NASA has unveiled a photo of its mannequin named "Moonikin Campos," the first simulated passenger for the Artemis I mission, paving the way for humanity's return to the Moon.
If all proceeds as planned, NASA will launch Artemis 1 in November as the inaugural step in its ambitious Artemis program. This uncrewed test will send an Orion capsule—designed for future astronauts—atop the powerful SLS rocket toward the Moon.
The spacecraft will orbit the Moon at low altitude twice before splashing down on Earth, mirroring the trajectory of Apollo 8 in 1968, where astronauts Borman, Lovell, and Anders scouted the lunar surface ahead of Apollo 11. The Artemis I mission is slated to last about 26 days.
The Orion capsule won't fly empty. NASA will position the "Moonikin" mannequin in the commander’s seat, outfitted in the Orion Crew Survival System suit worn by astronauts during launch, reentry, and high-dynamic phases.
Equipped with sensors, Moonikin will provide critical data on the forces experienced by real astronauts during launch aboard the SLS—the most powerful rocket ever developed. The MARE (MATROSHKA AstroRad Radiation Experiment) will also measure radiation exposure beyond Earth's protective magnetosphere.
Additionally, two anthropomorphic torsos, crafted from materials simulating human bones, soft tissues, and organs, will assess structural responses to launch stresses.
On the rocket front, NASA's Exploration Ground Systems team integrated the SLS Core Stage with its boosters on June 13. Engineers are now conducting extensive tests while stacking the remaining components, culminating with the Orion spacecraft.
