Artemis II Launch Disrupted Earth's Atmosphere
A study links the Artemis II mission to temporary GPS disruptions and ionospheric holes.
The Brief
- Artemis II's launch created two 3,100-mile-wide ionospheric holes.
- GPS signals were affected by the atmospheric disturbance.
- The impact was stronger than any previous rocket launch.
A study published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests the Artem, II spacecraft caused temporary disruptions in Earth's atmosphere during its April 2026 launch.
Researchers observed two large gaps in the ionosphere — the electrically charged region of Earth's upper atmosphere — following the mission.
These atmospheric holes spanned 3,100 miles and were formed as the spacecraft's core stage passed through the atmosphere and its upper stage engines burned 115 miles above Earth.
The exhaust from the upper stage engines reacted with the ionosphere's charged particles, creating a disruption similar to a smaller solar storm.
Scientists used GPS data from terrestrial receivers to measure the ionospheric changes, finding that the disturbance significantly altered signal travel times.
The impact of the Artemis II launch was more powerful than any previously recorded rocket launch, according to the study.
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