"We can't forget that this is a test flight," acting deputy associate administrator Lakiesha Hawkins said, adding that while the mission had "retired a significant number of risks," safely landing the crew remained a key challenge. Flight Director Rick Henfling said Orion would encounter a normal six-minute communications blackout shortly after entry interface, when plasma buildup interrupts telemetry. "That's when the fun really begins," Henfling said, describing the sequence leading to parachute deployment and a Pacific splashdown. NASA officials also said weather near the planned landing zone off California looked favorable.