In this special edition of Science Studio, Dr. Keith Panell speaks with Dr. Jose Hurtado following an exciting and exhuasting day as Artemis II crew completed their lunar flyby.
While scientists are still analyzing the data, Dr. Hurtado reflects on the experience of watching the crew observe the Moon in real time. From detailed views along the boundary between light and darkness to unexpected colors and surface features, the mission offered a perpective that goes beyond what images alone can capture.
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 7th, 2026 11AM (MDT)