NASA's Artemis II lunar mission launch on April 1, 2026, triggered unusually large disturbances in Earth's upper atmosphere, temporarily affecting conditions that influence GPS accuracy, according to researchers.
The Space Launch System rocket's exhaust created temporary gaps in the ionosphere, an electrically charged atmospheric layer through which GPS signals travel.
Scientists warned that such disturbances can cause GPS positioning errors of several metres, potentially affecting drones and autonomous vehicles. However, researchers found no evidence of accidents or technology malfunctions linked to the launch.
As space missions become more frequent, scientists say understanding these atmospheric effects is increasingly important. The powerful SpaceX Starship could produce even larger disturbances, depending on its launch energy and engine-burn locations.
Related Tweet:
NASA’s Artemis II launch disrupted GPS and satellite signals by disturbing Earth’s upper atmosphere, with researchers detecting ionosphere disturbances stretching more than 3,100 miles across North America, a new study finds. https://t.co/m3PYWBb5OF https://t.co/jICK7Odlnk
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) November 5, 2026
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