All signals from the crew to the Earth will be blocked as the spacecraft passes behind the Moon. Both radio and laser communications systems are affected. Mission control in Houston cannot communicate with the Moon because it blocks all signals.
The blackout will begin around 18:47 BST (23:47 BST) on Monday. The blackout will last about 40 minutes. The astronauts won’t be able to receive or send messages during this period.
The Isolation of Space
During those forty minutes, four astronauts are completely alone. Earth will not provide any updates, guidance or reassurance. This is an incredibly powerful and rare moment of silence.
Crew members will have to rely on each other and their own training as they continue the journey. This phase, despite the sophisticated technology aboard, reminds us of how fragile space travel can be.
Artemis Crew Message
Victor Glover, the Artemis Pilot shared some thoughts with us before his mission. He encouraged the people of the world to remain connected with the crew in spirit.
He encouraged people to use those forty minutes for reflection, prayer, and positive thinking. He emphasized the emotional aspect of space missions and not only the technical ones.
The Artemis Mission: A Definitive Moment
It is part of the plan to have a temporary communication breakdown. Still, it carries deep meaning. The film shows just how far mankind has progressed in the field of space exploration while at the same time reminding us that there are still many unknowns.
