In this latest episode of Science Studio, Dr. Keith Pannell continues his conversation with Dr. Jose Hurtado following a major milestone in the Artemis II mission. After completing a successful loop around Earth, the crew made the decision to move forward and head directly toward the Moon.
The discussion explores the roles of the commander and pilot, along with key questions about the mission’s trajectory why the spacecraft travels far beyond the Moon, and how long it takes astronauts to adjust to life in space. Through these questions, the episode offers a clearer look at both the strategy and human experience behind the mission.
Dr. Hurtado is a UTEP professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences. He is assisting with mission simulations at the NASA Johnson Space Center, and during the mission itself, Hurtado will work in NASA’s Science Evaluation Room and help provide real-time communications and feedback to astronauts, which can maximize scientific return during the short mission.
This was originally recorded April 3rd, 2026 1PM (MDT)