Astronaut Training

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Astronaut Suit Training Cinder Lakes, Flagstaff, Arizona (334 x 500, 65 kilobytes)

Starting in 1963, the Astrogeology Research Program played an important role in training astronauts destined to explore the lunar surface and in supporting the testing of equipment for both manned and unmanned missions.

As part of the astronauts' training, USGS and NASA geoscientists gave lectures and field trips during the 1960's and early 1970's to teach astronauts the basics of terrestrial and lunar geology. Field trips included excursions into the Grand Canyon to demonstrate the development of geologic structure over time; Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff) and Kitt Peak National Observatory (Tucson); Meteor Crater east of Flagstaff ; and Sunset Crater cinder cone and nearby lava flows in the Flagstaff area. This training was essential to giving astronauts the skills and understanding to make observations about what they would see on the lunar surface and to collect samples for later study back on Earth.

The volcanic fields around Flagstaff have proven particularly useful in testing equipment and training astronauts. Cameras planned for use in the Surveyor project were tested on the Bonito Flow in Sunset Crater National Park because the lava flow appeared to be similar to flows on the lunar surface. A field of artificial impact craters were created in the Cinder Lakes volcanic field near Flagstaff to create a surface similar to the proposed first manned American landing site on the Moon.

Meteor Crater Gene Shoemaker training astronauts 399 x 500, 83 kilobytes Cinder Lakes, Flagstaff Blasting craters in the cinder field to create a Moon-like terrain 394 x 500, 34 kilobytes Cinder Lakes, Flagstaff An aerial view of the resulting crater field 375 x 500, 87 kilobytes Gene Shoemaker wearing a rocket belt 313 x 500, 70 kilobytes Cinder Lakes, Flagstaff Apollo 15 astronauts James Irwin and David Scott test driving Grover (geologic rover) 584 x 500, 80 kilobytes

Astronaut Galleries

• Gemini Suit Testing: Photos by Museum of Northern Arizona's Paul Long of Gemini spacesuit testing and training at Cinder Lakes in Flagstaff, Arizona
• A View from an Astronaut's Eyes: Apollo mission photos, panoramas, and traverse maps

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Flagstaff Science Center | Gene Shoemaker
Astronaut Training | Harrison H. Schmitt
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