An Artemis spacecraft is pictured near the moon.

As NASA enters a historic new era of deep-space exploration, the Martz-Kohl Observatory will host a presentation by Stephanie Buskirk Dudley, NASA’s Moon to Mars Exploration Operations deputy director, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18.

The presentation is titled “Artemis II and Beyond: Science and Research.”

Marking the first human return to the lunar vicinity in over 50 years, the Artemis program represents a shift from lunar visitation to long-term pioneering. This presentation will offer the public an insider’s look at the scientific research that will define these upcoming voyages and lay the groundwork for the eventual human exploration of Mars.

The session will provide a comprehensive deep dive into the objectives of Artemis II, a 10-day mission that will propel a crew of four into deep space. Attendees will learn how the crew will gather critical survival data regarding radiation and human biology. Dudley will also discuss the goals of Artemis III, the mission destined to land the first humans near the lunar South Pole. The mission will see astronauts explore permanently shadowed craters to search for vital resources such as water ice.

Dudley brings a wealth of NASA leadership experience to the observatory. In her current role as Moon to Mars Exploration Operations deputy director, she oversees the integration of complex mission profiles. Her career includes serving as the Mission Integration and Utilization Manager for the Gateway Program and several key leadership roles within the International Space Station Program. A structural engineer by training, Dudley holds three degrees from the University of Florida and is a licensed private pilot. Her passion for space was ignited as a child while watching Space Shuttle launches from her own backyard.

The Martz Observatory presentation offers an opportunity for the public to engage with a key architect of modern spaceflight as NASA turns the dream of a long-term lunar presence into a reality. The talk will be shown on the big screen at the Martz-Kohl Observatory and available online via Zoom. Those interested can come to the observatory to virtually meet Dudley and join in the question and answer session after the talk.

The observatory is located at 176 Robbin Hill Rd, Frewsburg. If the weather permits, there will be public viewing opportunities. While the lecture room is heated, those who want to take part in tours and viewing should dress for outdoor weather.

For more information visit martzobservatory.org.