Iceland is the most "lunar-like" location on Earth, according to NASA, for simulating conditions for the Artemis II mission. This selection highlights Iceland's distinctive topography, which resembles the rough surface of the Moon.

(Source: Google Images) 

Iceland's untamed landscape is reminiscent of the moon ~

(Source: Google Images) 

Iceland was chosen by NASA for this important training phase due to its unique geological features, which bear a striking resemblance to the lunar terrain. The decision fits with the space agency's objective to thoroughly train its astronauts for the next mission, Artemis II, which will be the first crewed lunar voyage in more than half a century. Along with NASA astronaut Andre Douglas and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jenni Gibbons, as well as astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, the backup crew members undertook a thorough training exercise over Iceland's volcanic terrain. 

Lunar-like circumstances: A look back in time ~

 (Source: Google Images) 

Iceland's appropriateness for this training was commended by Cindy Evans, NASA's Johnson Space Center's Artemis geology training lead. "One of the most lunar-like training locations that astronauts visited during their training was Iceland," Evans wrote. Its planetary processes—volcanism in this case—have lunar characteristics. It has the scenery; it appears to be the Moon. Additionally, it displays the size of features that astronauts will be investigating and viewing on the Moon.

Iceland's lunar-like geological features  ~

(Source: Google Images) 

Large lava fields, volcanic craters, and rocky, desolate terrain define Iceland's scenery; these elements are evocative of the moon. The importance of Iceland for lunar simulation is further reinforced by the occurrence of specialist rocks such breccias and basalts, which are also present on the Moon.  The nation's high volcanic activity has created a geology that is perfect for teaching astronauts how to recognize, gather, and record samples of extraterrestrial rocks and soil. During this preparation work, instruments akin to those used in the Apollo missions are utilized. 
 

Training emphasis: Tools and abilities 

(Source: Google Images) 

In addition to honing their navigational abilities on lunar-like terrain, the astronaut crew practiced team-building activities while in Iceland, simulating the solitude and cooperation they will encounter in space. The consistency of training materials was emphasized by Trevor Graff, an exploration geologist and the hardware and testing lead for the NASA Johnson Artemis scientific team. According to Graff, "the tools we're planning for the Artemis missions haven't changed that much from what we used during the Apollo missions."

Getting Ready for Artemis II  ~

(Source: Google Images) 

The objectives of NASA's Artemis II mission are to create a sustainable human presence on the Moon and open the path for future lunar exploration. NASA is preparing its astronauts for the hardships of the lunar surface by using Iceland as a training ground, paving the way for the next phase of space exploration.