NASA Announces Artemis III Crew for 2027 Moon Test Flight

NASA has named the four astronauts who will fly on the Artemis III mission, a two‑week Earth‑orbit test scheduled for late 2027. The crew includes commander Randy Bresnik, pilot Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency, and mission specialists Frank Rubio and Andre Douglas. A backup astronaut, Bob Hines, will also train with the team. The flight will practice docking the Orion capsule with two commercial lunar landers, validating systems needed for future lunar landings.

In parallel, NASA is advancing robotic technology to support long‑duration lunar missions. A partnership with Colorado‑based PickNik Inc. has produced MoveIt Pro software that enables a robotic arm to recognize and operate spacecraft hatches, transfer cargo, and perform other routine tasks. The technology, originally funded through NASA’s SBIR program, is also being used by commercial firms in automotive assembly and modular housing construction.