NASA Simulates Lunar Landings for Artemis Mission

The Vertical Motion Simulator prepares astronauts for the first crewed Moon mission since 1972.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Space

Isometric editorial illustration of a complex mechanical lunar landing module structure suspended within a technical test frame. — NASA is using its Vertical Motion Simulator at the Ames Research Center to refine landing procedures for the upcoming 2028 Artemis moon mission. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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NASA Ames Research Center in California is utilizing the world's largest simulator to replicate landing conditions for upcoming lunar flights. The data gathered will inform spacecraft system designs and astronaut training procedures for the 2028 Artemis mission.

Why it matters

Refining these training simulations is essential for ensuring crew safety and operational success during the first return to the lunar surface in over five decades. The research helps align vehicle display designs with the complex realities of landing on the Moon.

The Vertical Motion Simulator housed in Mountain View utilizes motion to recreate lunar landing conditions, supporting research for the upcoming crewed mission. Data is shared with teams in Houston to bridge the gap between simulation and flight.

The players

NASA Ames Research Center

Located in Mountain View, California, this facility serves as a primary site for aeronautics and space research within the agency.

The details

The facility features a tower-housed simulator that mimics the movement experienced by astronauts during spaceflight. By testing these conditions on the ground, researchers can effectively bridge the gap between simulation environments and the mission control teams based in Houston.

1972 marks the year of the last crewed NASA mission to the Moon.
2028 is the scheduled launch year for the upcoming Artemis mission.

The Big Picture

This development marks a critical step toward exceeding the boundaries established by the 1972 Apollo lunar mission. It shifts the current paradigm by integrating modern simulator technology to solve challenges previously faced during the last era of lunar exploration.

This research directly impacts the future of space exploration by potentially improving the reliability of lunar spacecraft systems. The resulting advancements in display design and training may influence how future flight crews interact with sophisticated aerospace interfaces.

The takeaway

Advancements in high-fidelity simulation technology are critical for modern spaceflight, mirroring the rigorous testing done for early human exploration. Readers interested in technical training can note how even small adjustments in pilot displays significantly enhance complex mission outcomes.