In brief
The Artemis II crew, on their historic journey around the Moon, are set to experience a moment of isolation as they pass behind the lunar body, losing contact with mission control for about 40 minutes. This unique event will offer each astronaut a chance to reflect and observe the Moon, echoing the experiences of historical missions like Apollo 11. Ground teams anxiously await the reconnection as part of the ongoing preparations for future lunar exploration.
No-one will have been further from home than the Artemis astronauts.
As they venture closer to the Moon, the Earth shrinks in the rear-view mirror but the astronauts maintain a vital link with mission control in Houston, Texas. However, this comforting connection is about to be severed.
When the astronauts pass behind the Moon at approximately 23:47 BST on Monday, their radio and laser communications will be blocked temporarily, isolating them for about 40 minutes. During this silence, each crew member will experience a moment of solitude while journeying through the vast darkness of space.
As Artemis pilot Victor Glover noted, this period could serve as an opportunity for reflection and unity, inviting the world to "pray, hope, send good thoughts and feelings" during their communication blackout.
The historical parallels to this silence are evident, as Apollo astronauts also faced such moments of isolation. Michael Collins, who orbited the Moon while fellow astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin descended to the surface, experienced a similar disconnect, describing his time behind the Moon as one of peace amidst solitude.
As Artemis astronauts enter this phase, their absence of contact will prompt combined tension and anticipation among mission control and families as they await reconnection. The aim is to not only enhance future communications during lunar missions but to foster a sustained human presence on the Moon and beyond.
When signals are reinstated following the blackout, the astronauts will be ready to share their significant observations and the breathtaking views of the Moon, marking another milestone in space exploration.
