Artemis II and Beyond:
Research and Science

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The Martz-Kohl Observatory was proud to host an exceptionally timely presentation by Stephanie Buskirk Dudley, NASA’s Moon to Mars Exploration Operations Deputy Director. At the time of this recording, the Artemis II mission was literally on the launch pad, marking a high-stakes moment for the first human return to the lunar vicinity in over fifty years. This presentation captures a pivotal shift in the Artemis program from simple lunar visitation to long-term pioneering. Throughout the session, Ms. Dudley offers an insider’s look at the rigorous scientific research defining these upcoming voyages and the vital groundwork being laid for the eventual human exploration of Mars.

During the talk, Ms. Dudley provided a deep dive into the objectives of Artemis II, the ten-day mission designed to propel a crew of four into deep space. She explained how the crew will gather critical survival data regarding radiation and human biology to protect future explorers. The presentation also illuminated the ambitious goals of Artemis III, the historic mission destined to land the first humans near the lunar South Pole. This upcoming mission will see astronauts explore permanently shadowed craters to search for vital resources such as water ice, which is essential for a sustained human presence on the Moon.

Stephanie Buskirk Dudley brought a wealth of NASA leadership experience to the observatory for this event. In her role as Moon to Mars Exploration Operations Deputy Director, she oversees the integration of complex mission profiles, building on a distinguished career that includes serving as the Mission Integration and Utilization Manager for the Gateway Program. A structural engineer by training, Ms. Dudley holds three degrees from the University of Florida and is a licensed private pilot. Her lifelong passion for space was famously ignited as a child while watching Space Shuttle launches from her own backyard, a journey that has led her to the forefront of NASA’s next great leap.

 

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