In October, Black Point Lava Flow, a dark, desert landscape forty miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona, served as a simulated lunar environment. During the activity, called Desert Research and Technology Studies (D-RATS), scientists, engineers, and researchers from NASA and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXAJP) gathered to test pressurized rover operations for future #Artemis missions. ⁣ ⁣ D-RATS consisted of one engineering run and three separate missions. Two different crew members from NASA and JAXA participated in each mission which involved living, working, and driving in a pressurized rover over the course of three days.⁣ ⁣ A pressurized rover will enable farther and longer lunar surface expeditions by providing a place for astronauts to live and work as they traverse the area near the lunar South Pole. As part of a study agreement with NASA, JAXA may provide a pressurized rover for Artemis missions. D-RATS allowed JAXA to work with NASA’s prototype rover to inform potential r...