Nasa has announced the four astronauts who will fly on Artemis III, a mission designed to test critical procedures and gather scientific data ahead of humanity's return to the lunar surface.
The crew combines decades of experience in military aviation, spaceflight, engineering and scientific research, bringing together expertise from both Nasa and the European Space Agency (ESA).
The four astronauts will conduct critical docking tests after launch in low Earth orbit, setting the stage for the Artemis-IV mission to land on the Moon.
Leading the mission is Commander Randy Bresnik, a veteran Nasa astronaut and former US Marine Corps colonel. Bresnik is no stranger to spaceflight, having previously spent more than 149 days in space across multiple missions.
He has conducted several spacewalks and served as commander of the International Space Station (ISS), making him one of Nasa's most experienced operational astronauts. His extensive background in mission leadership and complex space operations is expected to be invaluable as Artemis III carries out critical docking and systems tests in deep space.
"Spaceflight is hard and that's why the most important part will be the next mission. We will be determining the flight envelope and improving capabilities and refine the procedures, because every mission after Artemis-III will be much more challenging and complex," the Artemis-III mission Commander said.
Serving as pilot is ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano, one of Europe's most accomplished astronauts. A former Italian Air Force test pilot, Parmitano became the first Italian astronaut to command the International Space Station.
During his career, he has spent more than a year in space and completed multiple spacewalks, including some of the most challenging extravehicular activities conducted on the ISS.
His selection highlights the international nature of the Artemis programme and the growing role of ESA in future lunar exploration.
The mission's first specialist, Frank Rubio, brings a unique combination of military, medical and spaceflight expertise.
A former US Army helicopter pilot and flight surgeon, Rubio gained international attention during his first space mission when he set the record for the longest single spaceflight by a Nasa astronaut. His extended stay aboard the ISS provided researchers with valuable information on how long-duration space travel affects the human body.
That experience will help Nasa better understand astronaut health and performance during future lunar missions.
Joining Rubio as a mission specialist is Andre Douglas, one of Nasa's newest astronauts and a key representative of the next generation of lunar explorers. Before joining Nasa, Douglas worked as an engineer and researcher specialising in advanced systems, robotics and space technologies.
He was also closely involved in Nasa's lunar mission planning efforts and contributed to technologies designed to support future exploration of the Moon. Artemis III will mark his first spaceflight, making him the rookie member of an otherwise highly experienced crew.
Together, Bresnik, Parmitano, Rubio and Douglas will help Nasa gather critical data on crew operations, Earth observations, radiation exposure and spacecraft performance. The lessons learned from their mission will directly support Artemis IV and future lunar expeditions.
As Nasa prepares for its ambitious return to deep-space exploration, the Artemis III crew represents a blend of veteran leadership, international cooperation, scientific expertise and next-generation innovation, qualities that will be essential for humanity's next chapter beyond Earth.
Source: India Today