NASA astronauts go moonwalking in Arizona Desert to prepare for Artemis III mission

Two NASA astronauts, Kate Rubins and Andre Douglas, recently performed four moonwalk simulations in a simulated field in the Arizona desert as the US space agency continues its preparations for a manned moon mission.

According to NASA, the two astronauts trudged through northern Arizona¡¯s San Francisco Volcanic Field, a geologically Moon-like destination shaped by millions of years of volcanic eruptions.

Also read: How NASA Astronauts Are Practicing 'Moonwalk' In A Desert

NASA

What astronauts did during moonwalk

There, they made observations of the soil and rocks around them and collected samples. After the moonwalks, the astronauts tested technology that could be used on Artemis missions, including a heads-up display that uses augmented reality to help with navigation, and lighting beacons that could help guide a crew back to a lunar lander.

NASA

Artemis III mission

The US has set its sights on the first human exploration mission of the lunar South Pole region, which is set to launch in September 2026. The 30-day mission, called Artemis III, will allow the astronauts to travel to lunar orbit, where two crew members will descend to the surface near the South Pole.

Also read: Indian-Born Subashini Iyer Is The Backbone Of NASA's Artemis Mission To The Moon

NASA

Why Arizona Desert

For the moonwalk simulation, on May 14, Rubins and Douglas wore backpacks loaded with equipment for lighting, communication, cameras, and power for those devices. According to NASA, the Arizona volcanic field was chosen for training as it geologically resembles Marius Hills on the lunar surface. Marius Hills was shaped by ancient volcanic eruptions, so the composition of rocks at the two locations is similar.

NASA

The Arizona simulation site also resembles the Moon¡¯s south polar region in the subtle changes in the size, abundance, and groupings of rocks that can be found there. The Arizona moonwalks also gave scientists an opportunity to test their skills at making geologic maps using data from spacecraft orbiting many miles above the surface.

NASA

"So this ¡®landing site¡¯ was a good analog for the types of small changes in regolith astronauts will look for at the lunar South Pole," said Lauren Edgar, a geologist at the US Geological Survey.

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