This page compiles monthly references to *NSYNC’s public activity, individual projects, and media narratives surrounding their hiatus throughout 2002. Entries are sourced from period-specific interviews, fan reports, broadcast transcripts, and digital archives—including web crawls, screenshot captures, and forum excerpts. The index prioritizes source transparency and chronological clarity over interpretation or speculation.
January - MTV publishes a brief article about Angie Stone’s career. She mentions chatting with Justin Timberlake during soundcheck for the 2001 Billboard Music Awards, with him saying that he wanted her to contribute to his solo album.
February - JC Chasez mentions in a press interview that *NSYNC could begin working on new material after their upcoming tour. Later in the month, SPACE.com reports that Lance Bass is negotiating a space tourism flight to the ISS.
March - Manager Melinda Bell denies breakup rumors, calling it a “little hiatus.” Chris Kirkpatrick echoes plans for a break in multiple radio interviews, with mentions of post-tour recording. Lance Bass travels to Russia for Soyuz flight qualifications. A pop-up ad hints at Justin Timberlake’s solo debut. FOX News reports that Justin is “hard at work” on his solo album—possibly more than halfway done.
April - In a PopWorld interview, Lance Bass and Justin Timberlake respond to breakup rumors, reiterating group plans for a new album and tour. US Weekly reports that the group’s hiatus may last a year, allegedly driven by Justin’s solo ambitions—claims denied by Jive Records. Entertainment Weekly quotes Jive saying no solo album is scheduled and *NSYNC will return to the studio in summer. Joey Fatone confirms a post-tour break on TRL, noting mutual support for individual projects. Lance says space travel remains uncertain during an interview on the Rosie O’Donnell Show.
May - Lance Bass recovers from heart surgery and continues preparations for the Soyuz mission, with media reports conflicting on his flight status. Melinda Bell shares brief updates on each group member’s activities. Justin Timberlake is spotted in Philadelphia, reportedly recording music and doing a photo shoot.
June - JC Chasez says the group plans to reunite after Lance Bass returns from space. Justin Timberlake describes his solo album as difficult to define during a phone interview on TRL. Melinda Bell shares updates on each member’s activities, including recording, travel, and film promotion. MSNBC’s Cosmic Log covers ongoing negotiations surrounding Lance’s potential Soyuz mission.
July - Joey Fatone prepares for his Broadway debut in RENT. Lance Bass is formally nominated for the Soyuz mission, though concerns from Russian space partners delay final approval. His training continues in Russia, prompting him to miss the group’s charity basketball event. An Access Hollywood segment features Joey commenting on the group’s break, reiterating plans to reconvene next year. MTV reports Justin Timberlake has been recording throughout 2002, with industry buzz building around his solo album—though Jive Records states it’s not on the release schedule.
August - Joey Fatone confirms the group plans to reunite and write new material after his Broadway run ends. CBS reports *NSYNC is on a brief break, with their publicist calling them “as strong a group as ever.” Variety announces Lance Bass’s late October spaceflight and suit fitting, while multiple outlets report missed payment deadlines that could jeopardize his mission. Billboard cites progress in contract negotiations; Space.com notes NASA arranged last-minute training if Russian approval is granted. Lance Bass is officially named to the Soyuz crew, with reports indicating a new agreement may allow training to continue. He completes a zero-gravity flight in Russia and is expected to be confirmed for the October mission pending funding resolution. MTV reports on Lance’s training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where JC Chasez visits. In a NASA-hosted web chat, Lance shares future goals in youth education and confirms plans to begin recording a new *NSYNC album in January.
September - A fan forum user claims to have spoken with *NSYNC’s manager Johnny Wright at the MTV VMAs; he reportedly says Justin Timberlake will tour solo, then rejoin the group for another tour. Entertainment Weekly reports that a fourth album isn’t a current priority, though a release is expected in late 2003. Wright notes that the traditional five-member pop vocal group is “starting to fizzle.” Lance Bass’s Soyuz mission is canceled; Space.com suggests he may fly in April 2003. Teen People quotes Justin saying, “there’s always going to be a group.”
October - J-14 Magazine reports that *NSYNC is contractually obligated to produce three more albums with Jive Records. Joey Fatone tells Carson Daly that a group meeting is planned to determine when writing for the next album will begin—possibly March or April 2003. Billboard notes Jive’s plan to expand Justin Timberlake’s international reach; a Jive executive praises his availability for overseas promo. Justin comments, “We’re not going away… We’re growing and changing and making music that is real and honest.”
November - In a New York Post interview, Justin Timberlake says *NSYNC’s hiatus is a “conscious move,” not a breakup, and asserts that solo and group careers “can coexist.” MTV reports he will tour for Justified, though Jive Records says not until late summer 2003. At his release party, Justin thanks the group for their prior sales, saying it made the celebration possible. A USA Today feature quotes Jive president Barry Weiss, who outlines a wide-reaching campaign for Justin and hopes *NSYNC will follow with their biggest album yet. JC Chasez tells TV Guide the group “just hit the pause button,” expecting to reunite by late the following year.
December - During an appearance on MTV’s Total Request Live, JC Chasez says the group met recently to discuss their plans for 2003. He anticipates their first public appearance will be at the People’s Choice Awards, followed by continued participation in the Challenge for the Children event. A performance at CFTC is possible if rehearsal schedules align. JC adds the group plans to return to the studio around September or October.