NASA To Practice Artemis Moonwalking Operations In Arizona Desert

FLAGSTAFF, AZ – NASA is set to conduct “two, multi-week field tests” near Flagstaff in October to prepare for Artemis research on the moon, the administration said in an official statement.

The tests will involve Artemis astronauts, engineers, and scientists practicing mission scenarios in a “simulated lunar surface environment” in the Arizona desert, according to the statement.

NASA outlines characteristics of the area which are consistent with that of the lunar South Pole, where missions will take place, including “challenging terrain, interesting geology, and minimal communications infrastructure.”

The first analog mission, called JETT3, is set for October 4-9 near the S P Crater, which is about 40 miles North of Flagstaff. The tests will consist of four simulated moonwalks to help NASA understand the requirements for the “unique lighting conditions” as the Lunar South Pole region. To replicate these conditions, the tests will take place at night with a simulated sun to produce lighting and shadows.

The second test, D-RATS, will run from October 11-22 at Black Point Lava Flow, near S P Crater. It will test pressurized rovers, vehicles that can “house astronauts for weeks at a time.” Astronauts from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will team up with NASA and have the opportunity to practice living and working inside a prototype rover “in an operational environment.”

Both analog missions aim to provide data and lessons to help teams “practice for the real event,” according to the statement.

For more information, visit www.NASA.gov.