Tennessee Tech faculty member selected by NASA to support Artemis Moon mission

Jeannette Luna, interim assistant dean of research and graduate studies for Tech’s College of Arts & Sciences, has been selected by NASA as a participating scientist on the first Artemis lunar surface science team, focusing on geology activities. The highly selective group of external researchers will support the agency’s upcoming crewed missions to land astronauts near the Moon’s South Pole.

An Artemis landing, currently slated for 2028, will mark the first human exploration on the lunar surface since the Apollo program. The mission will include orbit and surface operations, with astronauts conducting geological exploration, collecting samples and deploying scientific instruments in one of the Moon’s most scientifically intriguing regions.

As part of the team, Luna will provide science support during lunar surface operations, helping guide astronauts’ activities.

“When astronauts collect rocks, our team will help them decide which rocks, how many, and what we might be able to learn from samples,” Luna explained. “We share that information with mission control and, ultimately, with the crew on the surface of the Moon.”

The first Artemis lunar surface science team includes scientists from NASA, universities and commercial partners. Their work will span pre-mission planning, real-time mission support and post-mission analysis.

Luna’s expertise in planetary mapping will play a critical role in preparing astronauts for the challenges of the lunar south polar region.

“I make geologic maps of planetary bodies like the Moon and Mars,” she said. “As part of the first Artemis lunar surface science team, I will contribute to understanding of the landscape of the potential landing sites near the lunar south pole. This region has areas of deep shadow and bright illumination, so understanding the landscape and geology will help the crew explore the surface safely. Moreover, this will aid in collecting samples and performing science activities in a harsh and unforgiving environment.”

Luna, who has worked at Tech for nearly 15 years, also teaches courses in sedimentation and stratigraphy, geology for engineers, planetary geoscience, geological exploration techniques and physical geology. Her research includes the study of terraced fans on Mars and the stratigraphy of the Fort Payne Formation in Middle Tennessee.

She said the opportunity represents both a professional milestone and a personal dream.

“I’m excited and humbled to join the first Artemis lunar surface science team,” Luna said. “This group includes experts across so many fields, from planetary science and engineering to flight control and plant biology. I can’t wait to work alongside new colleagues and contribute to space exploration. This is a dream come true.”

Luna emphasized that Tech students have already played a meaningful role in the work leading up to Artemis missions. Through support from the Tennessee Space Grant Consortium and fellow Tech faculty such as Mary Kidd, professor of physics, students have spent the past three years developing expertise in lunar mapping.

“Our students have become skilled lunar mappers, and I’m excited that our team will make substantive contributions to these missions,” she said.

That hands-on experience is already translating into career opportunities. Tech alumnus Isaac Hollingsworth, a 2024 and 2025 graduate who contributed to the research, now works on NASA’s Artemis Geospatial Team.

Luna’s selection adds to Tech’s long-standing connections with the nation’s space program. More than 200 Tech graduates have worked for NASA, with hundreds more contributing through NASA contractors. Among them is Barry "Butch" Wilmore, a two-time Tech graduate, member of the university’s Board of Trustees and a retired astronaut who spent 464 days in space over the course of his career.

Luna will begin working with the first Artemis lunar surface science team in advance of the mission’s planned 2028 launch, contributing to ongoing planning, operations support and post-mission analysis efforts.

Learn more about NASA’s Artemis program at https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/.