Artemis II: How NASA Will Study the Moon—And the Astronauts Going There

The Artemis II mission's scientific objectives are twofold: studying the moon and examining the effects of deep space travel on the human body. The mission will involve detailed observations of the lunar surface, leveraging the unique capabilities of the human eye to capture nuanced shades of gray, albedo, and impact flashes, potentially revealing previously unseen areas of the far side. Astronauts undergo extensive training in lunar geology, including field exercises in analog environments like Iceland, to prepare them as scientific ambassadors. Simultaneously, the crew participates in experiments, such as collecting saliva samples and using organ-on-a-chip technology, to understand and mitigate the hazards of spaceflight, including radiation, isolation, and altered gravity. This research aims to support long-term lunar presence and future Mars missions.