Artemis II Lunar Targeting Plan
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The Lunar Targeting Plan is the Artemis II crew's Moon observing assignment. It is fine-tuned to the exact lighting conditions on the Moon’s surface when the Artemis II crew flies by, and for their viewing angle as they’re hurtling through space. Like a spacewalk plan, it provides strong, detailed guidance, plus flexibility for the crew to make decisions based on what they’re seeing and experiencing in real time. Targets are prioritized based on both their science value and their visibility at the time of observation.
As the astronauts approach the Moon, most of the lunar near side will be illuminated – a shared view with observers on Earth. When they’re all the way on the other side of the Moon, they’ll see a waxing crescent: 20% of the lunar far side will be sunlit, and 80% will be in darkness.
The Lunar Targeting Plan is focused on the sunlit parts of the surface, but the night side of the Moon offers unique science opportunities, too. The astronauts will look for bursts of light created when space debris slams into the Moon’s surface, also called “impact flashes”. They’ll keep their eyes out for dust lofted above the lunar horizon and backlit by the Sun. And on top of all that, they’ll experience a total solar eclipse lasting almost an hour.