NASA Announces Crew for Artemis III Moon Mission
NASA Announces Crew for Artemis III Moon Mission
Updated at: June 9, 2026 at 01:30 AM
On June 9, 2026, NASA will host a highly anticipated live event at the Johnson Space Center to announce the four-person crew for the Artemis III mission.
While the Artemis program is famous for returning humans to the lunar surface, NASA has strategically refocused Artemis III as a vital risk-reduction test flight.
Much like Apollo 9 did decades ago, this mission will prioritize testing critical rendezvous and docking maneuvers between the Orion spacecraft and commercial lunar landers in Earth's orbit.
By proving these capabilities, NASA paves the way for a crewed lunar landing, which is now planned for Artemis IV in 2028.
The selection of the Artemis III crew is based on specific technical expertise, including flight experience and the ability to evaluate new technology like next-generation spacesuits.
As NASA aims for a 2027 launch, this mission serves as a major step toward establishing an enduring presence on the Moon.
Ultimately, these lunar efforts are building the foundation for humanity's future journey to Mars.
You can watch the official crew announcement live on NASA+ or the agency's YouTube channel at 11 a.m.
