Humanity is on the brink of a monumental leap—returning to the Moon after more than five decades. But here’s where it gets exciting: this time, we’re not just visiting; we’re going back with cutting-edge science, bold ambitions, and a mission to uncover secrets that could reshape our understanding of the universe. On this episode of Planetary Radio, host Sarah Al-Ahmed sits down with Kelsey Young and Noah Petro, two visionary scientists at the forefront of NASA’s Artemis program, who are turning this lunar dream into reality.
Kelsey Young, a research space scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, isn’t just part of the Artemis team—she’s leading it. As the Artemis Science Flight Operations Lead, she’s orchestrating the Lunar Observations and Imaging Campaign for Artemis II. Her role? To meticulously plan what astronauts will observe, document, and study as they orbit the Moon for the first time since the Apollo era. Think of her as the architect of lunar discovery, ensuring every moment counts in this historic mission.
Noah Petro, on the other hand, is a lunar veteran. As the lab chief of the Planetary Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Laboratory at NASA Goddard, and the Project Scientist for both the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and Artemis III, he’s shaping the science behind humanity’s first lunar footsteps of the 21st century. His expertise? Unraveling the Moon’s mysteries, from its geology to its potential resources, and guiding astronauts to explore like seasoned geologists.
And this is the part most people miss: Artemis II and III aren’t just about revisiting the Moon—they’re about building on decades of lunar science, pushing boundaries, and asking bold questions. Why is the Moon’s south pole such a hot destination? What can it teach us about water, resources, and even the origins of our solar system? Young and Petro dive deep into these questions, revealing how astronauts are being trained to see the Moon not just as a celestial body, but as a living, breathing laboratory.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Is the Moon’s south pole the ultimate prize for exploration, or are we overlooking other equally fascinating regions? And as we train astronauts to think like geologists, are we missing opportunities to involve other scientific disciplines? These are the questions that spark debate—and Young and Petro don’t shy away from them. They invite listeners to think critically about the future of lunar exploration and its implications for humanity.
To wrap up, Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, shares a captivating story about the first—and so far only—professional geologist to walk on the Moon. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how much farther we have to go. So, what do you think? Is the Moon’s south pole the right focus, or should we be looking elsewhere? Join the conversation and let your voice be heard in the comments below!
