Training for the Moon, Underwater #shorts #moon #artemis 

PBS NOVA
PBS NOVAApr 8, 2026

Why It Matters

Successful validation of the lunar suit’s mobility and life‑support functions reduces risk for Artemis astronauts, accelerating NASA’s timeline for sustainable Moon exploration.

Key Takeaways

  • NASA tests lunar suit underwater to mimic moon’s low gravity
  • Suit buoyancy requires added weights to prevent flipping during movement
  • Astronauts practice joint mobility; suit limits range of motion
  • Life‑support backpack supplies oxygen, water, and pressure regulation
  • Underwater trials reveal challenges beyond visual simplicity of moonwalk

Summary

The video shows NASA engineers and astronaut Victor Glover conducting an underwater test of the next‑generation spacesuit intended for the Artemis program’s lunar surface operations.

By submerging the suit in a pool, they replicate the Moon’s one‑sixth gravity while accounting for the suit’s inherent buoyancy. Extra ballast is strategically placed to keep the astronaut from flipping when extending arms or walking, highlighting the delicate balance between weight distribution and mobility.

Glover, a veteran of four ISS spacewalks, notes the sensation differs from orbit: “You’re inside a balloon at the bottom of the pool,” and emphasizes the need to move slowly so the suit’s limited joints can follow his limbs. The backpack supplies oxygen, water, and maintains pressure, underscoring its role as a life‑support system.

These trials expose practical challenges—joint stiffness, weight balancing, and life‑support integration—that must be resolved before crews set foot on the Moon, directly influencing suit design, training protocols, and mission safety for upcoming Artemis landings.

Original Description

Although Artemis II won’t land on the moon, Victor Glover is part of the team prepping for Artemis IV, when astronauts will set foot again on the lunar surface.

Comments

Want to join the conversation?

Loading comments...