Moontalk: Two Planetary Scientists on Artemis, Impact Flashes & Lunar Ice

In this Her Cosmic Orbit feature, Dr. Allison McGraw speaks with Dr. Jennifer Heldmann about what Artemis II is revealing about the Moon, how lunar science is evolving during crewed exploration, and why we are entering a new chapter of planetary discovery.

Her Cosmic Orbit correspondent Dr. Allison McGraw and Artemis II Science Lead Dr Jennifer Heldmann

Why This Moment Matters

For the first time in decades, scientists are receiving data not only from robotic orbiters and surface missions, but from crewed spacecraft actively observing the Moon during flight. This creates a unique opportunity to detect smaller-scale events, refine impact models, and better understand how the lunar surface continues to evolve.

At the same time, research into lunar volatiles — especially water ice in permanently shadowed regions — is central to the future of sustained exploration. These deposits could support future lunar infrastructure, enable in-situ resource utilization, and help define how humans live and work beyond Earth.

Perhaps most importantly, Artemis science is becoming increasingly collaborative and open. With public datasets, global participation, and growing citizen science contributions, lunar exploration is no longer limited to a handful of institutions — it is becoming a shared scientific effort.

As Dr. Heldmann emphasizes, we are still at the beginning of interpreting what Artemis is showing us. But one thing is already clear: the Moon is far more active, complex, and revealing than we once believed.

Watch the Full Interview

This conversation offers a rare, scientist-to-scientist perspective on Artemis II and the evolving future of lunar exploration.

Watch the full interview to hear how NASA planetary scientists are interpreting new lunar data — and what it means for the next era of human space exploration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1rS8d0yszc

About the Scientists

Dr. Allison McGraw

Planetary scientist, meteorite enthusiast, and self-described “space fashionista,” Dr. Allison McGraw brings a rare combination of scientific expertise and creative communication to the space community.

A contributing science communicator for Her Cosmic Orbit, Allison brings her signature blend of wit, clarity, and curiosity to make complex spaceflight topics accessible to a wider audience.

She is also the founder of Mysterious Meteorites, an initiative dedicated to bringing planetary science directly to the public through hands-on engagement with meteorite samples and storytelling. Whether she is analyzing asteroid material or showing up to NASA events in space-themed boots, Allison embodies a modern vision of science communication: rigorous, approachable, and deeply human.

Dr. Jennifer Heldmann

Dr. Jennifer Heldmann is a planetary scientist in the Space Sciences & Astrobiology Division at NASA Ames Research Center, within the Planetary Systems Branch.

Her research focuses on the Moon, with a particular emphasis on lunar geology and the distribution and behavior of volatile materials, including water ice. She has contributed to and supported major NASA missions such as LCROSS and VIPER, helping to lead science teams that analyze data, develop numerical models, conduct field campaigns, and design tools for future exploration.

In addition to her research, Dr. Heldmann plays an active role in NASA’s Artemis program, providing science input and astronaut training to ensure that upcoming crewed missions maximize their scientific return. Her work helps bridge the gap between orbital data, surface exploration, and the future of sustained human presence on the Moon.