NASA astronauts test SpaceX's new elevator for upcoming Artemis Lunar landings

Written by Copernical Team Friday, 22 December 2023 10:51

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 22, 2023

NASA astronauts Nicole Mann and Doug "Wheels" Wheelock have recently tested a sub-scale mockup of an innovative elevator system designed for SpaceX's Starship human landing system. This system is earmarked for critical roles in NASA's upcoming Artemis III and IV missions to the Moon. The Starship, a centerpiece in these missions, is tasked with transporting two astronauts from the Orion spacecra

NASA astronauts test SpaceX's new elevator for upcoming Artemis Lunar landings
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 22, 2023

NASA astronauts Nicole Mann and Doug "Wheels" Wheelock have recently tested a sub-scale mockup of an innovative elevator system designed for SpaceX's Starship human landing system. This system is earmarked for critical roles in NASA's upcoming Artemis III and IV missions to the Moon. The Starship, a centerpiece in these missions, is tasked with transporting two astronauts from the Orion spacecraft in lunar orbit to the Moon's surface. During their approximately one-week stay, it will serve as a habitat and facilitate their return to Orion.

The newly tested elevator is a key component in this ambitious project. Designed to bridge the gap between Starship's habitable area, situated near the top of the lander, and the lunar surface, the elevator plays a crucial role in the safe and efficient transport of both crew and equipment. This test marks a pivotal moment, allowing astronauts to engage directly with a flight-like version of the elevator system. This interaction serves a dual purpose: demonstrating the functionality of the hardware and, importantly, gathering invaluable crew feedback.

Constructed at SpaceX's Hawthorne facility in California, the mockup features a full-scale basket complete with functional mechanical assemblies and crew interfaces. During the demonstration, Mann and Wheelock donned spacesuit simulators, replicating the suits' size and mobility constraints expected on the Moon. This aspect is particularly relevant as, for Artemis III, the crew will be equipped with advanced spacesuits developed by Axiom Space, a key player in modern space exploration gear.

The astronauts' engagement with the elevator system extended to evaluating various aspects crucial for lunar missions. They provided feedback on the elevator controls, focusing on elements such as gate latches and ramp deployment interfaces. This evaluation was crucial for understanding the system's usability in moving into and out of the elevator basket, especially considering the spatial constraints and the need for cargo accommodation. Additionally, the dynamic operations of the basket along the vertical rail system were tested, providing a realistic scenario of its performance during lunar missions.

NASA's Artemis program, aiming to land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon, represents a significant leap in lunar exploration. The program seeks to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before, setting the stage for future human missions to Mars. In this grand scheme, the human landing system, comprising the Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft, advanced spacesuits, rovers, and the Gateway in lunar orbit, plays a critical role. The introduction of SpaceX's Starship, complete with its novel elevator system, adds a fresh dimension to this architecture, promising enhanced efficiency and safety for astronauts embarking on these historic journeys.