NASA Astronauts For Artemis Mission Simulate Activities On The Moon

Moonwalk practice at San Francisco Volcanic Field (photo: dock. NASA)

JAKARTA In addition to preparing the spacecraft and ensuring the system is safe, NASA must also pay attention to the performance of its astronauts. This needs to be done so that the Artemis mission runs successfully. Therefore, NASA held a moonwalk practice to simulate various astronaut activities while on the Moon. This moonwalk practice was held at the San Francisco Volcanic Field, near Flagstaff, for a week. Tests of this field were followed by NASA Astronauts Kate Rubins and Andre Douglas. The two astronauts held four simulations that were tailored to operations for the Artemis III mission and beyond. They also tested six technologies brought to the Moon. During the moonwalk practice, NASA's engineers and field experts were also present to observe the course of the simulation. The flight controller team and scientists from the Johnson Space Center were present to monitor and guide astronauts' activities. "Fielfield tests play an important role in helping us test all the systems, hardware, and technology we needed to perform successful lunar operations during the Artemis mission," said Field Test Director Johnson Barbara Janoiko. In accordance with Janoiko's explanation, there were several technologies tested by astronauts. One of the tested technologies is, "view capabilities and navigation data flow in the form of a preliminary display using augmented reality or illumination flares."

The Achilles Cherie, a Science Officer for Testing at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said that this browsing practice was indispensable. The reason is, astronauts will guide the entire science team as long as they are on the Moon. "During Artemis III, astronauts will become our science operators on the lunar surface with the entire science team supporting them from here on Earth," said Achilles. This simulation gives us the opportunity to practice doing geology from afar in real time. In addition to testing technology and practicing the astronaut's duties directly, the moonwalk simulation also evaluates challenges at the operation site, namely the Moon's north pole, and tries to collect data as well as communication between the aviation control team and the science team.