Out of This World IT Issues: Artemis II Astronauts Encounter Microsoft Outlook Glitch
Even at the edge of space, technical glitches are an unavoidable part of the digital experience. During NASA’s historic Artemis II mission—the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years—Commander Reid Wiseman encountered a problem that resonates with millions of office workers on Earth: his email stopped working.
The incident occurred about seven hours into the flight. While traveling at speeds of 17,500 mph (approximately 4.9 miles per second), Wiseman reported to Mission Control in Houston that he was unable to access his email via his Personal Computing Device (PCD).
The “Two Outlooks” Mystery
The situation became a viral point of interest when audio from the mission revealed Wiseman’s specific frustration. Speaking to Houston, the Commander noted, “I have two Microsoft Outlooks [on my PCD], and neither one of those are working.”
The PCDs used by the crew are specialized laptops or tablets—specifically Microsoft Surface Pros—designed to help the four-person crew manage mission data and maintain communication during the 10-day lunar flyby.
How Houston Solved the Problem
The resolution of the glitch highlighted the capabilities of remote IT support in deep space. After Wiseman requested that Houston “remote in and check,” mission engineers identified a potential issue with the “Optimus” software on the PCD.
Approximately one hour later, Houston confirmed the following:
- The issue with the Optimus software was resolved.
- The Outlook application was successfully opened.
- The email client showed as “offline,” which engineers stated was the expected status.
Mission Critical vs. Personal Computing
While the email outage provided a relatable moment of tech frustration, it posed no risk to the safety of the crew or the success of the mission. Experts note that mission-critical systems do not rely on standard commercial software like Microsoft 365. Instead, those systems run on radiation-hardened hardware and dedicated software specifically designed to withstand the harsh environment of space.
The Artemis II crew—consisting of Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen—faced other minor hardware hurdles, including a jammed toilet fan in the Orion spacecraft, which the crew eventually fixed.
Key Takeaways: Tech in Deep Space
- Hardware: Astronauts use specialized Personal Computing Devices (PCDs) for non-critical tasks and communication.
- Software: Commercial software like Microsoft Outlook is used for administrative and communication tasks, not for flight-critical operations.
- Support: NASA Mission Control can remotely access and troubleshoot crew devices from Earth.
- Resilience: Critical spacecraft systems are isolated from commercial software to ensure mission safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the email glitch affect the mission’s safety?
No. Mission-critical systems use radiation-hardened hardware and dedicated software, meaning the failure of a commercial email client like Outlook does not impact the spacecraft’s primary operations.
What is a PCD in the context of Artemis II?
A PCD, or Personal Computing Device, is a specialized tablet or laptop (such as a Microsoft Surface Pro) used by astronauts to manage data and communicate via email during their mission.
Who was on the Artemis II crew?
The crew included Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
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