This Is How NASA Astronauts Are Practicing 'Moonwalk' In A Desert, For Artemis III Mission

What will it take to survive and move around on the lunar surface? the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has given a sneak peek into what its astronauts will do on the moon. The US space agency has released photos of its astronauts practicing moonwalks. No, they are not walking on the lunar surface, at least not yet, but on a testing field at San Francisco Volcanic Field near Flagstaff, Arizona.

NASA Astronauts practicing Moonwalk

NASA is conducting a week-long field test in the lunar-like landscape for its astronauts to practice moonwalk scenarios for its next manned lunar mission Artemis 3.

NASA

Astronauts Kate Rubins and Andre Douglas are serving as crewmembers and wearing mockup spacesuit systems as they traverse through the desert, completing a variety of technology demonstrations, hardware checkouts and Artemis science-related operations.

Why Arizona desert

According to NASA, the Arizona desert possesses many characteristics that are analogous to a lunar environment including challenging terrain, interesting geology, and minimal communications infrastructure, all of which astronauts will experience near the lunar South Pole during Artemis missions.

NASA

¡°Field tests play a critical role in helping us test all of the systems, hardware, and technology we¡¯ll need to conduct successful lunar operations during Artemis missions,¡± said Barbara Janoiko, director for the field test at Johnson. ¡°Our engineering and science teams have worked together seamlessly to ensure we are prepared every step of the way for when astronauts step foot on the Moon again.¡±

Also read: NASA's Artemis I Mission With Orion Spacecraft Launched

NASA

Artemis III mission

The test consists of four simulated moonwalks that follow operations planned for Artemis III and beyond, as well as six advanced technology runs. During the advanced runs, teams will demonstrate technology that may be used for future Artemis missions, such as display and navigation data stream capabilities in the form of a heads-up display using augmented reality or lighting beacons that could help guide crew back to the lander.

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

NASA

The test will evaluate gaps and challenges associated with lunar South Pole operations, including data collection and communications between the flight control team and science team in Houston for rapid decision-making protocols.

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