[rs79bm]

There still is a communication blackout upon re-entry and actually other parts of orbit. Mainly, when the shuttle approaches extreme temperatures (in excess of 3,000 degrees Fh) there is a blackout and also a small blackout on the initial launch. I'm sure if you talked to a NASA official, he could give many more periods when there are blackouts.

[chiller]

Correct...still some periods of blackouts, which is why
NASA didn't freak immediately upon losing contact.