NASA announced the names of the four astronauts selected for the Artemis III mission, a major step toward returning humans to the Moon for the first time since 1972.
The two-week mission, planned for launch in late 2027, will feature NASA astronauts Randy Bresnik, Frank Rubio, and first-time space flier Andre Douglas, along with European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano.
Unlike a lunar landing, Artemis III will remain in low earth orbit and test key technologies for future Moon missions. As part of mission preparations, Orion will practice docking with commercial lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin, if they are ready.
During the mission, at least one crew member will enter a prototype lander to evaluate hatches, life-support systems, and the new Axiom spacesuits developed with support from Prada.
The agency will also conduct a crucial Space Launch System rocket rehearsal later this year as preparations for the Artemis program continue.