Artemis Astronauts Fly Helicopters in the Rockies

Instructional course will simulate the conditions of landing at the moon’s south pole.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 02:35 PM ET

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Jack Daleo

NASA astronaut Raja Chani flies in a U.S. Army National Guard helicopter to refine a simulated lunar landing training course. [Courtesy: NASA/Corinne Beckinger]

Key Takeaways:

NASA is partnering with the U.S. Army National Guard to conduct critical foundational training for Artemis III astronauts preparing for the mid-2027 lunar landing at the moon's south pole.
Astronauts will simulate challenging lunar landing conditions, such as thin atmospheres and obstructed visibility, by flying military helicopters in Colorado's high-altitude Rocky Mountains.
This training addresses the unique difficulties of the treacherous lunar south pole, including complex terrain and visual illusions, while the mission also navigates other preparations like rocket assembly, spacesuit development, and the SpaceX Starship lander.

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NASA’s first lunar landing since the Apollo era and debut mission to the moon’s south pole will begin in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

The space agency on Monday said it is close to finalizing a training course for the Artemis III lunar landing, scheduled for mid-2027, with the U.S. Army National Guard. Astronauts will fly military helicopters over the mountaintops and valleys of the Rockies to simulate the conditions they may face when approaching the moon’s surface.