Artemis communications: Erik Richards helps keep Orion connected to Earth.

Erik Richards is mission manager for NASA's Near Space Network and is overseeing communications support for Artemis II and the Orion spacecraft. The Near Space Network, working with NASA's Deep Space Network, links the crew to mission control through launch, orbit, re-entry, and splashdown.

Erik Richards leads communications support for NASA's crewed Artemis II mission. He serves as mission manager for the Near Space Network and has worked at sites including the White Sands Complex, Goddard Space Flight Center, and McMurdo Station in Antarctica. Richards and his teams prepare the network for launch and will monitor data flow during the mission. Their work aims to keep the Orion spacecraft and its four astronauts connected to mission control throughout the roughly 10-day mission. Key facts: - Richards manages the Near Space Network, which coordinates relay satellites and ground stations to support spacecraft communications. - The Near Space Network includes more than 40 government and commercial ground stations spanning regions from Bermuda to South Africa. - Working with NASA's Deep Space Network, the networks provide navigation, real-time voice communications, data transfer, and situational awareness for Artemis II. - In the months before launch Richards supported testing, requirements development, and readiness operations, and he will be on console during the mission to coordinate support. - The communications work for Artemis II will inform support for Artemis III and plans for a sustained human presence on the Moon. Summary: Richards' role is central to keeping the Orion crew linked to mission control across multiple flight segments and partner sites. Pre-launch readiness work and on-console monitoring during Artemis II aim to maintain continuous voice, navigation, and data links. The teams' operations will carry forward to future Artemis missions as NASA continues to develop lunar communications infrastructure.