NASA is preparing for humans to return to the Moon, aiming for longer stays than ever before.
The chosen destination is the Lunar South Pole (LSP), a region with unique advantages like better communication with Earth, consistent sunlight, and access to frozen water.
However, the LSP also poses an unusual challenge for astronauts: harsh and tricky lighting conditions.
Unlike previous missions, the Sun at the lunar south pole never rises more than 7° above the horizon.
This creates long shadows and extremely bright sunlight that can make it hard for astronauts to see.
Human eyes, while highly adaptable, struggle to quickly adjust between bright light and darkness. This could make tasks like walking, using tools, and operating vehicles more difficult and even dangerous.
In past missions, astronauts avoided such challenges by planning their positions relative to the Sun or using simple helmet designs to manage glare. But the Artemis mission to the Moon’s south pole brings new complications.
Astronauts won’t be able to avoid the Sun, and they’ll also need artificial lights to see in the deep shadows cast by the terrain. These combined factors demand a completely new approach to vision support systems.
NASA’s engineers now face the task of designing helmets, windows, and lighting systems that work together to help astronauts see clearly in these extreme conditions.
These systems must protect astronauts’ eyes from damage caused by the Sun’s brightness while allowing them to quickly adapt between light and shadow. Vision support must also ensure astronauts can perform essential tasks like walking on uneven terrain and operating rovers.
A recent NASA assessment highlighted gaps in current spacesuit designs. For example, while suits are flexible enough to let astronauts walk, they don’t ensure that astronauts can see well enough to avoid tripping when moving between sunlight and shadow.
To address this, NASA is now prioritizing functional vision as a critical design requirement.
One key recommendation is to develop simulations—both physical and virtual—to recreate the extreme lighting at the LSP.
These simulations will test new helmet visors, lighting systems, and astronaut training to ensure safety and efficiency. Some simulations will focus on the Sun’s blinding effects, while others will mimic the terrain to prepare astronauts for tasks ranging from collecting samples to maintaining equipment.
By creating integrated systems that support vision in these harsh conditions, NASA is taking an essential step toward making long-term human exploration of the Moon a reality.
With the right tools, astronauts can safely navigate the challenges of the Lunar South Pole and pave the way for humanity’s future in space.
