NASA Names Artemis III Crew – Mission Shifts to Low‑Earth Orbit

Sat Jun 13 2026 12:48:11 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

NASA names the crew for Artemis III, the next Moon program chapter, now set for a low‑Earth‑orbit tech test instead of a lunar landing.

NASA announced the Artemis III crew, which will operate in low Earth orbit rather than on the Moon. The team includes commander Randy Bresnik, pilot Luca Parmitano, and specialists Andre Douglas and Frank Rubio, with Bob Heintz as backup. The change follows SpaceX Starship refueling delays and a Blue Origin New Glenn fireball that damaged launch infrastructure. Despite the setback, the mission will dock prototype lunar landers in orbit, preparing for future landings in 2028.

NASA Names Artemis III Crew

NASA has announced the astronaut team for Artemis III, which will now fly in low Earth orbit instead of landing on the Moon.

The crew will consist of commander Randy Bresnik, pilot Luca Parmitano (ESA), and US mission specialists Andre Douglas and Frank Rubio. Backup pilot Bob Heintz will be on standby.

The change came after delays with SpaceX’s Starship, which needs in‑orbit refueling, and the New Glenn explosion at Blue Origin, leaving launch pads damaged.

A low‑Earth‑orbit test will still deploy and dock prototype lunar landers, preparing systems for future missions. NASA hopes to fly the demonstration in 2027, with a lunar landing scheduled for 2028.

The plan underscores the tight timeline set by political demands and the need for new technology before humans can step onto the Moon again.

NASA Names Artemis III Crew – Mission Shifts to Low‑Earth Orbit

NASA names the crew for Artemis III, the next Moon program chapter, now set for a low‑Earth‑orbit tech test instead of a lunar landing.

NASA Names Artemis III Crew

NASA Names Artemis III Crew – Mission Shifts to Low‑Earth Orbit

NASA names the crew for Artemis III, the next Moon program chapter, now set for a low‑Earth‑orbit tech test instead of a lunar landing.

NASA Names Artemis III Crew