NASA selects crew for Artemis III low Earth orbit test

NASA announced on June 9, 2026, that astronauts Andre Douglas, Randy Bresnik, and Frank Rubio, alongside European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano, have been selected for the Artemis III crew. The four-person team will undertake a critical preparatory mission in low Earth orbit, designed to test integrated operations between the Orion spacecraft and commercial landers developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin.

The mission represents a strategic shift in NASA’s approach to lunar exploration. Rather than attempting a direct surface landing, Artemis III will focus on validating rendezvous and docking procedures with the commercial landers. This orbital test aims to mitigate risk for Artemis IV, which is designated as the first crewed mission to the lunar South Pole.

Commander Randy Bresnik, aged 58, leads the crew and is the only member with prior Space Shuttle experience. He is joined by mission specialists Andre Douglas, aged 40, who is making his first journey to space, and Frank Rubio. Luca Parmitano, aged 49, serves as the sole non-US citizen on the team, representing the European Space Agency. Veteran test pilot Bob Heintz has been designated as the backup astronaut for the flight.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman confirmed the crew selection, outlining the public-private partnership structure of the mission. Artemis III will utilise three rockets: one to carry the Orion spacecraft and crew, and two others to launch the commercial lander models from SpaceX and Blue Origin. The primary objective is to ensure these systems can operate seamlessly in orbit before the agency proceeds to the Moon.

The Artemis III mission is scheduled to launch before the end of 2027. While the exact launch date has not been specified, the flight marks a significant step in the agency’s broader lunar programme, ensuring that the complex logistics of commercial lander integration are fully understood prior to the more ambitious Artemis IV landing.