NASA Selects 10 Scientists for Artemis Lunar Science Mission
NASA has announced the selection of 10 scientists to contribute to the science plan for astronauts on the lunar surface as part of the Artemis program. Their roles will include developing strategies for deploying scientific instruments, making site observations, and collecting Moon rocks.
Team Composition and Leadership
These individuals will join the initial Artemis lunar surface science team, which is led by Noah Petro and Padi Boyd. They will also provide support to the inaugural Artemis geology team, headed by Brett Denevi.
The selected scientists are:
- Kristen Bennett, Northern Arizona University
- Aleksandra Gawronska, The Catholic University of America
- Timothy Glotch, State University of New York, Stony Brook
- Paul Hayne, University of Colorado, Boulder
- Erica Jawin, Smithsonian Institution
- Jeannette Luna, Tennessee Technological University
- Sabrina Martinez, NASA's Johnson Space Center
- Jamie Molaro, Planetary Science Institute
- Hanna Sizemore, Planetary Science Institute
- Catherine Weitz, Planetary Science Institute
Mission Objectives and Lunar Surface Science
The scientists will contribute to pre-mission planning, science mission operations, and post-mission reporting. Astronauts are scheduled to land near the Moon's South Pole, an area characterized by extreme conditions including dark craters potentially containing ice and constantly illuminated mountain peaks.
Scientific research during the first crewed Artemis lunar landing aims to provide data to support future exploration and address questions about the Moon's impact history and shallow ice deposits.
The operational frameworks developed during this mission are intended to serve as a foundation for more complex surface and subsurface exploration missions.
Statements from NASA Leadership
Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, emphasized the significance of the selected team. He stated that their expertise will support crews in achieving science objectives, positioning lunar exploration as a step toward sustained operations on the Moon and preparation for human exploration of Mars.
Lakiesha Hawkins, acting deputy associate administrator, Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, added that Artemis will enable scientific work to advance understanding of the Moon and facilitate new discoveries.
Broader Goals of the Artemis Program
The Artemis program seeks to address high-priority scientific questions through human exploration on and around the Moon, utilizing the lunar environment's unique attributes. Its objectives include scientific discovery, economic benefits, and establishing a foundation for future crewed missions to Mars.