After over 50 years, NASA is preparing to send astronauts back to the Moon through its Artemis missions, with the ambitious goal of establishing a long-term human presence.
The first human explorers to walk on the moon since the 1970s will have more tasks on their shoulders than the Apollo missions. They will be responsible for constructing infrastructure for the lunar base, installing instruments, sampling coveted South Pole sites, and undertaking various other tasks.
NASA is conducting simulated moonwalks on Earth to ensure that astronauts are fully prepared to carry out these duties in harsh, remote, and resource-limited lunar environments.
As per NASA’s latest release, the week-long field tests are currently being performed in a lunar-like environment in the Arizona desert—without the need of leaving Earth. The astronauts started the training on Monday, May 13, and will continue until Monday, May 20.
These field tests are paramount as NASA team members carefully execute all mission activities step-by-step. This process helps pinpoint any gaps and allows for further refinement of strategies, ensuring enhanced preparedness for actual lunar surface operations.
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