NASA names Artemis III crew for lunar lander test flight

NASA has announced the four astronauts who will crew the upcoming Artemis III mission, a critical step in the agency's plan to return humans to the Moon. The crew will orbit Earth for a two-week mission, focusing on testing the lunar landers developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin that will be used in subsequent lunar landing missions.

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To the Artemis III crew, we wish you Godspeed on the journey ahead.

The selected crew comprises Commander Randy Bresnik, mission specialists Frank Rubio and Andre Douglas, all from the United States, and Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano, who will serve as pilot. This marks the first European astronaut to participate in a mission within the Artemis program.

"To the Artemis III crew, we wish you Godspeed on the journey ahead," said NASA administrator Jared Isaacman. The mission is slated for launch in late 2027, with specific dates yet to be announced. This orbital demonstration is designed to ensure the readiness of the lunar lander systems before the ambitious goal of landing astronauts on the lunar surface is attempted, potentially by 2028.

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We are certainly humbled as a crew to be able to be your crew that executes this Artemis III mission in space.

The Artemis program aims to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon, laying the groundwork for future Mars expeditions. The announcement follows the successful Artemis II mission, which completed a record-breaking trip around the Moon. NASA has awarded significant contracts to companies like Blue Origin to develop the necessary hardware, including landers, rovers, and drones, for a future lunar base.

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But my heart, it is so warm. It is so full.