To prepare for lunar exploration as part of the NASA Artemis mission, the agency is conducting a week-long field test in a lunar-like volcanic zone in Arizona. The main task is to work out the scenarios of lunar walks.
NASA astronauts Kate Rubins and Andre Douglas act as crew members and wear mock-ups of spacesuit systems. They travel the desert performing technology demonstrations, equipment checks, and scientific operations related to the Artemis mission.
During the trial, the two teams will work together on various operations. The field team consists of astronauts, NASA engineers and industry experts conducting simulated moonwalks in the Arizona desert, while a team of flight controllers and scientists at the Johnson Space Center in Houston oversees and directs their activities.
“Field tests play a critical role in validating all the systems, equipment and technologies required for successful lunar operations during Artemis missions,” said team members. “Our engineering and science teams are working seamlessly together to ensure we are ready every step of the way for when astronauts step foot on the moon again.”
The tests include four lunar surface walk simulations that replicate operations planned for the Artemis III mission and beyond, as well as six advanced technology tests. During the tests, the teams will demonstrate technologies that could be used for future Artemis missions, such as displaying the data stream on the main display using augmented reality or light beacons that could help the crew return to the lander.
Before the field tests, the science team followed the planning process developed for the Artemis missions. It included the creation of geological maps, a list of scientific questions and the determination of priority places for a lunar walk. “During Artemis III, astronauts will be our science operators on the surface of the Moon, and the science team will support them from Earth,” NASA says. “The simulation, during which astronauts will be our scientific operators on the surface of the Moon, provides an opportunity to practice conducting research from a distance in real-time.”
The test will assess gaps and challenges astronauts may face during operations at the lunar south pole, including data collection and communication between the flight control team and the science team for rapid decision-making protocols.
NASA uses such tests to simulate missions in preparation for deep space flight. The Arizona desert has served many times as a training ground for lunar exploration, as its topography has much in common with the moon through craters, faults, and volcanic features.
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