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# The USGS in Space Exploration, Mission Operations, and Training

Did you know the USGS has played a key role in space exploration since the early days of the Apollo missions? In fact, the USGS Astrogeology Science Center is located in Flagstaff, Arizona (USA) because that's where USGS scientists were training the Apollo astronauts!

                  -              Overview           
                  -              News           

#### The USGS and the Apollo missions

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In the early 1960s, USGS scientists were hard at work creating geologic maps of the Moon and training the Apollo astronauts to prepare them for their upcoming missions to the lunar surface. Astronaut training took many forms - USGS scientists taught the astronauts basic geology and mapping methods in both the classroom, and in the field. In fact, the USGS Astrogeology Science Center was established in Flagstaff, Arizona because that's where the USGS scientists were training the Apollo astronauts! Every astronaut who ever set foot on the Moon trained with the USGS in Flagstaff, Arizona. The USGS even made full size copies of two possible lunar landing sites for the Apollo astronauts to train on! Learn more about how Cinder Lake Crater Field was made here.

Field training exercises were especially important for the astronauts because it gave them a chance to practice making geological observations of real rocks and real field sites. They also practiced reading maps and driving their rovers (seen to the right). Mission scientists and engineers also tested communication methods, spacesuit prototypes, and other equipment. USGS geologists had years of experience working at sites on Earth, and used what they knew about fieldwork to develop and test techniques, procedures, and tools for doing geologic work on the Moon and communicating with Mission Control. These efforts ultimately made scientific work on the Moon possible. A detailed account of the USGS Apollo mission activities can be found in Gerald Shaber's "Chronology of Activities from Conception through the End of Project Apollo" (USGS Open File Report 2005-1190).

Much of the Apollo astronaut training was led by USGS scientist, Dr. Gene Shoemaker. Click below to learn more about this leader in the Apollo mission preparation, and founder of the USGS Astrogeology Science Center.

Learn more about Dr. Gene Shoemaker

## Learn more about Dr. Gene Shoemaker

Explore the USGS Astrolink Center

## Explore the USGS Astrolink Center

Learn about Grover the Geologic Rover

## Learn about Grover the Geologic Rover

#### The USGS and Mars exploration

View Media Details

USGS scientists also work on Mars missions, including every Mars rover -  Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance! Some of them work on specific instruments and participate in rover operations (driving, sampling, and planning). Others create important datasets that are used to safely land and navigate. In fact, USGS scientists created the critical data which allowed the Perseverance rover to land safely in a location that would not have been possible before.

**Learn more about the USGS's role in the Perseverance rover landing**

 

Find out what it's like to work on Mars time

## Find out what it's like to work on Mars time

Learn about USGS scientists working on the Perseverance Rover

## Learn about USGS scientists working on the Perseverance Rover

USGS Astrogeology Celebrates 10 years of roving with curiosity on Mars

## USGS Astrogeology Celebrates 10 years of roving with curiosity on Mars

#### USGS returns to the Moon with Artemis

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Today, USGS scientists are helping prepare the Artemis astronauts to return to the surface of the Moon. Just like during the Apollo mission, scientists at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center are helping train astronauts and test equipment that will help us explore the surface of the Moon. Teams work at locations on Earth that are geologically similar to the Moon (*terrestrial analogs*). They use these sites to teach astronauts geology, how to take samples, and make an observation in the field. These teams also test different exploration methods and equipment, so the Artemis missions can be as thorough as possible, while also being safe, and efficient with their time.

**Learn more about how the USGS uses terrestrial analogs to study outer space.**

USGS scientist selected for the VIPER mission

## USGS scientist selected for the VIPER mission

The USGS returns to the Moon!

## The USGS returns to the Moon!

USGS testing moon mission technologies in Arizona

## USGS testing moon mission technologies in Arizona

## News

USGS Returns to the Moon!

January 23, 2023

####   USGS Returns to the Moon!

Astrogeology Team Reflect on Successful Artemis 1 Mission Launch: A Mission to be Thankful For!

November 23, 2022

####   Astrogeology Team Reflect on Successful Artemis 1 Mission Launch: A Mission to be Thankful For!

Testing Moon mission technologies in northern Arizona

September 21, 2022

####   Testing Moon mission technologies in northern Arizona

View All

USGS Returns to the Moon!

January 23, 2023

####   USGS Returns to the Moon!

The Artemis program just took a giant leap toward returning to the Moon! With the First National Cislunar Science & Technology Strategy press release...

Read Article

Astrogeology Team Reflect on Successful Artemis 1 Mission Launch: A Mission to be Thankful For!

November 23, 2022

####   Astrogeology Team Reflect on Successful Artemis 1 Mission Launch: A Mission to be Thankful For!

With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, we at Astrogeology are not only thankful for food on our tables, but for the successful launch of NASA’s...

Read Article

Testing Moon mission technologies in northern Arizona

September 21, 2022

####   Testing Moon mission technologies in northern Arizona

In October 2022, the USGS Astrogeology Science Center will team up with NASA and Babbitt Ranches to help test space suits and pressurized rovers in...

Read Article

Astrogeology Celebrates 10 Years of Roving with Curiosity on Mars

August 5, 2022

####   Astrogeology Celebrates 10 Years of Roving with Curiosity on Mars

It’s hard to believe, but today marks 10 (Earth) years since the Curiosity rover touched down on Mars, and USGS Astrogeology has been involved with...

Read Article

NASA Selects USGS Scientist to Join the VIPER Science Team

January 15, 2022

####   NASA Selects USGS Scientist to Join the VIPER Science Team

Picture yourself as a scientist who has wanted to explore the Moon since their childhood and then NASA invites you to join the Volatile Investigating...

Read Article

Astrogeology has eyes on Mars through Mastcam-Z on Perseverance Rover

September 13, 2021

####   Astrogeology has eyes on Mars through Mastcam-Z on Perseverance Rover

Astrogeology has eyes on Mars through Mastcam-Z on Perseverance Rover. The Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover arrived on Mars' surface in February 2021...

Read Article

Grover the Geologic Rover: A Visitor Favorite

August 19, 2021

####   Grover the Geologic Rover: A Visitor Favorite

When visitors come to the Astrogeology Science Center, Grover the Geologic Rover is often the star attraction. Lunar Roving Vehicles (LRVs) played an...

Read Article

Working on Mars Time

April 14, 2021

####   Working on Mars Time

Have you ever wondered what it's like to participate in a rover mission? Read more below!

Read Article

Mars 2020 Mission: The Perseverance Rover Landing

February 17, 2021

####   Mars 2020 Mission: The Perseverance Rover Landing

The excitement of the Perseverance rover landing on Mars can be witnessed on NASA TV starting at 11:15 PST on February 18, 2021.

Read Article

The Astro Team Returns to Mars!

February 10, 2021

####   The Astro Team Returns to Mars!

**Mars 2020 Staff Highlights**

Read Article

The Astrogeology Planetary Geologic Mapping Group and the Mars 2020 Rover: A Partnership Built on Bedrock

January 19, 2021

####   The Astrogeology Planetary Geologic Mapping Group and the Mars 2020 Rover: A Partnership Built on Bedrock

As the Perseverance rover speeds its way towards Mars, its Earth-based human counterparts have worked tirelessly to prepare for the rover’s arrival at...

Read Article

USGS and JPL Release New Geologic Map of Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Landing Site

December 11, 2020

####   USGS and JPL Release New Geologic Map of Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Landing Site

There is a parable about a group of blind men encountering an elephant for the first time and coming to different conclusions about it depending upon...

Read Article

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                  - Overview  The USGS and the Apollo missions        Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsApollo astronauts James Irwin (left) and David Scott (right) drive Grover the Geologic Rover at Cinder Lake Crater Field in Flagstaff, Arizona (USA).
In the early 1960s, USGS scientists were hard at work creating geologic maps of the Moon and training the Apollo astronauts to prepare them for their upcoming missions to the lunar surface. Astronaut training took many forms - USGS scientists taught the astronauts basic geology and mapping methods in both the classroom, and in the field. In fact, the USGS Astrogeology Science Center was established in Flagstaff, Arizona because that's where the USGS scientists were training the Apollo astronauts! Every astronaut who ever set foot on the Moon trained with the USGS in Flagstaff, Arizona. The USGS even made full size copies of two possible lunar landing sites for the Apollo astronauts to train on! Learn more about how Cinder Lake Crater Field was made here.

Field training exercises were especially important for the astronauts because it gave them a chance to practice making geological observations of real rocks and real field sites. They also practiced reading maps and driving their rovers (seen to the right). Mission scientists and engineers also tested communication methods, spacesuit prototypes, and other equipment. USGS geologists had years of experience working at sites on Earth, and used what they knew about fieldwork to develop and test techniques, procedures, and tools for doing geologic work on the Moon and communicating with Mission Control. These efforts ultimately made scientific work on the Moon possible. A detailed account of the USGS Apollo mission activities can be found in Gerald Shaber's "Chronology of Activities from Conception through the End of Project Apollo" (USGS Open File Report 2005-1190).

Much of the Apollo astronaut training was led by USGS scientist, Dr. Gene Shoemaker. Click below to learn more about this leader in the Apollo mission preparation, and founder of the USGS Astrogeology Science Center.
Learn more about Dr. Gene ShoemakerLearn more about Dr. Gene ShoemakerExplore the USGS Astrolink CenterExplore the USGS Astrolink CenterLearn about Grover the Geologic RoverLearn about Grover the Geologic RoverThe USGS and Mars exploration        Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. View Media DetailsMER Team members who worked on Mars for many years with the Opportunity rover.
USGS scientists also work on Mars missions, including every Mars rover -  Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance! Some of them work on specific instruments and participate in rover operations (driving, sampling, and planning). Others create important datasets that are used to safely land and navigate. In fact, USGS scientists created the critical data which allowed the Perseverance rover to land safely in a location that would not have been possible before.

**Learn more about the USGS's role in the Perseverance rover landing**

 
Find out what it's like to work on Mars timeFind out what it's like to work on Mars timeLearn about USGS scientists working on the Perseverance RoverLearn about USGS scientists working on the Perseverance RoverUSGS Astrogeology Celebrates 10 years of roving with curiosity on MarsUSGS Astrogeology Celebrates 10 years of roving with curiosity on MarsUSGS returns to the Moon with Artemis        Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsAstronauts descending into Meteor Crater in Winslow Arizona.
Today, USGS scientists are helping prepare the Artemis astronauts to return to the surface of the Moon. Just like during the Apollo mission, scientists at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center are helping train astronauts and test equipment that will help us explore the surface of the Moon. Teams work at locations on Earth that are geologically similar to the Moon (*terrestrial analogs*). They use these sites to teach astronauts geology, how to take samples, and make an observation in the field. These teams also test different exploration methods and equipment, so the Artemis missions can be as thorough as possible, while also being safe, and efficient with their time.

**Learn more about how the USGS uses terrestrial analogs to study outer space.**
USGS scientist selected for the VIPER missionUSGS scientist selected for the VIPER missionThe USGS returns to the Moon!The USGS returns to the Moon!USGS testing moon mission technologies in ArizonaUSGS testing moon mission technologies in ArizonaNewsUSGS Returns to the Moon!January 23, 2023  USGS Returns to the Moon!Astrogeology Team Reflect on Successful Artemis 1 Mission Launch: A Mission to be Thankful For!November 23, 2022  Astrogeology Team Reflect on Successful Artemis 1 Mission Launch: A Mission to be Thankful For!Testing Moon mission technologies in northern ArizonaSeptember 21, 2022  Testing Moon mission technologies in northern ArizonaView All 
                  - News  Filter Total Items: 22Content typeTypeNewsNewsletterRelease Date (field_release_date)Year202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995TitleLabel**Advanced filtersLocation(s) (field_states)LocationAlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoCommonwealth of the Northern Mariana IslandsConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasU.S. Virgin IslandsUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingUSGS Returns to the Moon!January 23, 2023  USGS Returns to the Moon!
The Artemis program just took a giant leap toward returning to the Moon! With the First National Cislunar Science & Technology Strategy press release...
Read Article**Astrogeology Team Reflect on Successful Artemis 1 Mission Launch: A Mission to be Thankful For!November 23, 2022  Astrogeology Team Reflect on Successful Artemis 1 Mission Launch: A Mission to be Thankful For!
With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, we at Astrogeology are not only thankful for food on our tables, but for the successful launch of NASA’s...
Read Article**Testing Moon mission technologies in northern ArizonaSeptember 21, 2022  Testing Moon mission technologies in northern Arizona
In October 2022, the USGS Astrogeology Science Center will team up with NASA and Babbitt Ranches to help test space suits and pressurized rovers in...
Read Article**Astrogeology Celebrates 10 Years of Roving with Curiosity on MarsAugust 5, 2022  Astrogeology Celebrates 10 Years of Roving with Curiosity on Mars
It’s hard to believe, but today marks 10 (Earth) years since the Curiosity rover touched down on Mars, and USGS Astrogeology has been involved with...
Read Article**NASA Selects USGS Scientist to Join the VIPER Science TeamJanuary 15, 2022  NASA Selects USGS Scientist to Join the VIPER Science Team
Picture yourself as a scientist who has wanted to explore the Moon since their childhood and then NASA invites you to join the Volatile Investigating...
Read Article**Astrogeology has eyes on Mars through Mastcam-Z on Perseverance RoverSeptember 13, 2021  Astrogeology has eyes on Mars through Mastcam-Z on Perseverance Rover
Astrogeology has eyes on Mars through Mastcam-Z on Perseverance Rover. The Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover arrived on Mars' surface in February 2021...
Read Article**Grover the Geologic Rover: A Visitor FavoriteAugust 19, 2021  Grover the Geologic Rover: A Visitor Favorite
When visitors come to the Astrogeology Science Center, Grover the Geologic Rover is often the star attraction. Lunar Roving Vehicles (LRVs) played an...
Read Article**Working on Mars TimeApril 14, 2021  Working on Mars Time
Have you ever wondered what it's like to participate in a rover mission? Read more below!
Read Article**Mars 2020 Mission: The Perseverance Rover LandingFebruary 17, 2021  Mars 2020 Mission: The Perseverance Rover Landing
The excitement of the Perseverance rover landing on Mars can be witnessed on NASA TV starting at 11:15 PST on February 18, 2021.
Read Article**The Astro Team Returns to Mars!February 10, 2021  The Astro Team Returns to Mars!
**Mars 2020 Staff Highlights**
Read Article**The Astrogeology Planetary Geologic Mapping Group and the Mars 2020 Rover: A Partnership Built on BedrockJanuary 19, 2021  The Astrogeology Planetary Geologic Mapping Group and the Mars 2020 Rover: A Partnership Built on Bedrock
As the Perseverance rover speeds its way towards Mars, its Earth-based human counterparts have worked tirelessly to prepare for the rover’s arrival at...
Read Article**USGS and JPL Release New Geologic Map of Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Landing SiteDecember 11, 2020  USGS and JPL Release New Geologic Map of Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Landing Site
There is a parable about a group of blind men encountering an elephant for the first time and coming to different conclusions about it depending upon...
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