Scientists use ground-based telescopes to watch the Moon’s shadowed side, analysing brief flashes to estimate meteoroid size, impact energy and how often the lunar surface is hit.
The findings help shape shielding for habitats, spacesuits and future operations near the lunar south pole, where NASA plans a sustained human presence under Artemis.
With thousands of meteoroid strikes yearly, is a permanent human presence on the Moon a truly sustainable long-term goal?
How will competing lunar missions share impact data in real-time to ensure the safety of all astronauts?
Can laying fiber-optic cables on the Moon create a better impact detection network than traditional seismometers?
Artemis II and the 15,000 Impacts: How Human and Citizen Science Are Safeguarding the Future of Lunar Exploration
Overview
The Artemis II mission, which concluded in April 2026, marked a historic milestone by providing direct human observations of the lunar surface, including six recorded meteorite impacts. These unique insights from astronauts offer a valuable perspective on the Moon’s dynamic environment and, when combined with data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and future instruments, help scientists better understand the origins and effects of lunar impacts. This integrated approach is essential for building a comprehensive picture of the Moon’s bombardment history, informing both scientific research and the safety of future lunar missions.