Intermap Contracted by USGS for NASA’s Moon Landing Simulations

High-resolution elevation data facilitates simulations for lunar surface exploration and training missions

Enabling researchers and astronauts to plan and execute emergency situations on Earth to prepare for landing on the Moon

DENVER, July 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intermap Technologies (TSX: IMP; OTCQB: ITMSF) (“Intermap” or the “Company”), a global leader in 3D geospatial products and intelligence solutions, today announced it was contracted to provide its high-resolution NEXTMap elevation data and precision radar imagery to support the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and NASA’s Artemis III simulations and training exercises in the Arizona desert.

Intermap’s data is being leveraged by the Joint Extra Vehicular Activity Test Team (JETT), a specialized group that develops, integrates and executes tests and analog missions. The JETT is part of NASA’s Artemis III mission, which intends to land a human crew near the lunar South Pole in 2025. Test missions are taking place in the Arizona desert, which has characteristics that are analogous to a lunar environment. This includes challenging, rugged terrain, unique geology, and minimal communications infrastructure, all of which astronauts will experience near the lunar South Pole during the Artemis missions. Intermap’s NEXTMap digital elevation models and radar imagery provide accurate 3D information covering the Arizona JETT exercise area, allowing USGS and NASA to plan and execute tests to evaluate designs for Extra Vehicular Activities (EVAs) such as suits and tools, address gaps and risks for lunar surface operations, and develop capabilities for EVA and scientific tasks.

The JETT is conducting a series of fully integrated, mission-scale exercises to ensure successful lunar surface operations and technology development for the Artemis III mission. Studies for the Artemis III mission include field hardware preparation, testing in lunar-like terrain and a fully integrated simulation consisting of EVAs, scientific evaluations, and flight control teams at the Johnson Space Center. These studies will provide crucial data and insight as teams conduct operations in a simulated lunar environment to practice for the lunar mission in 2025. Elevation data is critical for training missions on Earth to prepare for space missions.