Kenneth Glad
The 2027 test flight will focus on lander systems before later Moon missions. Critics say the crew choice still carries symbolic weight.
NASA is defending its all-male Artemis III crew after criticism followed the June 9, 2026, announcement of the four astronauts assigned to the mission.
According to NBC News and USA Today, the crew includes NASA astronauts Randy Bresnik, Frank Rubio and Andre Douglas, plus European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano.
Criticism came quickly
The backlash matters because Artemis has been presented for years as a program meant to widen the image of who gets to take part in lunar exploration.
On X, space commentator Alexandra Doten wrote: “Not a single woman flying on Artemis III is an insane choice.”
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NBC News reported that astronomy doctoral student Jasmine Singh also criticized the decision on X, writing: “The people who aren’t upset about there being no women on artemis iii don’t understand what it means to see someone who looks like you accomplishing something so special especially after being put down for centuries.”
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NASA explains selection
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman gave his response, according to Digi24:
“We’ve seen reactions that range from disappointment to outrage,” he wrote.
Isaacman said crew assignments depend on several factors, including experience, technical background, program work and availability.
NASA chose the team it believes gives Artemis III the strongest chance of meeting its goals, he said.
He also said the process “does not involve any political appointees,” according to USA Today.
The mission has changed
Artemis III is no longer expected to land astronauts on the Moon. NBC News reported that the mission is planned no earlier than summer 2027 and will test SpaceX and Blue Origin lunar landers in Earth orbit.
Those tests are meant to prepare later Artemis missions for crewed lunar landings.
NASA has previously promoted Artemis as the program that will include the first woman on a future Moon landing.
Isaacman suggested women may be assigned to later missions, including flights involving the lunar surface.
“The Artemis III astronauts are experienced, qualified, and deserve to be celebrated for the mission they have been assigned, just as the crews that follow will be celebrated when their time comes,” he wrote.
Sources: Digi24, NBC News, USA Today
