YPG helped test tech for moon missions
Jalen Fong
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – On July 20, 1969, humans landed on the moon for the first time, and part of that achievement was made possible thanks to testing at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground (YPG).
In 1966, Yuma tested a mobility vehicle which helped inspire the lunar rover used on the Apollo missions.
Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong later visited Yuma in 1971 to see helicopter tests.
Today, NASA’s plans to return to the moon and travel to Mars will rely on safety systems also tested at Yuma, including parachutes for the astronaut capsules.
YPG continues to play a key role in space exploration technology.