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Artemis II: Communication Blackout During Reentry | AST SpaceMobile Pivots to SpaceX for Mid-June Launch of Three BlueBird Satellites | Artemis II Crew Observes Meteoroid Impact Flashes on Lunar Far Side | SpaceX Starship Test Explosion at Texas Starbase | James Webb Telescope Studies Exoplanet Surface for the First Time | Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower 2026: A Guide to Viewing Halley's Comet's Debris | SpaceX and ULA Rocket Launch Schedule in May 2026 | Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower Peaks in May 2026 | SpaceX Launches 45 Satellites; Sonic Boom Expected | Artemis II: Communication Blackout During Reentry | AST SpaceMobile Pivots to SpaceX for Mid-June Launch of Three BlueBird Satellites | Artemis II Crew Observes Meteoroid Impact Flashes on Lunar Far Side | SpaceX Starship Test Explosion at Texas Starbase | James Webb Telescope Studies Exoplanet Surface for the First Time | Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower 2026: A Guide to Viewing Halley's Comet's Debris | SpaceX and ULA Rocket Launch Schedule in May 2026 | Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower Peaks in May 2026 | SpaceX Launches 45 Satellites; Sonic Boom Expected

Space / Artemis

Artemis II: Communication Blackout During Reentry

As the Artemis II mission nears its end, the crew is preparing for a crucial and intense phase: reentry into Earth's atmosphere. During this process, a planned communication blackout will occur, temporarily cutting off contact with mission...

For Artemis II, Returning to Earth May Be the Most Dangerous Part of the Mission
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Artemis II: Communication Blackout During Reentry Image via The New York Times

Key Insights

  • The Artemis II crew will experience a six-minute communication blackout during reentry due to plasma forming around the capsule.
  • This blackout is a planned event, and the crew has trained extensively to handle it.
  • The Orion spacecraft will be traveling at approximately 24,000 mph upon entering the atmosphere, generating temperatures of up to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Orion's heat shield is critical during this phase, protecting the crew from extreme temperatures.
  • Parachutes will deploy to slow the capsule to a safe 20 mph for splashdown off the coast of San Diego.

In-Depth Analysis

The Artemis II mission, a historic lunar flyby, is concluding with the reentry phase. As Orion plunges into Earth's atmosphere at 24,000 mph, friction generates extreme heat, creating a plasma bubble around the spacecraft. This plasma blocks radio signals, causing a six-minute communication blackout. The crew focuses on monitoring onboard systems, while the heat shield protects them from the intense temperatures. Following the blackout, parachutes deploy to ensure a safe splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. NASA teams are coordinating recovery efforts to extract the crew and return them to Houston for post-mission evaluations.

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FAQ

Why is there a communication blackout during reentry?

The blackout is caused by a plasma bubble that forms around the spacecraft due to the intense heat generated during atmospheric reentry, which blocks radio signals.

How do astronauts prepare for the communication blackout?

Astronauts undergo extensive training to monitor onboard systems and remain focused on their tasks during the blackout period.

Takeaways

  • The Artemis II mission is nearing completion with the reentry and splashdown phase.
  • A planned communication blackout will occur during reentry due to plasma formation.
  • The crew is well-prepared to handle this blackout, focusing on monitoring onboard systems.
  • The heat shield and parachute systems are critical for a safe return to Earth.

Discussion

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Sources

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