Artemis II: The Unique 40 Minutes of Radio Silence

Mon Apr 06 2026 22:17:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Artemis II mission will test the limits of human space exploration as astronauts experience a profound 40-minute loss of contact with Earth while passing behind the Moon. This moment highlights both the isolation of space travel and the advancements in communication technology.

As astronauts aboard Artemis II journey towards the Moon, they will encounter a significant moment of isolation when they lose contact with Earth for approximately 40 minutes. This event will occur as they pass behind the Moon, blocking radio signals. The astronauts hope to use this time for self-reflection and lunar observation, while ground control awaits their safe return to communication. This experience resonates with historical precedents set by the Apollo missions, particularly the challenges faced by Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins.

No-one will have been further from home than the Artemis astronauts. But as the Earth shrinks ever smaller in their rear-view mirror, they've had a constant connection with mission control in Houston, Texas. The calm words from the Nasa team have given the crew a comforting link with home.

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That link is about to be lost.

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As the astronauts pass behind the Moon at about 23:47 BST (18:47 EDT) on Monday, the radio and laser signals that allow the back-and-forth communication between the spacecraft and Earth will be blocked by the Moon itself.

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For about 40 minutes, the four astronauts will be alone, each with their own thoughts and feelings, travelling through the darkness of space. A profound moment of solitude and silence.

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Artemis pilot Victor Glover told us he hopes the world will use the time to come together. When we're behind the Moon, out of contact with everybody, let's take that as an opportunity, he said.

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More than 50 years ago, the Apollo astronauts also experienced the isolation brought by a loss of signal during their missions to the Moon. This experience resonates particularly with Apollo 11's Michael Collins, who felt truly alone as he orbited the Moon during Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's historic walk on its surface.

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The blackout will be a tense time for those with the job of maintaining contact with the spacecraft. However, it also offers the Artemis II crew a chance to focus on lunar observation and appreciation of their journey.

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As they emerge from the Moon's shadow and the signal is re-established, the world will breathe a collective sigh of relief.