Hello everyone!
As part of my ongoing project, Geoscientists' Voices (supported by the AGU Voices for Science program), I recently released a special two-part "Mission Briefing" series to coincide with the historic launch of Artemis II. You can also read my recent guest post in AGU's The Bridge, https://thebridge.agu.org/2026/03/30/guest-post-bridging-earth-and-lunar-orbit-why-geoscientists-voices-matter-for-artemis-ii/, where I discuss why the Moon is our ultimate "geological proving ground."
Part 1: From Mars to the Moon I spoke with Dr. Nicolas Randazzo, a member of the NASA Perseverance rover science team and researcher at the University of Alberta. We explored the planetary geochemistry overlap between Mars and the Moon, the terrifying physics of atmospheric re-entry, and how NASA solved the "space coffee crisis" using fluid dynamics. Watch Part 1: https://youtu.be/06DZsFhgivI
Part 2: The Moon's Internal Engine I was joined by Professor Scott King, a world-renowned geophysicist from Virginia Tech and AGU Fellow. We went deep into the Moon's thermal evolution, discussing why the lunar far side looks so different from what we see from Earth and what its "stalled" internal engine reveals about the future of our own planet. Watch Part 2: https://youtu.be/C64F4anLR8Q
Support the project and stay updated: Please subscribe to the Geoscientists' Voices YouTube channel for more weekly videos exploring the intersection of geoscience and exploration: https://www.youtube.com/@Geoscientists_Voices
Why This Matters for the Geosciences Community These conversations highlight that Artemis II isn't just a flight test; it's a vital opportunity for scientific advocacy. Whether we are analyzing "leopard spots" on Mars or the crustal thickness of the lunar far side, these missions provide the high-level data necessary to understand planetary survival. Our voices ensure that this "Artemis Generation" of exploration remains a priority that bridges the gap between Earth-based research and the next giant leap for humanity.
When asked about the future of geosciences in the context of these missions, the consensus is clear: "Connected." Our study of other worlds is a mirror for understanding the survival of our own.
I'd love to hear from the community: As we transition into this new era of crewed lunar exploration, how do you see the integration of planetary data (like lunar seismology or geochemistry) changing the way we model Earth's own long-term evolution and climate resilience?
Let's keep the conversation going!
Aleksei Nelaev
AGU Voices for Science cohort member
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alekseinelaev/
------------------------------
Aleksei Nelaev
------------------------------