NASA selects scientists to support lunar South Pole science.

NASA has chosen 10 participating scientists to help plan surface science tasks for astronauts at the Moon's South Pole under the Artemis program, including instrument deployment and sample collection.

NASA has selected 10 participating scientists to help shape a science plan for astronauts working at the Moon's South Pole under the Artemis program. The group's responsibilities include planning how crews deploy instruments, make observations of the landing site, and collect samples on the lunar surface. The participants will join the first Artemis lunar surface science team led by Noah Petro and Padi Boyd and will support the inaugural Artemis geology team led by Brett Denevi. NASA describes the work as part of broader preparations for sustained lunar operations and future human exploration beyond the Moon. What is known: - NASA selected 10 participating scientists to support surface science planning for Artemis missions at the lunar South Pole. - The scientists will assist with instrument deployment, landing-site observations, and collection of Moon samples. - They will join the first Artemis lunar surface science team led by Noah Petro and Padi Boyd and will support the Artemis geology team led by Brett Denevi. - The participants will engage in pre-mission planning, science mission operations, and preparation of post-mission reports. - NASA highlights the South Pole region's mix of permanently shadowed areas that may contain ice and sunlit peaks that offer different scientific opportunities. Summary: The selection is intended to shape how astronauts carry out scientific work during the first crewed Artemis lunar landing and to develop procedures for later, more complex missions. The team's planning, operational support, and post-mission reporting will inform research into questions such as the Moon's impact history and the locations of shallow ice. Further details on mission schedules and specific instruments were not provided.