Behind the lens: NASA photographers preserve human spaceflight history
From Robert Markowitz’s coverage of zero-gravity flights to Luna Posadas Nava’s documentation of the Artemis II lunar flyby, these images tell the story of the people and technology shaping the next era of spaceflight.
NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston has highlighted its team of photographers who have documented key moments in human spaceflight for over three decades. The photographers, including Robert Markowitz, Bill Stafford, James Blair, Helen Arase Vargas, Luna Posadas Nava, and David DeHoyos, capture astronaut training, engineering tests, mission control operations, and celebrations. Their work preserves the history of exploration, including the space shuttle program, the International Space Station, and the Artemis missions, while showcasing the people and technology behind NASA’s next era of exploration.
Robert Markowitz has documented the space shuttle program, 25 years of continuous human presence on the ISS, and Artemis II. He served as a behind-the-scenes still photographer for KC-135 zero-gravity flights during the filming of "Apollo 13".
Luna Posadas Nava joined Johnson shortly before the Artemis II launch and documented the Science Evaluation Room during the mission’s lunar flyby, including the "Moon Joy" moment.
Helen Arase Vargas documented the Artemis II crew’s return to Ellington Field in Houston.
James Blair has undertaken assignments ranging from astronaut training to geology field training in Iceland, focusing on new hardware for the Moon return.
David DeHoyos has been with Johnson for more than three decades, starting in the photo lab in 1991.
Bill Stafford approaches assignments as technical challenges, utilising composition and visual psychology.
Helen Arase Vargas previously worked for Boeing’s scientific photography team in El Segundo.
James Blair previously worked as a photographer and photo editor for a publication in Ecuador.
