NASA explains criteria behind astronaut crew assignments - EXCLUSIVE

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) determines crew assignments based on a variety of factors, including upcoming mission needs, required training timelines, and crew availability.

This was said by Amber Jacobson, Acting Press Secretary at NASA, in an exclusive interview with CE Report.

Mission-specific technical requirements, as well as the skillsets and experience of eligible astronauts, are also taken into account.

"These four astronauts were selected as the best fit for this mission profile given the demands of additional missions," said NASA's representative.

Earlier, NASA provided new Artemis III details and announced the four prime crew members and a backup for the test flight.

The mission will undertake a series of challenging tests in Earth orbit in 2027, essential for Artemis IV, the first planned crewed mission to the lunar South Pole in 2028.

Crew assignments are as follows:

NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik, commander
ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Luca Parmitano, pilot
NASA astronaut Andre Douglas, mission specialist
NASA astronaut Frank Rubio, mission specialist

Photo: NASA

This interview was prepared by Julian Müller