In a groundbreaking decision aimed at preparing astronauts for humanity’s return to the Moon, NASA has designated Iceland as the most “lunar-like” place on Earth to simulate conditions for the Artemis II mission. This choice underscores Iceland’s unique terrain, which closely mirrors the rugged surface of the Moon.

Iceland’s rugged terrain mirrors the lunar surface

NASA’s selection of Iceland for this crucial training phase is based on the country’s distinctive geological features, which are strikingly similar to the Moon’s landscape. The choice aligns with the space agency’s commitment to rigorously prepare its astronauts for the upcoming Artemis II mission—the first crewed lunar journey in over 50 years.

Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, alongside Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen and backup crew members NASA astronaut Andre Douglas and CSA astronaut Jenni Gibbons, embarked on a comprehensive training exercise across Iceland’s volcanic terrain.

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Lunar-like conditions: A historical perspective

Cindy Evans, Artemis geology training lead at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, praised Iceland’s suitability for this training. “Apollo astronauts said Iceland was one of the most lunar-like training locations that they went to in their training,” Evans noted. “It has lunar-like planetary processes—in this case, volcanism. It has the landscape; it looks like the Moon. And it has the scale of features astronauts will both be observing and exploring on the Moon.”

Iceland’s geological parallels to the moon

Iceland’s landscape is characterized by extensive lava fields, volcanic craters, and barren, rocky terrain—all features reminiscent of the lunar surface. The presence of specialized rocks like breccias and basalts, which are also found on the Moon, further solidifies Iceland’s relevance for lunar simulation.

The country’s intense volcanic activity has shaped a geology that is ideal for training astronauts in techniques for identifying, collecting, and documenting extraterrestrial rocks and soil samples. This preparatory work involves using tools similar to those employed during the Apollo missions.

Training focus: Skills and equipment

During their time in Iceland, the astronaut crew not only honed their skills in navigating lunar-like terrains but also engaged in team-building exercises, mirroring the isolation and collaboration they will experience in space.

Trevor Graff, exploration geologist, and hardware and testing lead on the Artemis science team at NASA Johnson, highlighted the continuity in training tools. “The tools we used during the Apollo missions haven’t changed that much for what we’re planning for the Artemis missions,” Graff said.

Preparing for Artemis II

NASA’s Artemis II mission aims to pave the way for future lunar exploration and establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon. By choosing Iceland as its training ground, NASA ensures that its astronauts are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the lunar surface, setting the stage for the next era of space exploration.