Trending Now - Artemis II Crew Prepares for 40-minute Communication Blackout

WHO:

Fox News - Artemis II pilot Victor Glover described the communication blackout experience, stating, "I said a little prayer" during the event.

Fox News - Artemis II pilot Victor Glover said he "said a little prayer" during the communication blackout.

Fox News - The Artemis II crew, consisting of astronauts, is involved in the mission.

ABC News - Aerospace engineer Elio Morillo provides insights on the communication blackout.

WHAT:

CBS News - The Artemis II crew completed a flyby of the Moon's far side before heading back to Earth.

CBS News - The Artemis II crew is now headed back to Earth after completing the lunar flyby.

Newsweek - NASA lost contact with the Artemis II crew on Monday, April 6th, 2026, as the astronauts passed behind the Moon.

Fox News - The Artemis II crew will experience a 40-minute communication blackout as their spacecraft moves behind the Moon's far side.

ABC News - The communication blackout is expected during the flyby of the Moon.

WHERE:

Fox News - The communication blackout occurs on the Moon's far side.

WHEN:

Newsweek - NASA lost communication with the Artemis II crew on Monday, April 6th, 2026, during the evening as they passed behind the Moon.

CBS News - The communication blackout lasted for 40 minutes as the crew completed the flyby on April 6th, 2026.

Fox News - The communication blackout is set to occur on Monday, April 6th, 2026.

WHY:

ABC News - The blackout is due to the spacecraft's position behind the Moon, which obstructs communication with Earth.

HOW:

CBS News - During the 40-minute blackout, the Artemis II astronauts could only communicate with each other.

CBS News - During the blackout, the Artemis II astronauts could only communicate with each other.

ABC News - The blackout occurs as the spacecraft slips behind the Moon, breaking distance records.

(UPDATED April 7, 2026 17:20 UTC)

The Artemis II crew completed a flyby of the Moon's far side before heading back to Earth, but experienced a communication blackout on Monday evening as they passed behind the Moon. During the 40-minute blackout, the astronauts could only communicate with each other, and pilot Victor Glover shared that he said a little prayer during the event. NASA lost contact with the crew at 23:09 UTC, as they navigated this critical phase of their mission.

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(UPDATED April 7, 2026 13:20 UTC)

The Artemis II crew is now on their way back to Earth after successfully completing a lunar flyby on Monday. During a 40-minute communication blackout, the astronauts could only communicate with each other, and pilot Victor Glover mentioned that he "said a little prayer" during that time. The mission marks a significant step in NASA's efforts to return humans to the Moon.

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(UPDATED April 7, 2026 01:21 UTC)

NASA lost contact with the Artemis II crew on Monday as they passed behind the Moon. The communication blackout occurred at 23:09 UTC, leaving mission control unable to reach the astronauts during this critical phase of their journey. Newsweek reported on the situation, highlighting the challenges faced during deep space missions.

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(UPDATED April 6, 2026 23:09 UTC)

The Artemis II crew, consisting of astronauts, is preparing for a 40-minute communication blackout as their spacecraft moves behind the Moon's far side on Monday. Aerospace engineer Elio Morillo explains that this blackout will happen because the spacecraft's position obstructs communication with Earth during the flyby. As the spacecraft slips behind the Moon, it will break distance records, marking a significant moment in the mission.