Artemis II Astronauts Trained by RIT Alums to Capture Stunning Lunar Photos

The historic lunar mission focused not just on scientific exploration, but also on the art of space photography.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:37pm

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A highly structured, abstract painting in earthy tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, conceptually representing the complex forces and concepts of space exploration.The art of space photography blends scientific precision and creative vision, inspiring a new generation of explorers to capture the wonders of the cosmos.Rochester Today

The Artemis II mission, a historic journey to the Moon, was not only about scientific discovery but also about capturing the extraordinary through photography. Two alumni from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Katrina Willoughby and Paul Reichart, played a pivotal role in training the astronauts to become skilled photographers of the cosmos.

Why it matters

The photographs taken during the Artemis II mission have a dual purpose - they provide valuable scientific data and offer an educational and inspirational perspective on the beauty and wonder of our universe. This story highlights the importance of visual storytelling in space exploration and its potential to inspire a new generation of scientists and explorers.

The details

Willoughby and Reichart had to teach the astronauts, who are already experts in their fields, the nuances of photography in the unique and demanding environment of space. They created a simulation, using an inflatable moon and a mock-up of the Orion spacecraft, to allow the astronauts to practice taking pictures in a realistic setting. The camera of choice for the mission was an old-model Nikon DSLR, chosen for its proven track record as a reliable and durable space camera.

  • The Artemis II mission is scheduled to take place in 2026.

The players

Katrina Willoughby

An alumna of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) who played a pivotal role in training the Artemis II astronauts to become skilled photographers of the cosmos.

Paul Reichart

An alumnus of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) who worked alongside Katrina Willoughby to train the Artemis II astronauts in the art of space photography.

Christina Koch

An astronaut who highlights the importance of capturing the little things, like cloud tops, which can reveal unexpected beauty in the photographs taken during the Artemis II mission.

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What they’re saying

“It's about going beyond "good enough" and capturing images that are scientifically critical. These images are not just pretty pictures; they are data, essential for advancing our understanding of the Moon, Earth, and beyond.”

— Katrina Willoughby, RIT Alumna

“Imagine being an astronaut, trained to think scientifically and logically, and then being asked to capture the awe and grandeur of space. It's a unique blend of art and science, and the instructors had to find a way to convey this to their students.”

— Paul Reichart, RIT Alumnus

“The photographs taken during the Artemis II mission have the potential to inspire a new generation of scientists and explorers, showing them the beauty and wonder of our universe.”

— Christina Koch, Astronaut

What’s next

The Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch in 2026, and the photographs captured during the mission will be released and shared with the public to inspire and educate.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of visual storytelling in space exploration and the unique blend of art and science required to capture the awe and grandeur of the cosmos. The work of the RIT alumni in training the Artemis II astronauts to become skilled photographers will leave a lasting legacy, inspiring and educating generations to come.