Orion reappeared from behind the Moon right on time, restoring radio contact after a tense 40-minute blackout that left Mission Control in silence. Mission specialist Christina Koch broke the silence with her message to Houston, confirming the integrity and communication check, expressing relief at reconnecting with Earth.
During the blackout on the lunar far side, Orion operated autonomously. The spacecraft’s onboard computers executed engine maneuvers precisely, setting it on the course back to Earth beyond ground control’s reach.
Today, the crew achieved its closest proximity to the Moon before embarking on the return journey. They have now surpassed the record set by Apollo 13 in 1970, becoming the humans to travel the farthest in history.
The reestablished connection brought relief to Mission Control as data began to flow back. The crew’s activities during the blackout kept their families occupied, focusing on briefing materials to pass the time.
Data recorded by Orion on the far side, including sensor readings and imagery, is now being transmitted back to Earth through NASA’s Deep Space Network. Mission teams will analyze the information in the coming days.
Initial images received exhibit the Moon’s far hemisphere in remarkable detail, prompting the crew to resume their tasks promptly.
Before the blackout, Glover bid farewell with a message referencing Jesus’ teachings on love and concluded with a message hinting at future reunion, saying, “We will see you on the other side.”
The communications blackout marked a historic mission as Orion carried its crew to a distance of 252,757 miles from Earth, surpassing the previous record set by Apollo 13 in 1970. Apollo 13’s crew had traveled 248,655 miles from home during their emergency return, a record standing for 55 years.
