray, hope, and send your good thoughts and feelings that we get back in contact with the crew.”
Similar experiences were known during the Apollo missions, notably for Michael Collins during Apollo 11. In 1969, while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the Moon’s surface, Collins orbited alone, losing contact for 48 minutes as his capsule passed behind the far side. His memoir, Carrying the Fire, captures the feeling of being “truly alone” and “isolated from any known life,” yet he found peace in the quiet.
Behind the Scenes: Maintaining the Link
On Earth, the blackout is a critical test for teams responsible for tracking the spacecraft. The Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall, England, plays a vital role, using its massive antenna to receive data from the Orion capsule. Matt Cosby, Goonhilly’s chief technology officer, explained the significance of this moment: “This is the first time we’re tracking a spacecraft with humans on it.” He added, “We’re going to get slightly nervous as it goes behind the Moon, and then we’ll be very excited when we see it again, because we know they’re all safe.”
For the Artemis crew, the blackout is not just a challenge but an opportunity. It allows them to focus entirely on lunar observation, capturing images, analyzing geology, and immersing in the Moon’s beauty. When the signal returns, the world will share in the relief and awe of their historic journey.
Looking Ahead: A Future Without Silence
While the 40-minute gap is a temporary hurdle, the hope is that such interruptions will become rare. NASA and global space agencies are working toward sustainable Moon operations, which require uninterrupted communication. Programs like the European Space Agency’s Moonlight aim to deploy a satellite network around the Moon, ensuring continuous connectivity. This advancement will make future missions more reliable, allowing astronauts to explore without the fear of losing contact.
