NASA announces Artemis III astronaut crew for 2027 lunar test mission

NASA revealed the four‑person crew for the Artemis III mission scheduled for 2027. Commander Rande Brescini, ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano (Italy), and mission specialists Andre Douglas and Frank Rubio will fly on Orion after launch on the Space Launch System. The flight will remain in low Earth orbit to test docking and crew transfer with lunar landers being developed by SpaceX (Starship) and Blue Origin (Blue Moon), preparations for a crewed landing on the Moon expected on Artemis IV in 2028.

The announcement sparked social‑media criticism for the all‑male roster. NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said the selection was based solely on mission requirements, adding, “We chose the astronauts we believe are best suited for a successful mission.” Andre Douglas expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “My heart is so warm, so full.”