NASA’s Artemis II mission will mark humanity’s journey beyond low Earth orbit for the first time in over five decades.
But this mission is more than a test of spacecraft systems.
The Artemis II crew will act as both scientists and volunteer test subjects, helping advance research on how to maintain human health during long space missions.
The findings from these studies will guide NASA as it prepares for extended missions to the Moon and Mars. The mission aims to develop countermeasures that protect astronauts’ health even after years in deep space.
According to NASA, the research on Artemis II focuses on seven primary areas. These studies range from monitoring radiation exposure to observing the Moon’s surface.
One major investigation, the ARCHeR study, will assess sleep patterns, cognition, stress, and teamwork among astronauts during space travel.
Another study, AVATAR, is examining how bone marrow produces blood cells — crucial for fracture healing — and how radiation impacts the body, using organ-on-chip technology for deeper insights.
Immune biomarker sampling will continuously monitor stress-related immune responses. Standard tests will track nutrition, balance, and cardiovascular health. Together, these studies aim to understand how the human body can adapt to prolonged stays in space at lunar distances.
The astronauts will also perform experiments with radiation sensors, observe the lunar surface, and test CubeSat deployment. Artemis II, NASA’s second human mission to the Moon, will not only advance exploration but also help improve technology, health protocols, and medical care for future deep space missions.