NASA chief defends all-male Artemis III crew

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has defended the composition of the Artemis III crew, which is currently comprised entirely of men. Nelson addressed concerns raised about the lack of female representation on the upcoming lunar mission.

Nelson suggested that those expressing worries might not fully grasp how astronaut crews are assembled. He emphasized that the selection process considers various factors, including mission-specific training and expertise.

He further pointed out that several astronauts are already undergoing specialized training for lunar surface operations. Nelson indicated that these individuals, regardless of gender, would be the most suitable candidates for future landing missions, including potential follow-on flights to Artemis III.

The Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon, with Artemis III planned as the first crewed lunar landing since the Apollo era. The agency's approach to crew selection continues to evolve as it prepares for these historic missions.

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Isaacman said that those who raise this concern may not be well acquainted with how crews are organized, and recalled that there are astronauts already in specific training for the Moon who would be a better fit for future landing missions.