Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) Dayton was recently certified by NASA to unleash the Disorientation Research Device (DRD), commonly known as the "Kraken," as a research and training platform for the Artemis Human Landing System (HLS) Lunar Landing Skills curriculum.
“Recent operational testing validated an updated, Artemis-specific Kraken motion control algorithm tuned for multiple potential lander types,” said Rich Folga, the DRD program manager at NAMRU Dayton. “The enhanced simulation now features surface contact and landing gear models, as well as a fuel slosh model, ensuring training fidelity for future Artemis astronauts.”
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07.28.2026 | WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, US |
Story by Zachary Wilson
NASA Human Landing System (HLS) training coordinator Sawyer Mitchell is secured into the cockpit of the Disorientation Research Device, also known as the "Kraken," by Kyle Kemp, an engineering technician with Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) Dayton May 27 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The testing was part of a comprehensive dry run to certify the Kraken as an official training platform for upcoming Artemis lunar missions. (U.S. Navy photo by Richard Folga)
