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NASA names 4 astronauts on the ‘highly complex’ Artemis III lunar training mission

Published June 10, 2026 · Updated June 10, 2026 · By Sandra Smith

(L/R) NASA astronaut commander Randy Bresnik, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut pilot Luca Parmitano, NASA astronaut mission specialist Frank Rubio, and NASA astronaut mission specialist Andre Douglas speak during a press conference announcing the crew for the Artemis III mission at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, on June 9, 2026. The Italian Luca Parmitano will be the pilot of NASA's Artemis 3 voyage, the first European to join one of the program's missions. Parmitano, who will represent the European Space Agency, is one of four men named as crewmembers tasked with carrying out Artemis 3, which is targeting launch in late 2027. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)

NASA Names 4 Astronauts for Artemis III Lunar Training Mission

NASA names 4 astronauts on the highly - NASA has officially named four astronauts for the Artemis III lunar training mission, a critical step toward the agency’s goal of returning humans to the Moon. This mission is designed to test key technologies and procedures that will support future surface landings, with the selected crew playing a vital role in ensuring the success of the program. The announcement marks a pivotal moment in space exploration, as the team prepares to validate systems that will enable sustainable lunar operations.

Selection and Mission Roles

The four astronauts chosen for Artemis III include veteran NASA commander Randy Bresnik, who has previously traveled to space twice and spent 149 days in orbit. Bresnik’s leadership experience and background as a U.S. Marine Corps pilot are expected to be instrumental in navigating the mission’s challenges. ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano, who has already completed two spaceflights, will serve as the pilot. His notable extravehicular activity, which was nearly interrupted by water entering his helmet, highlights his resilience and adaptability in high-stakes environments.

Additionally, mission specialists Frank Rubio and Andre Douglas have been selected. Rubio, a U.S. Army veteran and family physician, flew to the International Space Station aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft and spent 371 days in space due to a technical delay. Douglas, a Coast Guard reserve officer with a doctorate in systems engineering, is making his debut in space. He served as a backup for the Artemis II crew, ensuring his expertise was available for mission support. Their combined experience and diverse skill sets will be essential during the training phase.

Testing Technology in Low-Earth Orbit

The Artemis III mission will primarily take place in low-Earth orbit, where NASA names 4 astronauts will test the spacecraft and landing systems. This approach allows for controlled evaluations before the actual lunar landing in 2028. The Orion spacecraft will dock with two commercial lunar landers—Blue Origin’s Blue Moon and SpaceX’s Starship—each designed to support different aspects of the mission. This partnership with private companies is a cornerstone of NASA’s strategy to reduce costs and innovate.

During the test flight, the crew will spend two days aboard the Blue Moon lander, assessing its life support, control, and communication systems. Afterward, they will transition to Starship, where an additional day of testing will focus on integration with the spacecraft. These phases are crucial for identifying potential issues and refining operations, ensuring that all systems function seamlessly when the mission reaches the Moon.

Challenges and Timeline Adjustments

Recent setbacks have impacted the Artemis III timeline, including a rocket explosion at Blue Origin’s Florida facility that damaged the New Glenn rocket during a pre-launch test. This incident has raised concerns about delays, but NASA remains focused on resuming the mission. Administrator Jared Isaacman has expressed confidence that the team will launch by the end of next year, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of technical difficulties.

Jeremy Parsons, NASA’s spokesperson, stated that the mishap provides valuable lessons for improving the program. “Setbacks are part of the journey, but they help us strengthen our approach,” he noted. Meanwhile, SpaceX continues development of the Starship, having completed its 12th test flight. These advancements are seen as positive signs for the mission’s schedule, despite the challenges encountered by other teams.

Symbolism of the Crew’s Mission

The selection of NASA names 4 astronauts is not only a practical decision but also a symbolic milestone in the Artemis program. At the announcement event, the crew received a baton from the Artemis II astronauts, representing the continuity of the mission’s legacy. This handover underscores the collaborative spirit that has driven the program from its inception.

Randy Bresnik, reflecting on the significance of the moment, remarked, “The most important Artemis mission will always be the next one.” His words highlight the iterative nature of space exploration, where each mission builds on the achievements of the previous. As the team trains for the upcoming flight, they are working closely with Artemis II to refine protocols and ensure all systems are optimized for the ultimate goal of lunar landings.

The Artemis III crew’s training will focus on mastering the complexities of the Orion spacecraft and the landing systems. Their efforts are expected to set a new standard for lunar missions, bridging the gap between the first orbital test and the eventual surface landing. This mission represents a bold step forward, reaffirming NASA’s commitment to achieving its long-term vision in space exploration.