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Exclusive: How NASA astronauts are training to walk on the Moon in 2026

Simulated lunar exploration in an Arizona volcanic field this month helped astronauts to prepare for doing geology in harsh conditions at the lunar south pole. Nature joined mission control.
  1. Alexandra Witze

    1. Alexandra Witze writes for Nature from Boulder, Colorado.

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A NASA astronaut selects a geology tool needed during a nighttime simulated moonwalk in a volcanic field.

NASA astronaut Kate Rubins chooses a tool for geological exploration during a training exercise at night. Credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel

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Nature 630, 26-28 (2024)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01533-3

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