American Geophysical Union’s 2026 Eugene Shoemaker Lecture

Award: The American Geophysical Union's Eugene Shoemaker Lecture is presented annually and recognizes excellence in planetary exploration.

Awarded to: Kelsey Young, Artemis II lunar science lead, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Young works on the integration of science into human spaceflight - inspired in part by Eugene Shoemaker's trailblazing work in this area. Young focuses on the science questions, tools and instruments, and operational concepts that enable astronauts to explore other planetary bodies. Young is also the Artemis science flight operations lead, developing the new science console in Mission Control and serving as the first certified science officer. As Artemis II lunar science lead, she led the mission's lunar science team and their development of lunar science objectives for the mission.

As a planetary geologist, Young conducts field work in impact-cratered and volcanic terrain to understand these processes throughout the solar system and to train NASA astronauts and other personnel in field geology and simulated mission operations.

Date: Sept. 23, 2026