Home / Science / Artemis III Crew Sparks Backlash: No Women Selected
Artemis III Crew Sparks Backlash: No Women Selected
11 Jun
Summary
- Artemis III mission crew announcement criticized for lack of women.
- NASA defends choice citing astronaut corps depth and mission needs.
- Artemis III will test lunar landers in low Earth orbit, not land on moon.
The selection of an all-male crew for NASA's Artemis III mission has ignited a firestorm of criticism from industry professionals and the public. Many expressed disappointment and outrage, highlighting the irony given the Artemis missions are known as the 'twin sister' of the Apollo program, which historically excluded women from spaceflight. This decision also deviates from initial plans that aimed to land the first woman on the moon.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson addressed the backlash, urging public support for the selected astronauts and respect for the selection process. He explained that crew assignments consider numerous factors, including expertise and availability, and noted that women are currently training for specialized roles on future missions. Nelson stressed that crew selection is not influenced by politics.
The Artemis III mission, slated for launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, will utilize the Orion spacecraft and SLS rocket. Its primary objective is to test rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial Human Landing Systems in low Earth orbit. This mission is crucial for validating the technology required for future lunar surface expeditions, with actual landings on the moon planned for subsequent Artemis missions.
