# ‘Strong impact:’ Artemis II launch ripped giant holes in Earth’s atmosphere — so much it’s disrupted GPS signals

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/strong-impact-artemis-ii-launch-ripped-giant-holes-in-earths-atmosphere-so-much-its-disrupted-gps-signals/
- Published: 2026-11-05T17:30:50+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T19:57:44+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/05/science/artemis-ii-mission-tore-gps-disrupting-holes-in-atmosphere/
- Topics: Space, Technology, World

## Key points

- Artemis II’s launch disturbed the ionosphere and affected GPS signals.
- The disturbances covered areas about 3,100 miles wide.
- Future Moon and Mars missions could make these effects more significant.

## Summary

Researchers found that Artemis II’s April 2026 launch created two large disturbances in the ionosphere, temporarily affecting GPS signals. The study says the launch produced stronger effects than any other rocket launch observed so far, raising concerns about the accuracy of navigation systems used by autonomous vehicles and drones.

The disturbances stretched across areas about 3,100 miles wide and formed when the rocket’s upper-stage engines fired within the ionosphere, around 115 miles above Earth. GPS measurements indicated positioning errors of several feet; a study co-author said even errors of a couple of metres could prompt an autonomous car to change lanes. Researchers warn that similar effects may become more significant as missions to the Moon and Mars increase.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.