Artemis II Astronauts Return as Cape Cod Scientist Looks to Future Moon Missions

James Head, a Brown University professor, has been involved in lunar exploration since the Apollo era and is now working on NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:08am

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A bold, abstract painting in muted earth tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, conceptually representing the complex scientific forces and concepts involved in the Artemis II moon mission.As NASA's Artemis II mission prepares to return from its historic moon flyby, a Cape Cod scientist's lifelong work on lunar exploration provides crucial insights for future missions.San Diego Today

As NASA's Artemis II astronauts prepare to return to Earth after a historic flyby of the moon, James Head, a part-time Cape Cod resident and Brown University professor, is watching with a unique perspective. Head has been involved in lunar exploration since the Apollo era, working on landing site selection, astronaut training, and mission operations. He is currently a co-investigator on NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission, which is gathering data to support future Artemis landing site selection and exploration.

Why it matters

Head's lifelong work on lunar exploration provides valuable experience and insight as NASA prepares to return humans to the moon through the Artemis program. Understanding the moon's geology and history is crucial for selecting safe and scientifically interesting landing sites, as well as informing our understanding of Earth's own past and future.

The details

Head first worked at NASA headquarters in the Apollo Lunar Exploration Program, where he was involved in landing site selection, surface route planning, astronaut training, mission operations, and crew debriefings. After returning to Brown as a faculty member, he has continued lunar and planetary research, including work on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission. Head is now applying his Apollo-era experience to support the Artemis program, including training the Artemis II crew.

  • In 1968, the world held its breath as Apollo 8 astronauts successfully traveled around the moon.
  • On April 1, 2026, the Artemis II mission began its historic flyby of the moon.
  • The Artemis II crew is expected to splash down off the coast of San Diego, California on April 10, 2026.

The players

James Head

A part-time Cape Cod resident and research professor in Brown University's Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. Head has been involved in lunar exploration since the Apollo era, working on landing site selection, astronaut training, and mission operations. He is currently a co-investigator on NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission.

Sunita Williams

A recently retired astronaut with Cape Cod ties who discussed the importance of the Artemis II mission as a crucial step toward a sustainable return to the moon.

Jessica Meir

One of Head's former students who is now an astronaut, serving as commander of the SpaceX Crew 12 mission to the International Space Station.

Artemis II Crew

The astronauts who are preparing to return to Earth after a historic flyby of the moon as part of the Artemis II mission.

NASA

The U.S. space agency that is leading the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface.

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What they’re saying

“Space exploration inspires all of us to reach for the stars and realize that we need to think in the context of a larger, longer-term reality.”

— James Head, Research Professor, Brown University

“The space station is awesome. We're doing amazing science there, but that's all just the foundation for our next steps.”

— Sunita Williams, Retired Astronaut

“We don't want to just do a touch-and-go and grab a couple of rocks and come back home. We want to actually know and use in situ what's there, and have people be there, maybe even in a space station there on the poles.”

— Sunita Williams, Retired Astronaut

“Imagination is really just the limit.”

— Sunita Williams, Retired Astronaut

What’s next

The Artemis II crew is expected to splash down off the coast of San Diego, California on April 10, 2026, marking the successful completion of their historic 10-day voyage around the moon. This mission will pave the way for future Artemis missions, including Artemis III, which aims to land astronauts on the lunar surface.

The takeaway

James Head's lifelong dedication to lunar exploration, dating back to the Apollo era, provides invaluable experience and insight as NASA prepares to return humans to the moon through the Artemis program. Understanding the moon's geology and history is crucial for selecting safe and scientifically interesting landing sites, as well as informing our understanding of Earth's own past and future.