Earlier this week, NASA revealed the composition of the crew for its mission Artemis IIIscheduled to launch no earlier than summer 2027. The selected astronauts are Randy Bresnik (commander), Luca Parmitano (pilot; Italian ESA astronaut), as well as Andre Douglas and Frank Rubio (mission specialists).
L’total absence of women in this crew caused a heated controversy, calling into question the commitments of the American space agency in terms of representation.
A huge blow for many
Among reactions compiled by NBC News, Alexandra Doten, known as Astro Alexandra on social networks, suggested an insane choice by NASA. ” The choice to have no women on board Artemis III is insane. “
Not a single woman flying on Artemis III is an insane choice
— Astro Alexandra ? Space Communicator (@astro_alexandra) June 9, 2026
PhD student in astronomy, Jasmine Singh (@astro_jaz) recalled the inspiring impact of the presence of astronaut Christina Koch during the Artemis II mission.
” Those who aren’t offended by the absence of women aboard Artemis III don’t understand what it means to see someone who looks like you accomplish something so special, especially after centuries of oppression. “
How does NASA justify this decision?
Faced with reactions ranging from disappointment to indignation, the NASA administrator spoke out to defend the selection process.
Jared Isaacman insists that the choice of crew is based on technical and operational criteria. He states that ” The Astronaut Office assigns the crew that gives the mission the best chance of achieving its objectives “.
The many factors considered include ” test pilot experience, development work on specific programs, and availability “.
Jack Isaacman suggests that some astronauts were already assigned to other flights, such as expeditions to the International Space Station (ISS), or that their skills were specifically reserved for future Artemis missions. A response that he continues to relay.
We are sending the best NASA astronauts based on crew rotation, background, and expertise on Artemis III. The same way we sent our best on Artemis II. The same way we send our best astronauts to the International Space Station, where the recent Crew-10 through Crew-13 assignments…
— NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman (@NASAAdmin) June 12, 2026
Artemis III which is not a lunar mission
The Artemis III mission will not go to the Moon, or even to the Moon. The mission will take place in low Earth orbit for approximately two weeks.
Its main purpose is to test the rendezvous and docking maneuvers between the Orion capsule and the new lunar landers developed by Blue Origin and SpaceX, which will also be placed in Earth orbit.
These tests are an essential technical step to prepare the Artemis IV mission, which aims for a moon landing by 2028.
NASA maintains its promise to send the first woman and first person of color to the Moon during the Artemis program. She recalls that there are currently 15 women among its 37 active astronauts.
