NASA NAMES ARTEMIS III CREW FOR 2027 LUNAR MISSION ABOARD ORION SPACECRAFT AND SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM ROCKET. (PHOTO).

NASA names Artemis III crew for 2027 lunar mission aboard Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket

NASA has announced the astronaut crew selected for the Artemis III mission, the next major step in its lunar exploration program following the agency’s recent historic lunar flyby.

The mission is scheduled to launch in 2027 aboard the Orion spacecraft, carried by the Space Launch System rocket, and is described as a complex deep-space operation aimed at advancing human exploration of the Moon.

The crew includes three American astronauts and one Italian astronaut from the European Astronaut Corps. The team consists of commander Randy Bresnik, pilot Luca Parmitano of Italy, and mission specialists Frank Rubio and Andre Douglas. NASA also named astronaut Bob Hines as a backup crew member, who will train alongside the primary crew.

Officials said the Artemis III mission represents a continuation of renewed lunar exploration efforts, with leadership emphasizing its global significance and inspirational impact. NASA leadership said the mission is expected to engage audiences worldwide and build on momentum from previous Artemis flights.

During the announcement event, symbolic handover ceremonies highlighted the transition between crews, with Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman passing a baton to Bresnik in a gesture meant to represent continuity between missions.

Bresnik praised the previous crew’s achievements and said the Artemis III team is honored to carry the mission forward, describing it as a responsibility to extend the progress of earlier flights and inspire continued exploration.