Sacramento Scientist Plays Key Role in Historic Artemis II Mission

Elizabeth Gabler Marquez inspects critical rocket components for NASA's upcoming moon mission.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A bold, abstract painting in the style of Hilma af Klint, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals in earthy tones, conceptually representing the complex systems and forces involved in the Artemis II moon mission.A Sacramento scientist's meticulous work inspecting rocket components is helping ensure the safety and success of NASA's historic Artemis II mission to the moon.Today in Sacramento

A Sacramento scientist named Elizabeth Gabler Marquez is playing a crucial role in the Artemis II mission, inspecting key rocket components to ensure the safety and reliability of the spacecraft that will carry astronauts around the moon. Gabler Marquez, a neutron radiographer at the UC Davis McClellan Nuclear Research Center, has been part of the Artemis II team since 2021, examining everything from separation stage rings to gas propellant tanks and parachute cutters for even the smallest flaws.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission represents a major milestone in NASA's goal of returning humans to the moon and eventually sending astronauts to Mars. Gabler Marquez's work behind the scenes is helping to make this historic mission a success, ensuring the safety of the four astronauts who will be on board.

The details

Gabler Marquez and her colleagues at the UC Davis McClellan Nuclear Research Center have been responsible for inspecting critical components of the Artemis II rocket since 2021. Their meticulous work involves examining every part, from separation stage rings to gas propellant tanks and parachute cutters, to ensure there are no flaws that could jeopardize the mission. Gabler Marquez says the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the four astronauts on board is 'terrifying' but also 'cool' to be a part of such a historic endeavor.

  • Gabler Marquez has been part of the Artemis II team since 2021.
  • The Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch in 2024.

The players

Elizabeth Gabler Marquez

A neutron radiographer at the UC Davis McClellan Nuclear Research Center who has been inspecting critical components for the Artemis II mission since 2021.

UC Davis McClellan Nuclear Research Center

The research center where Gabler Marquez works and where the inspection of Artemis II components is taking place.

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What they’re saying

“It's definitely terrifying. Four astronauts' lives depend on this. It's a lot of weight on my shoulders, but it's also cool knowing I'm sending humans into space. I'm making history.”

— Elizabeth Gabler Marquez, Neutron Radiographer

What’s next

The Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch in 2024, carrying four astronauts on a historic journey around the moon.

The takeaway

Gabler Marquez's work behind the scenes on the Artemis II mission highlights the critical role that scientists and engineers play in ensuring the safety and success of complex space exploration endeavors. Her dedication and attention to detail are helping to make history and pave the way for future missions to the moon and beyond.