NASA’s Artemis 2 astronauts are gearing up for their historic mission to the moon by practicing photography techniques using an inflatable lunar simulator and a mockup Orion capsule. The training, which took place at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Texas, aims to prepare the crew of four for navigating visual procedures and preparing for unexpected conditions during their 10-day trip around the moon.
The Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the moon by 2026, has faced multiple delays but is now targeting an April 2026 launch date. The crew, consisting of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch, as well as Victor Glover and Canadian Space Agency’s Jeremy Hansen, will embark on a critical mission that requires essential skills in camera operations and visual navigation.
The inflatable lunar simulator allows astronaut crews to practice visual procedures in a safe and controlled environment, helping them learn to better navigate by sight, prepare for unexpected conditions, and fine-tune camera operations. This training is crucial for the success of the Artemis 2 mission, which will mark the first crewed lunar mission of NASA’s Artemis program.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/artemis-2-astronauts-practice-photographing-the-moon-space-photo-of-the-day-for-aug-19-2025