Science

Watch: Artemis II mission loses contact with Earth for 40 minutes

Once contact was regained, astronaut Christina Koch said: "It is so great to hear from Earth again."

Published April 7, 2026, 1:03 AM
681
Share𝕏f
Watch: Artemis II mission loses contact with Earth for 40 minutes

As Artemis II astronauts travelled behind the Moon, they lost contact with Earth for about 40 minutes.

The communications blackout had been expected as the spacecraft signals were blocked by the Moon. Nasa says the crew flew to the furthest point from Earth during the blackout at 252,756 miles (406,771km).

Once contact was regained, astronaut Christina Koch said: "It is so great to hear from Earth again."

Follow this story live.

Share𝕏f
News17 is committed to delivering accurate, fair, and thoroughly researched reporting. If you believe this article contains an error, please contact our editorial team at corrections@news17.net. We take all reports seriously and will issue corrections promptly when warranted.