Astronauts Train In Colorado Wilderness To Simulate Lunar Terrain For Historic Mission

In the rugged expanse of Colorado's wilderness, a group of astronauts are embarking on a most unconventional training regimen. The NASA Artemis 2 crew, poised to make history with their lunar flyby mission in 2026, has been immersing themselves in the unforgiving terrain of the High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site. This remote outpost, operated by the Colorado Army National Guard, has been certified by NASA as a premier training ground for simulating the moon's treacherous landscape.

Here, amidst the rocky outcroppings and undulating hills, astronauts Matthew Dominick and Mark Vande Hei recently participated in a grueling two-week certification run. Alongside seasoned instructor pilots from the Army National Guard, they took turns navigating a helicopter through disorienting slopes, shadows, and uneven surfaces - conditions eerily reminiscent of the moon's alien topography.

The Artemis program, a bold endeavor aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface by 2027, demands an unprecedented level of preparedness from its astronauts. By honing their skills in this Colorado wilderness, the Artemis 2 crew is edging closer to achieving their goal. As the global space community watches with bated breath, these astronauts are pushing the boundaries of human exploration, one ← →

As the race to the moon is renewed, mainly between the U.S. and China , NASA's Artemis 2 crew begin preparing for their upcoming mission.

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