NASA astronauts' simulated moonwalk debrief and future plans

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Astronauts collect rocks and soil in the final stage of a simulated moonwalk, followed by debriefing with the flight operations team and scientists. Future debriefings, data finalization, and smaller tests are planned in preparation for NASA's Artemis program.

In 2026, NASA aims to send humans back to the Moon's surface, as part of the Artemis III mission. In preparation, astronauts have been performing moonwalking simulations to ensure that they are able to make the most of their precious time on the lunar surface. In one dress rehearsal, a pair of astronauts took part in a training exercise in an Arizona volcanic field, working with a science team to practice doing geology work in difficult conditions designed to mimic some that will be experienced at the lunar south pole.

This is an audio version of our Feature: How NASA astronauts are training to walk on the Moon in 2026

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