Space & Satellites
NASA Certifies Helicopter Training for Artemis Lunar South Pole Mission
NASA’s helicopter training in Colorado prepares Artemis astronauts for complex lunar South Pole landings, boosting safety and mission success.
NASA has achieved a significant milestone in preparing astronauts for humanity’s return to the Moon through the certification of an innovative helicopter-based training program in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. This groundbreaking initiative, conducted in partnership with the Colorado Army National Guard, represents a critical advancement in crew preparation for the Artemis III mission scheduled for mid-2027, which will mark the first crewed lunar landing in over half a century. The program utilizes military helicopters operating in high-altitude mountain terrain to simulate the challenging conditions astronauts will face when landing near the Moon’s South Pole, incorporating lessons learned from the Apollo era while addressing the unique demands of modern lunar exploration.
The helicopter training program stands out for its focus on replicating the visual, environmental, and operational challenges expected during lunar landings. By leveraging the unique terrain and conditions of the Rocky Mountains, NASA ensures that astronauts are equipped with the skills and decision-making abilities necessary to handle degraded visibility, communication barriers, and the technical complexities of landing in one of the most hostile environments ever attempted by humans. This approach not only enhances crew safety but also increases the likelihood of mission success as NASA aims to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon and, eventually, Mars.
As NASA’s Artemis program moves forward, the integration of military aviation expertise and state-of-the-art simulation technology exemplifies the agency’s commitment to innovation and cross-sector collaboration. The helicopter training program is a testament to the evolving nature of space exploration, where partnerships and adaptability are as crucial as technological advancement.
The Artemis program represents NASA’s most ambitious human spaceflight initiative since the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s. While Apollo was driven by geopolitical competition and technological demonstration, Artemis is focused on establishing a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface, serving as a springboard for future Mars exploration. The program’s scope is reflected in its budget, with expenditures reaching approximately $93 billion by 2025, a figure that far exceeds the Apollo program’s inflation-adjusted cost.
Artemis III, the mission for which this helicopter training is being developed, will attempt the first crewed landing near the Moon’s South Pole, a region characterized by extreme lighting, volatile temperatures, and treacherous terrain. Unlike the relatively flat landing sites of Apollo, the South Pole features deep craters, steep ridges, and boulders, creating formidable hazards for both automated and manual landings. The scientific allure of this region lies in its ancient, shadowed craters, which may harbor water ice, a resource crucial for sustained lunar operations and future deep space missions.
Water ice at the lunar South Pole could be used for life support and as a source of rocket fuel, making it a key enabler for long-term human presence and exploration beyond the Moon. The region’s unique environment also offers scientists an unprecedented opportunity to study the origins of the solar system through analysis of its untouched geology. These factors collectively underscore the importance of preparing astronauts for the operational and scientific challenges of Artemis missions.
NASA’s partnership with the Colorado Army National Guard, specifically at the High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (HAATS) in Gypsum, Colorado, is instrumental in developing the helicopter training program. HAATS is the only Department of Defense facility specializing in high-altitude power management for helicopters, training over 400 aircrews annually from all military branches and international partners. Its unique environment, ranging from 6,500 to 14,200 feet in elevation, mirrors the power and control limitations astronauts will encounter when piloting lunar landers in the Moon’s low-gravity, airless environment.
The collaboration began in 2021, drawing on both military aviation expertise and feedback from Apollo-era astronauts. This fusion of historical experience and modern training techniques has resulted in a comprehensive program that addresses not only technical proficiency but also the psychological demands of high-stakes landing operations. The week-long courses at HAATS challenge astronauts with progressively difficult scenarios, emphasizing teamwork, communication, and rapid decision-making under pressure. First Sergeant Joshua Smith of HAATS captures the essence of this partnership, noting that their motto, “de montibus ad astra” (from the mountains to the stars), reflects the facility’s commitment to preparing aviators for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial challenges. By leveraging existing military infrastructure and expertise, NASA benefits from a cost-effective and proven training environment, without the need to develop new facilities from scratch.
“We are reaching new heights by providing realistic and relevant training with NASA for Artemis.” – First Sergeant Joshua Smith, HAATS
The helicopter training program employs a three-pronged approach: motion-based simulation, in-flight analog training, and direct lunar simulation exercises. Multiple helicopter types, including the LUH-72 Lakota, CH-47 Chinook, and UH-60 Black Hawk, are used to expose astronauts to a variety of flight dynamics and operational scenarios. This diversity ensures that astronauts can adapt to different vehicle characteristics, a necessity given the multiple lunar lander designs being developed for Artemis missions.
During each training flight, astronauts alternate between pilot and navigator roles, practicing visual navigation, hazard identification, and cross-cockpit communication. The Rocky Mountain terrain provides a realistic analog for lunar conditions, with snow and dust simulating lunar regolith and high-altitude sun angles creating lighting effects similar to those at the lunar South Pole. These environmental factors force astronauts to develop the muscle memory and situational awareness required for safe lunar landings.
NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock, who helped design the program, emphasized the parallels between high-altitude helicopter operations and lunar landings: “Helicopters at or above 10,000 feet are not really efficient in the thin air, forcing us into operating with very thin power margins similar to the Apollo astronauts having to manage energy and momentum to land safely.” This focus on power management and rapid decision-making is central to the training’s effectiveness.
“Artemis astronauts who will land on the Moon will need to master crew coordination and communication with one another. Much like they will on the Moon, astronaut teams are learning how to work together efficiently in a stressful environment to identify hazards, overcome degraded visual environments, and evaluate risks to successfully land.” – Paul Felker, NASA Johnson Space Center
The official certification of the helicopter training course in August 2025 marked a pivotal moment in Artemis mission preparation. NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei and Matthew Dominick participated in the certification run, becoming the 24th and 25th astronauts to complete the program. Their feedback, along with input from mission control and lunar lander experts, validated the training’s relevance and effectiveness for future lunar crew operations.
Mark Vande Hei, a retired Army officer and veteran of a nearly year-long mission aboard the International Space Station, brought extensive operational experience to the evaluation. Matthew Dominick, a Naval aviator and test pilot, contributed his expertise in high-stress landing operations, further enriching the program’s development. The involvement of astronauts with diverse backgrounds ensures that the training addresses a wide range of operational scenarios and crew dynamics.
The certification process was comprehensive, involving assessments of instruction quality, training environment fidelity, and the applicability of skills to lunar landing operations. The program’s success has established it as a foundational element of Artemis crew preparation, likely serving as the first group flight training opportunity for the Artemis III crew before transitioning to ground-based simulators and lunar lander mockups.
The helicopter training program is a significant component of NASA’s Artemis budget, which allocates billions annually to deep space exploration and human landing system development. By leveraging HAATS’ existing infrastructure, NASA achieves a cost-effective solution for astronaut preparation, avoiding the expense of building dedicated training facilities. The program is part of a broader strategy to maximize resource utilization through partnerships and cross-agency collaboration. Since its inception in 2021, the program has trained 22 NASA astronauts and one European Space Agency astronaut, establishing a track record of effectiveness and international cooperation. The skills developed through this training are directly applicable not only to Artemis III but to subsequent missions, including Artemis IV and future lunar base construction efforts. The methodology and lessons learned are expected to inform astronaut training for Mars missions, where environmental and operational challenges will be even more severe.
The emphasis on manual control, crew coordination, and decision-making under stress reflects a broader trend in space exploration: the recognition that technology alone cannot guarantee mission success. Human factors, adaptability, and experiential learning are increasingly seen as critical components of astronaut training, particularly for missions involving complex, dynamic environments like the lunar South Pole or the surface of Mars.
“The skills developed in Colorado’s thin mountain air will prove essential when astronauts attempt humanity’s first landing near the lunar South Pole, navigating through shadows and terrain far more challenging than any previously attempted.” – NASA Artemis Training Team
NASA’s certification of the helicopter training program at HAATS stands as a landmark achievement in the preparation for Artemis lunar missions. By combining military aviation expertise, advanced simulation technology, and lessons from past spaceflight experience, the agency has developed a training regimen that addresses the unique challenges of landing and operating at the Moon’s South Pole. The program’s success in training astronauts for degraded visibility, communication hurdles, and precision landings will be critical to the safety and success of upcoming missions.
As the Artemis III mission approaches, the skills honed in Colorado’s mountains will enable astronauts to navigate one of the most hazardous environments in human exploration. The helicopter training program not only enhances the immediate prospects for lunar landings but also establishes a foundation for sustainable lunar operations and future Mars exploration. Through innovation, partnership, and a commitment to experiential learning, NASA continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in human spaceflight.
What is the purpose of the helicopter training program for Artemis astronauts? Why was the High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (HAATS) chosen for this training? How many astronauts have completed the helicopter training program? How does this training support future Mars missions?
NASA’s Revolutionary Helicopter Training Program Prepares Artemis Astronauts for Historic Lunar Landings
Historical Context and Artemis Program Foundation
The Colorado High-Altitude Training Partnership
Training Methodology and Simulated Lunar Conditions
Certification Achievement and Recent Developments
Financial Investment, Strategic Importance, and Future Implications
Conclusion
FAQ
The program prepares astronauts for the unique challenges of landing at the Moon’s South Pole by simulating degraded visibility, challenging terrain, and the need for precise crew coordination using high-altitude helicopter flights in Colorado.
HAATS offers a unique high-altitude environment that closely mimics the power management and operational challenges astronauts will face on the lunar surface, making it an ideal location for this specialized training.
As of August 2025, 24 NASA astronauts and one European Space Agency astronaut have completed the program, including Mark Vande Hei and Matthew Dominick during the certification run.
The skills developed, manual control, crew coordination, and decision-making in extreme environments, are directly applicable to future Mars missions, where astronauts will face similar, if not greater, challenges.Sources
Photo Credit: NASA
Space & Satellites
Sodern Opens First US Facility in Colorado for Star Tracker Production
Sodern launches its first US industrial subsidiary in Colorado, producing Auriga™ star trackers and expanding in the US aerospace market.
This article is based on an official press release from Sodern.
Sodern, a prominent French manufacturer of space equipment and a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, has officially inaugurated its first United States industrial subsidiary, Sodern America. Located in Englewood, Colorado, the new facility marks a significant strategic expansion for the European aerospace giant, representing ArianeGroup’s first industrial installation on American soil.
According to the company’s announcement, the opening of Sodern America is designed to bring the manufacturer closer to its U.S. client base and navigate domestic regulatory requirements. The move positions Sodern to compete directly with established American firms in the defense and commercial space sectors by establishing a local supply chain and production capability.
The new subsidiary is situated in the Denver metropolitan area, a region widely recognized as a major hub for the U.S. aerospace industry. The facility spans approximately 14,000 square feet (1,300 square meters) and is equipped to handle manufacturing, testing, and commercial support.
In its official statement, Sodern outlined the specific operational capabilities of the Englewood site:
By establishing this physical presence, Sodern aims to address the “dynamic and demanding” nature of the U.S. market, ensuring that critical components are available with shorter supply-chains than those requiring import from Europe.
To lead the new subsidiary, Sodern has appointed Tiphaine Louradour as the CEO of Sodern America. Louradour brings over 25 years of experience in the space industry, having held significant leadership roles at major U.S. aerospace organizations.
According to biographical details released in conjunction with the announcement, Louradour’s background includes serving as CEO of Spaceflight Inc., President of International Launch Services (ILS), and President of Global Commercial Sales at United Launch Alliance (ULA). Her appointment signals Sodern’s intent to leverage deep ties within the U.S. space industrial base to secure new contracts.
A primary driver for this expansion, as noted in the company’s strategic rationale, is compliance with U.S. regulatory frameworks. Foreign entities often face barriers when bidding for U.S. government defense and civil space contracts due to strict domestic content requirements, often referred to as “Buy American” mandates. By manufacturing the Auriga™ star tracker and conducting testing in Colorado, Sodern America intends to qualify for sensitive programs that are typically restricted to U.S. entities. This local status allows the company to bypass previous regulatory hurdles and compete on equal footing with domestic manufacturers.
The entry of Sodern America into the Colorado aerospace cluster places it in direct proximity to some of its fiercest competitors. The Denver area is home to Blue Canyon Technologies (a subsidiary of RTX), which is a market leader in small satellite components and star trackers. Additionally, Ball Aerospace (now part of BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems) and Honeywell Aerospace maintain significant operations in the region.
Sodern is already a supplier for major U.S. stakeholders, including NASA, providing instruments for the InSight Mars mission and the Europa Clipper, and the OneWeb constellation. However, establishing a manufacturing foothold suggests a shift from being an exporter to becoming an embedded part of the U.S. supply chain. This move is likely to intensify competition in the optical sensors market, particularly as satellite constellations continue to scale.
What is Sodern America? Where is the new facility located? What will be manufactured at the new site? Who is the CEO of Sodern America? Why did Sodern open a U.S. factory?
Facility Capabilities and Strategic Location
Leadership and Market Objectives
Navigating “Buy American” Regulations
AirPro News Analysis: The Competitive Landscape
Frequently Asked Questions
Sodern America is the new U.S. subsidiary of the French space equipment manufacturer Sodern. It is the company’s first industrial facility in the United States.
The facility is located in Englewood, Colorado, within the Denver metropolitan area.
The site will feature a production line for Auriga™ star trackers and testing facilities for Hydra™ star trackers.
Tiphaine Louradour, a veteran aerospace executive with previous leadership roles at Spaceflight Inc. and ULA, has been appointed as CEO.
The expansion aims to bypass “Buy American” regulatory hurdles, shorten supply chains for U.S. clients, and allow the company to bid on U.S. government defense contracts.Sources
Photo Credit: Sodern
Space & Satellites
Isar Aerospace Opens Acceptance Test Facility at Esrange Space Center
Isar Aerospace launches a new test site at Esrange, Sweden, to support industrial-scale production of Spectrum rocket ahead of March 2026 flight.
This article is based on an official press release from Isar Aerospace.
Isar Aerospace has officially inaugurated a new acceptance test facility at the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, Sweden. Announced on February 4, 2026, the opening marks a significant transition for the Munich-based launch provider as it shifts focus from prototype development to the industrial-scale production of its Spectrum launch vehicle.
The new site is purpose-built to verify the flight readiness of manufactured hardware, a critical step in ensuring high-cadence Launch operations. According to the company, the facility is designed to test over 30 Aquila engines per month, alongside fully integrated rocket stages. This infrastructure expansion comes just weeks before Isar Aerospace attempts its second Test-Flights, mission “Onward and Upward,” scheduled to First-Flight from Andøya Spaceport in Norway in March 2026.
Unlike development testing, which focuses on validating design concepts, acceptance testing is the final quality control step before hardware is shipped to the launch pad. Isar Aerospace stated in their press release that the new facility is specifically engineered to remove production bottlenecks. By securing dedicated infrastructure for acceptance testing, the company aims to ensure that every engine and stage coming off the assembly line is immediately qualified for flight.
The facility operates alongside Isar’s existing vertical test stand (VTS-2) at Esrange, which has been utilized for development testing since 2019. The addition of the new site allows for parallel operations: R&D can continue on the vertical stand while the new facility handles the volume required for serial production.
“Scaling reliable access to space requires not only advanced launch vehicle design but also the right infrastructure to support rapid development and production. With our second test facility at Esrange, we are unlocking new capabilities and accelerating our progress.”
, Daniel Metzler, CEO & Co-Founder, Isar Aerospace
The new infrastructure significantly increases the company’s throughput. Isar Aerospace reports that the site is equipped to handle the acceptance testing of more than 30 Aquila engines monthly. Furthermore, the site supports integrated stage testing, allowing engineers to verify the entire rocket stage as a cohesive unit before it leaves Sweden.
The opening of this facility highlights the intensifying race among European launch Startups to provide sovereign access to space. Isar Aerospace is competing with peers such as Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and Orbex to fill the gap in Europe’s launch market. By vertically integrating its testing capabilities, Isar Aerospace reduces reliance on shared facilities, potentially giving it an advantage in scheduling and launch cadence. Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), which operates Esrange, emphasized the importance of this Partnerships for the broader European ecosystem.
“This new facility strengthens Europe’s path toward scalable and reliable access to space… Together, we are building the infrastructure that will enable a new generation of launch services.”
, Mats Tyni, Director of Business Development, SSC
The distinction between “development” and “acceptance” testing is often overlooked, yet it is the primary hurdle for launch companies moving from a single successful flight to a commercial service. In our view, Isar Aerospace’s Investments in a high-volume acceptance facility signals confidence in their hardware design. It suggests the company believes the Aquila engine design is mature enough to freeze for mass production. If the upcoming March 2026 flight is successful, this infrastructure will be the key enabler that allows them to fulfill their backlog without the testing bottlenecks that have historically plagued the industry.
The facility inauguration serves as a prelude to Isar Aerospace’s next major milestone. The company confirmed that its second test flight, dubbed “Onward and Upward,” is targeted for a launch window in March 2026. This mission will utilize the Spectrum vehicle, a two-stage rocket designed to carry up to 1,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The Spectrum vehicle relies on the Aquila engines tested at Esrange, which utilize Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Propane. Following a flight termination during the first test launch in March 2025, the company has conducted extensive hot-fire tests to validate system corrections. The new acceptance facility will likely play a central role in qualifying engines for vehicles 3 through 7, which are currently planned for concurrent production.
Industrializing Launch Capabilities
Capacity and Specs
Strategic Context: The Race for European Sovereignty
AirPro News Analysis
Upcoming Mission: “Onward and Upward”
Sources
Photo Credit: Isar Aerospace
Space & Satellites
SpaceX Crew-12 Arrives in Florida for February ISS Launch
Crew-12 astronauts from NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos arrive at Kennedy Space Center ahead of their February 11 launch to the ISS aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon.
This article is based on an official press release from NASA and additional mission data from ESA and Roscosmos.
The four-member crew of the SpaceX Crew-12 mission arrived at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida on Friday, February 6, 2026, marking the final operational milestone before their scheduled Launch to the International Space Station (ISS). Flying in from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, the international team of astronauts landed at the Launch and Landing Facility to commence final preparations and mandatory quarantine protocols.
According to NASA, the mission is targeted to lift off on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 6:01 a.m. EST. The crew will ride aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft named Freedom, propelled by a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This flight represents a continuation of the Commercial Crew Program’s efforts to maintain a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit.
The arrival of Crew-12 is operationally critical for the ISS, which has recently functioned with a reduced staff due to schedule shifts and medical evaluations. The successful docking of Crew-12, targeted for approximately 10:30 a.m. EST on February 12, will restore the orbiting laboratory to its full complement of seven astronauts, stabilizing maintenance rosters and scientific output for Expeditions 74 and 75.
The Crew-12 mission brings together representatives from three major Space-Agencies: NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Roscosmos. The mission duration is expected to last approximately nine months, during which the crew will conduct hundreds of scientific experiments and technology demonstrations.
In an official statement regarding the mission’s scope, NASA noted:
“Crew-12 will conduct scientific investigations and technology demonstrations to help prepare humans for future exploration missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as benefit people on Earth.”
Following the launch on February 11, the crew will execute a 28-hour rendezvous profile before docking with the ISS. Once aboard, they will overlap briefly with the departing crew before settling into a long-duration stay focused on deep space biology, material science, and Earth observation.
The manifest for Crew-12 features a blend of veteran leadership and rookie talent, including two American astronauts, one French astronaut, and one Russian cosmonaut. Leading the mission is veteran astronaut Jessica Meir. Meir previously served on Expedition 61/62 in 2019 and 2020, where she gained global recognition for participating in the first all-female spacewalk alongside Christina Koch. A dual American-Swedish citizen, Meir holds a Doctorate in Marine Biology from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Her scientific background includes extensive research on animal physiology in extreme environments, such as emperor penguins in Antarctica. As Mission Commander, she is responsible for all phases of flight, from launch to re-entry.
Seated alongside Meir is mission pilot Jack Hathaway, making his first trip to space. Selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in 2021, Hathaway brings extensive aviation experience as a Commander in the U.S. Navy. He is a distinguished graduate of the Empire Test Pilots’ School and has logged over 2,500 flight hours in more than 30 types of aircraft. His role on Crew-12 involves monitoring vehicle systems and performance during the dynamic phases of flight.
Representing the European Space Agency is Mission Specialist Sophie Adenot. A Lieutenant Colonel in the French Air and Space Force and a helicopter test pilot, Adenot was selected as an ESA astronaut in 2022. She becomes the second French woman to fly to space, following Claudie Haigneré’s mission in 1996. Adenot’s individual mission is designated “Epsilon.”
Commenting on the significance of her role, Adenot stated:
“With this Epsilon mission, France and Europe are contributing to a global endeavor. Space exploration connects science, economy, technology, education, and diplomacy.”
Rounding out the crew is Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. This flight marks his second journey to the ISS, having previously flown on the SpaceX Crew-6 mission from March to September 2023. Fedyaev’s inclusion in the crew is notable for making him the first Russian cosmonaut to fly twice on a SpaceX Dragon vehicle. He is tasked with monitoring launch and re-entry phases and managing cargo operations aboard the station.
Upon their arrival in Florida, the crew immediately entered the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building to begin the standard pre-flight quarantine. This health stabilization protocol, a legacy of the Apollo era, is designed to ensure that no viral or bacterial illnesses are transported to the closed environment of the ISS.
The composition of Crew-12 underwent a significant adjustment late in the training flow. In December 2025, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev was removed from the manifest and replaced by Andrey Fedyaev. While Roscosmos officially cited a “transition to other work” as the reason for the swap, industry reports have suggested the change may have been influenced by internal Regulations. Fedyaev’s previous experience on the Crew-6 mission allowed him to step into the role with a compressed training timeline, ensuring the mission schedule remained on track.
The integration of Andrey Fedyaev into Crew-12 highlights the increasing maturity and interoperability of the Commercial Crew Program. In previous eras of spaceflight, a crew change less than three months before launch could have resulted in significant delays. However, the standardization of the SpaceX Crew Dragon platform allows veteran flyers like Fedyaev to retain currency and step into rotation with reduced lead time. Furthermore, the launch of Crew-12 is pivotal for ISS operations. The station has faced a period of flux regarding crew numbers, and the return to a seven-person staff is essential for clearing the backlog of maintenance tasks and maximizing the scientific return of the orbiting laboratory before the transition to commercial space stations begins later in the decade.
Sources:
Crew-12 Astronauts Touch Down in Florida Ahead of February 11 Launch
Mission Profile and Timeline
Meet the Crew-12 Astronauts
Commander Jessica Meir (NASA)
Pilot Jack Hathaway (NASA)
Mission Specialist Sophie Adenot (ESA)
Mission Specialist Andrey Fedyaev (Roscosmos)
Operational Context and Late Adjustments
Late Crew Change
AirPro News Analysis
Photo Credit: NASA
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