Preparing for Artemis II: Training for a Mission Around the Moon
Observing the Moon Through the Lens
The Artemis II crew practices lunar photography at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
NASA/Kelsey Young
A key part of Artemis II training includes lunar observation and photography. At NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, astronauts studied the Moon’s far side, learning to identify crater shapes, surface textures, color variations, and reflectivity.
Although Artemis II will not land on the Moon, the crew will conduct detailed observations from lunar orbit to prepare for future Artemis missions. The training is essential for understanding the Moon's geology and how it can inform future human exploration.
Flight Training at Ellington Field
Artemis II crew members Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch during T-38F flight training at Ellington Field.
NASA/Josh Valcarcel
In addition to classroom instruction and simulations, the Artemis II crew trains in T-38 jet aircraft at Johnson’s Ellington Field. The T-38 exposes astronauts to high-workload, dynamic flight conditions that build spatial awareness and adaptability, skills that translate directly to decision-making under pressure in spaceflight.
The training is designed to simulate the intense and dynamic environment of space travel, where split-second decisions can have significant consequences. By mastering the skills required for T-38 flight, the crew is better prepared to handle the challenges of space travel.
Protecting Crew Health in Deep Space
The Artemis II crew don their Orion Crew Survival System spacesuits for post landing emergency egress inside the Orion Mockup at Johnson’s Space Vehicle Mockup Facility.
NASA/James Blair
The crew donned their Orion Crew Survival System spacesuits during training to support testing of Orion’s environmental control and life support systems. The suit provides pressure, oxygen, and thermal protection during launch, entry, and contingency scenarios while Orion’s life support systems manage cabin oxygen, water, temperature, and overall crew health throughout the mission.
The health and safety of the crew is a top priority for the Artemis II mission. The training and equipment are designed to ensure that the crew can survive and thrive in the harsh environment of space.
Mastering Orion Systems and Simulations
Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman (front) and Pilot Victor Glover participate in an Artemis II entry simulation at Johnson Space Center.
NASA/Bill Stafford
Inside the Orion Mission Simulator at Johnson, the crew rehearsed every phase of the mission, from routine operations to emergency response. Simulations are designed to teach astronauts how to diagnose failures, manage competing priorities, and make decisions with delayed communication from Earth.
The training is essential for preparing the crew for the complex and dynamic environment of space travel. By mastering the skills required for Orion operations, the crew is better prepared to handle the challenges of the mission.
Science Preparation and Geology Training
Artemis II Mission Specialist Christina Koch stands in a windswept volcanic field during geology training in Iceland, where volcanic terrain serves as an analog for lunar landscapes.
NASA/Robert Markowitz
While Artemis II astronauts will not land on the Moon, the geology fundamentals they develop during field training in remote environments are critical to meeting the mission’s science objectives.
During the mission, the crew will examine a targeted set of surface features, including craters and regolith, from orbit. Astronauts will document variations in color, reflectivity, and texture to help scientists interpret geologic history.
Preparing for Splashdown and Recovery
The Artemis II astronauts during water survival recovery training at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.
NASA/Josh Valcarcel
The mission will conclude when the Artemis II mission splashes down. The crew worked through splashdown and recovery operations at the agency’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. They rehearsed how to exit the Orion spacecraft safely in different scenarios, stabilize the spacecraft, and board a raft – skills they will rely on after returning from their mission around the Moon.
The Crew is Go for Launch
Artemis II crew members (left to right) Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen stand in the white room on the crew access arm of the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
NASA/Frank Michaux
The Artemis II crew also completed integrated ground systems tests at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. These included suited tests, full mission rehearsals, and launch-day dry runs that walked astronauts through every step, from traveling to the launch pad to entering Orion at Launch Pad 39B.
As Artemis II moves closer to launch, the focus shifts from preparation to readiness as the crew enters the next era of exploration beyond low Earth orbit.
Conclusion
The Artemis II mission is a critical step in NASA's plans to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence on the lunar surface. The training and preparation of the crew are essential to the success of the mission, and the crew's skills and knowledge will be critical in ensuring the safety and success of the mission.
The Artemis II mission will provide valuable insights and information that will inform future human exploration of the Moon and beyond. The mission will also pave the way for future missions to the Moon and beyond, including the establishment of a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface.
The crew's training and preparation are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the astronauts, engineers, and scientists who are working together to make the Artemis II mission a success. As the mission moves closer to launch, the excitement and anticipation are building, and the world is eagerly waiting to see the results of this historic mission.
About the Author
Sumer Loggins is a science writer and editor with a passion for space exploration and astronomy. She has written for various publications and websites, including NASA's Johnson Space Center and the Planetary Society. She is a member of the American Astronomical Society and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
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