University of Michigan Leads Effort to Protect Artemis 2 Astronauts

U-M team develops advanced solar radiation forecasting model to shield crew from deep space hazards.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:50pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric planetary circles, and precise spiraling waveforms, conceptually representing the complex solar radiation environment surrounding the Artemis 2 spacecraft.As the Artemis 2 mission ventures into the hazardous radiation of deep space, the University of Michigan's advanced solar forecasting model will be crucial for protecting the astronauts.Ann Arbor Today

As NASA prepares for the historic Artemis 2 mission to send astronauts around the Moon, the University of Michigan is playing a crucial role in protecting the crew from the dangers of solar radiation. Led by Professor Lulu Zhao, the U-M team has developed an advanced space weather prediction model to provide mission control with real-time data on the radiation environment, allowing them to plan activities and shield the astronauts.

Why it matters

With the Earth's magnetic field unable to shield the Artemis 2 crew once they leave Earth's orbit, accurate solar radiation forecasting is essential for the safety and success of the mission. The U-M model represents a significant advancement in space weather monitoring that will enable future deep-space exploration.

The details

The U-M team's space weather prediction model focuses on forecasting potentially harmful radiation levels in the space surrounding the Artemis 2 spacecraft over the next 24 hours. This information allows mission control to adjust the crew's activities and utilize the spacecraft's shielding systems to protect the astronauts. The partnership between U-M and NASA was established in 2024 following the university's selection to build a Space Weather Center of Excellence.

  • The Artemis 2 mission is scheduled for launch in early 2026.
  • The U-M team met with NASA stakeholders in late 2025 to discuss the upcoming mission.

The players

Lulu Zhao

A tenured faculty member at the University of Michigan leading the project to develop the advanced space weather prediction model.

University of Michigan

A public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan, collaborating with NASA to provide critical data and forecasting for the Artemis 2 mission.

NASA

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, partnering with the University of Michigan to utilize the advanced space weather prediction model for the Artemis 2 mission.

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What they’re saying

“I feel very excited about this. And, you know, as, as a scientist, we really want to see what we are doing is actually contributing to the community. And we are very excited to really push our model to be, to be used for future similar missions to help with, you know, our entire humanity.”

— Lulu Zhao, Professor, University of Michigan

What’s next

The U-M team will continue to refine and test their space weather prediction model in preparation for the Artemis 2 mission, with the goal of providing mission control with the most accurate and reliable data to protect the astronauts.

The takeaway

The University of Michigan's pioneering work in solar radiation forecasting represents a crucial advancement in enabling safe and successful deep-space exploration. As the Artemis program pushes the boundaries of human lunar travel, the U-M model will play a vital role in safeguarding the astronauts and paving the way for future missions.