NASA selects Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano to serve as pilot for Artemis III, a near-Earth test flight expected to launch in 2027. Multiple outlets report that Parmitano will be the mission’s lead pilot and the first European assigned to an Artemis crew. Several sources describe Artemis III as a technology-testing mission designed to support future lunar landing efforts, including work involving two lunar modules. Coverage also notes Parmitano’s hope to bring aspects of his homeland with him, with one outlet focusing on an Italian food theme for the mission menu. Additional reporting emphasizes the significance of the selection for European participation in the Artemis program, framing the assignment as an initial step in broader collaboration rather than a symbolic gesture. Across sources, the core points are that Parmitano has been named to the Artemis III crew, the flight is scheduled for 2027, and the mission’s purpose centers on testing lunar-landing-related technology as part of NASA’s longer-term plans for returning to the Moon.
NASA names Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano pilot for Artemis III test mission
NASA selects Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano to serve as pilot for Artemis III, a near-Earth test flight expected to launch in 2027. Multiple outlets report that Parmitano will be the mission’s lead...
- NASA names Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano as pilot (lead pilot) for Artemis III.
- Artemis III is expected to launch in 2027.
- The mission is described as a technology test flight near Earth for future lunar landing efforts.
- Artemis III will involve testing two lunar modules, according to reporting.
- Parmitano is reported as the first European assigned to an Artemis crew.
On June 9, 2026, NASA named Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano as pilot of Artemis 3, making him the first European ever assigned to an Artemis crew — and within hours ESA's director general framed the seat not as a courtesy but as the opening move in a ne Space DailyArtemis III: Nasa names astronauts to prepare for Moon landing BBCNASA Marches Toward Artemis III Mission in 2027, Names Crew Members NASA (.gov)Revised Artemis lunar lander plans take shape SpaceNewsNASA management wants a word and won't say why The Register
2 months agoItalian astronaut Luca Parmitano is hoping to bring a taste of his homeland to the Artemis III mission he will pilot near Earth in 2027 to test two lunar modules. The menu for the...
2 months agoItalian astronaut Luca Parmitano is hoping to bring a taste of his homeland to the Artemis III mission, which he will pilot near Earth in 2027 to test two lunar modules.
2 months agoItalian astronaut Luca Parmitano will be the lead pilot for the Artemis III test flight. The NASA mission is expected to launch in 2027 to test technology for a future moon landing.
2 months agoItalian astronaut Luca Parmitano will be the lead pilot for the Artemis III test flight. The NASA mission is expected to launch in 2027 to test technology for a future moon landing.
2 months agoItalian astronaut Luca Parmitano will serve as the mission’s pilot. The post Astronaut who nearly drowned in space selected for Artemis III crew appeared first on Popular Science.
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