As the April 2026 launch date will get nearer and nearer for NASA’s Artemis 2 moon mission, its 4 astronauts are working to prepared themselves for the historic occasion.
What is it?
At NASA training centers, astronauts use simulators, mockups, models and even inflatable moons to hone their skills for upcoming missions.
In a recent X post, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland confirmed the Artemis 2 astronauts utilizing a blown-up moon and mockup of the Orion capsule to follow digicam coaching. These gadgets enable astronaut crews and floor groups to follow visible procedures in a protected, managed atmosphere. This in flip helps them study to raised navigate by sight, put together for sudden visible situations and fine-tune digicam operations, all of that are important expertise for profitable spaceflight.
Where is it?
This coaching occurred at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Texas.
Why is it amazing?
Artemis 2 is set to be the first crewed lunar mission of NASA’s Artemis program, going on a 10-day trip around the moon before returning to Earth. The crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (commander), Christina Koch (mission specialist), Victor Glover (pilot) and the Canadian Space Agency’s Jeremy Hansen.
Though the mission has faced multiple delays, it is now targeting April 2026 for launch. As part of their training, the four crew members recently suited up and entered the Orion spacecraft for the first time.
Want to learn more?
You can read more about the Artemis program and mankind’s race to the moon.