Published：Jun 9, 09:02Last updated：Jun 9, 19:21

NASA Announces Artemis III Moon Mission Crew

Jun. 9, 2026 09:02

NASA is set to announce the crew for the Artemis III mission on Tuesday. The mission aims to return humans to the moon, with a target launch date of 2027. The announcement will provide updates on the agency’s lunar exploration program.

Summarized

10News

8Media

Jun. 9, 2026 17:46

NASA has announced the next crew for its Artemis Moon program, though they will not land on the Moon. The selection was made on June 9, 2026, as part of ongoing preparations for future lunar missions. The astronauts' roles are yet to be fully detailed.

Jun. 9, 2026 19:21

NASA selected four astronauts for a mission as early as next year to test moon landers built by SpaceX and Blue Origin. This marks a significant step in the Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface.

NASA has officially revealed the crew for its Artemis III mission, marking a pivotal step in the agency's plan to return humans to the Moon. The announcement, made on June 9, 2026, at Johnson Space Center in Houston, includes three U.S. astronauts and Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano. The mission, targeting a 2027 launch, will test lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin in Earth's orbit. The New York Times+2

🚀 Crew Composition

The Artemis III crew consists of NASA astronauts Randy Bresnik, Frank Rubio, Andre Douglas, and ESA's Luca Parmitano. Parmitano will pilot the mission, which focuses on testing docking procedures and life-support systems. The team will use the Orion capsule and new Axiom spacesuits designed in collaboration with Prada. Bloomberg+2

🌕 Mission Objectives

Artemis III will not land on the Moon but will rehearse critical operations for future lunar missions. Key tasks include testing SpaceX and Blue Origin landers, evaluating rendezvous protocols, and validating life-support systems. This mission paves the way for Artemis IV, planned as the first crewed Moon landing since 1972. Radio-Canada+2

⏳ Training Timeline

The selected astronauts will undergo 18 months of specialized training, including simulations of lunar lander operations and emergency scenarios. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman described the program as "Earth’s first starfleet," emphasizing its role in establishing sustainable lunar exploration. The Guardian+2

🔭 Future Implications

Successful completion of Artemis III will validate technologies for the 2028 Moon landing mission. The mission also strengthens international collaboration, with ESA's participation through Parmitano. NASA aims to use these tests to refine its lunar Gateway station plans. BBC News+2

NASAArtemis IIIBlue OriginRandy BresnikLuca Parmitano