Recreating the Moon in Arizona

In the past 18 months, Elisha has worked with the NASA ARDVARC team (Augmented Reality Data Visualization Analog Research Campaign) on two major field expeditions in Flagstaff, Arizona. The location is steeped in history; the field site was originally created in the 1960s for the Apollo programme. By burying explosives to create craters that perfectly mirror a particular part of the Moon’s surface, NASA gave the original Apollo astronauts a place to learn how to drive their Lunar Roving Vehicle, affectionately known as the Moon Buggy. In a historic move, this was the first time the site had been used for fieldwork since the Apollo era.

Midnight Missions and Artificial Sun

To make the experience as realistic as possible, the team worked through the night under the glare of a massive stadium light. This simulated the unique, low-angle at which sunlight shines on the Moon’s South Pole, creating the long, disorienting shadows that Artemis astronauts will face.

The mission was split into two key phases:

• Phase One: The team deployed a rover equipped with LiDAR and cameras, controlled remotely from a Mission Control at the University of Texas, El Paso, to create a high-resolution 3D map of the terrain.

• Phase Two: Elisha and the team acted as ‘analog astronauts.’ They tested how high-tech gear, specifically the Apple Vision Pro headset, could help explorers navigate. By projecting 3D paths directly onto the astronauts' field of vision, the team looked at whether augmented reality could reduce cognitive load, allowing astronauts to focus more on science and less on where to step.

Elisha’s Vital Contribution

Beyond the team goals, Elisha led her own specific research project. She measured the brightness levels of the simulated ‘Sun’ to see how closely the Arizona setup matched the actual conditions at the Lunar South Pole. Since this site is used to train future Artemis astronauts, Elisha’s data is crucial for ensuring their training is as accurate as possible before they leave Earth.

A Stellar Career in Progress

In addition to her work in Arizona, Elisha works on NASA missions including the Perseverance rover and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Her PhD research uses temperature data to predict where water ice might be hidden on the Moon. She also serves as the Workforce Chair of the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group, supporting the next wave of space explorers.

We are incredibly proud to see a Stephen Perse Guild member playing such a pivotal role in the future of space exploration. We look forward to following Elisha’s career as she helps pave the way for the next ‘giant leap’ for humankind! 

For more images from Elisha’s fieldwork, see the article of the same name coming soon in the July 2026 edition of the Principal’s Newsletter and our social media channels.