We're taking lunar training to new heights 🚁 NASA has certified a new lander flight training course using helicopters, marking a key milestone in crew training for Artemis missions to the Moon. Because of its unique terrain that can mimic lunar conditions, this course is set in the rugged terrain of Colorado’s mountains to simulate the challenges of landing on the Moon’s South Pole region: steep slopes, dust clouds, and visual illusions. To help certify the course, NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei and Matthew Dominick participated in flight and landing training in August - taking turns flying a helicopter and navigating to landing zones. Image 1: A military helicopter soars above rugged Colorado terrain, skimming past a steep cliff on the right with towering mountains rising in the distance. Credit: NASA/Michael DeMocker Image 2: Two helicopter pilots focus in the cockpit as they navigate above Colorado’s rugged mountains, studying a colorful map in front of them. Credit: NASA/Mi...