“Artemis II Recovery Operations: Preparing for the Next Moonwalk Simulation”

Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)

Recently, NASA and the Department of Defense conducted Underway Recovery Test-12 (URT-12) aboard USS Somerset off the coast of California as part of the preparations for the upcoming Artemis II mission. This mission will be NASA’s first crewed mission to the Moon under the Artemis program and will involve a 10-day journey around the Moon. The recovery operations for the Orion spacecraft and crew were practiced during the test, and the teams are now certified for the mission.

The process of recovering the spacecraft involves the capsule reentering Earth’s atmosphere and using its 11 parachutes to slow down and safely land in the Pacific Ocean. This direct approach allows NASA to control the time spent in high-temperature ranges. The recovery teams are also responsible for returning the spacecraft and its equipment to the amphibious transport dock.

During the training exercise, the astronauts donned their Orion Crew Survival System suits and practiced various recovery operations at sea using a stand-in for their spacecraft. This training allows the astronauts to gain experience in different scenarios and broaden their skillsets. It also helps prepare them for future roles and allows assigned mission astronauts to experience other roles.

Potential Future Trends and Predictions

Based on the current developments and preparations for the Artemis II mission, several potential future trends can be identified:

1. Increased Collaboration: The joint effort between NASA and the Department of Defense for the recovery operations highlights the importance of collaboration between different agencies and organizations. This trend is likely to continue in future space missions, as it allows for the sharing of expertise and resources.
2. Enhanced Training Programs: The comprehensive training programs conducted by NASA for the astronauts involved in the Artemis II mission demonstrate the importance of continuous training and preparation. As space exploration missions become more complex, it is essential to provide astronauts with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle different scenarios.
3. Advancements in Recovery Technologies: The development of precise recovery procedures, including the use of parachutes and specialized equipment, indicates a focus on improving the efficiency and safety of recovery operations. Future missions may see advancements in recovery technologies, leading to faster and more reliable recovery processes.
4. Expansion of Human Deep Space Exploration: The Artemis II mission aims to confirm the foundational systems and hardware required for human deep space exploration. This mission is an important step towards future missions on the lunar surface and human missions to Mars. As technology advances and more research is conducted, the possibility of human exploration in deep space becomes more feasible.

Recommendations for the Industry

Based on the potential future trends identified, the following recommendations can be made for the space industry:

1. Encourage Collaboration: Organizations involved in space exploration should prioritize collaboration and partnerships with other agencies, institutions, and private companies. By working together, they can pool resources, share expertise, and accelerate progress in space exploration.
2. Invest in Training Programs: Continued investment in comprehensive training programs for astronauts is crucial. These programs should cover a wide range of scenarios and ensure that astronauts are prepared for different roles and responsibilities during missions. This will help them adapt to unforeseen circumstances and improve overall mission success.
3. Promote Research and Development: The space industry should allocate resources towards research and development of new technologies and techniques for recovery operations. Advancements in recovery technologies will not only enhance safety but also enable faster and more efficient processes.
4. Support Deep Space Exploration: Efforts should be made to support and fund missions that aim to explore deep space. These missions play a vital role in expanding human knowledge and understanding of the universe. Continued support will encourage further advancements in space exploration and pave the way for future missions to Mars and beyond.

In conclusion, the recent preparations for the Artemis II mission highlight the ongoing advancements and developments in the space industry. The collaboration between NASA and the Department of Defense, the emphasis on training programs, and the focus on improving recovery technologies indicate potential future trends in the industry. By encouraging collaboration, investing in training programs, promoting research and development, and supporting deep space exploration, the industry can continue to push the boundaries of human knowledge and exploration in space.

References:

• NASA – Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)

About the Author:
Allison Tankersley is a Public Affairs Specialist for NASA.