The 40 Minutes When Artemis Astronauts Lose Contact With Earth

What happens when astronauts disappear behind the Moon?

During the Artemis mission, four astronauts will experience one of the most intense moments in space travel. As their spacecraft moves behind the Moon, the Moon itself blocks every radio and laser signal connecting them to Earth. For about 40 minutes, mission control in Houston will hear absolutely nothing.

No voices. No data. Just silence.

Inside the spacecraft, the crew will be completely alone in deep space. Artemis pilot Victor Glover even asked people around the world to use that moment to send good thoughts, prayers, and hope until contact returns.

This strange silence isn’t new. During the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969, astronaut Michael Collins experienced something similar while orbiting the Moon alone as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on its surface.

For nearly 48 minutes, Collins was completely cut off from all human life.

He later described the moment as peaceful, quiet, and unlike anything on Earth.

When the Artemis crew finally emerges from behind the Moon and communication returns, the entire world will breathe a sigh of relief.

Because for those 40 minutes… humanity’s explorers will truly be alone.