---
title: "Back to the Moon—But First, Arizona"
date: 2024-06-03T13:00:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/back-to-the-moon-but-first-arizona"
section: Articles
---
# Back to the Moon—But First, Arizona

*June 3, 2024* — by [Karen Shih ’09](/author/karen-shih)


> UMD Research Scientist Leads Safety Planning for NASA’s Artemis Lunar Test Mission

*Jsc2024e035652orig 1920x1080 — Astronaut Andre Douglas breaks off a small rock sample during a nighttime simulated moonwalk in Arizona. UMD Associate Research Scientist Patrick Whelley served as the field safety officer for NASA's latest test mission as the agency prepares to send a crewed mission back to the moon in 2026.*

As the piercing low light casts extreme shadows before them, two astronauts trudge across the barren landscape, pushing science equipment to collect rock samples.

But when cows wander by and rattlesnakes slither through the brush, the illusion breaks: They’re not on another planet.

Instead, they’re in Arizona, where NASA is preparing for the first crewed mission to the moon in nearly 50 years when Artemis III takes off in 2026.


*two astronauts perform simulated moonwalk as cow watches — A curious cow watches as NASA astronauts Kate Rubins (left) and Andre Douglas perform a simulated moonwalk. (Photo by NASA/Josh Valcarcel)*


*Joint Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Test Team poses for a group photo — UMD and NASA Goddard Associate Research Scientist Patrick Whelley, third from bottom right, with members of the JETT team after the completion of their test mission in Arizona. (Photo by NASA/Josh Valcarcel)*




**Topics:** [Research](https://today.umd.edu/tags/research)


**Tags:** [Astronomy](https://today.umd.edu/topic/astronomy), [Research](https://today.umd.edu/topic/research)


**Units:** [College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences](https://today.umd.edu/topic/college-computer-mathematical-and-natural-sciences)