Italian Astronaut to Pilot Artemis III Mission
The ESA astronaut will share piloting duties on a 2027 test flight designed to verify rendezvous and docking before a Moon landing mission.
- On Wednesday, NASA announced the Artemis III crew, selecting European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano as pilot. The mission marks a significant step in international partnership as the team prepares to test complex rendezvous and docking operations.
- The European Space Module is the powerhouse of NASA's Orion spacecraft, delivering essential power, propulsion, and life support systems. Built by European industry across 13 ESA Member States with over 100 suppliers, it continues the partnership that supported the previous two Artemis missions.
- A veteran astronaut with 366 days in space, Parmitano will share piloting responsibilities with Artemis III Commander Randy Bresnik. The Italian Air Force-trained test pilot brings extensive operational experience, having previously served as station commander during two long-duration International Space Station missions.
- Rounding out the diverse crew are lander specialists Andre Douglas and Frank Rubio. Both bring distinct backgrounds that strengthen team cohesion, with Parmitano noting the crew "immediately bonded" upon assignment, welcoming the range of ages and expertise.
- This test flight advances technologies necessary for future lunar landings and deeper solar system exploration. By demonstrating rendezvous and docking capabilities, the mission builds on Artemis II's foundation, paving the way for humanity's permanent return to the Moon.
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38 Articles
Surprisingly, a European is allowed to join the mission "Artemis-3" of the Nasa Moon Program. Luca Parmitano from Italy is delighted. What does this mean for the German astronauts with moon ambitions?
European astronaut to join lunar mission for first time ahead of planned Moon landing in two years
A European astronaut is set to join Nasa's lunar mission for the first time ahead of a planned Moon landing in 2028.Col Luca Parmitano has made history as the inaugural European Space Agency astronaut chosen for Nasa's Artemis programme.The 49-year-old Italian, who previously served as a test pilot in his country's air force, will fly alongside three American astronauts on the Artemis III mission to evaluate lunar landing vehicles.His crewmates …
The Times of Northwest Indiana
ARTEMIS III MISSION
A few weeks after the return of the Artemis 2 mission and its crew of four astronauts to the Moon, the Nasa announced on Tuesday 9 June the members of the next mission, Artemis III.
Artemis-3 will prepare for the moon landing and is scheduled to launch in 2027.
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