NASA Faces Backlash Over All-Male Artemis III Crew: Netizens Call It Insane

NASA has been heavily criticised after announcing the four astronauts for the Artemis III mission. Social media users slammed the lack of a female figure in the team, which plans to conduct a Moon-related mission in 2027. The Artemis III team consists of three NASA astronauts—Randy Bresnik, Frank Rubio and Andrew Douglas—alongside one astronaut from the European Space Agency (ESA), Luca Parmitano. “Not allowing a single woman to fly on Artemis III is an insane choice,” criticised one social media user. Another user mentioned Christina Koch, the only woman who participated in the Artemis II flight. She travelled beyond the Moon earlier this year alongside three male astronauts. “So a massive blow to those inspired by Christina on Artemis II,” the user said. “Artemis II was so on point with Christina as a capable woman, showing we can do anything we desire. NASA has let us down,” another user remarked. Artemis III is the mission that brings humanity closer to returning to the Moon. The departing team will test rendezvous and docking operations of the Orion spacecraft with a commercial human lander in low Earth orbit. The mission is expected to last two weeks. It will be the final test mission before NASA actually lands humans on the Moon with Artemis IV, anticipated in 2028. “To the Artemis III crew, we wish you a smooth journey,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. Addressing public concerns, Isaacman explained there was no need for over-interpretation. He added that NASA deployed its best astronauts to execute and complete the mission’s objectives. However, he did not explain the method by which astronauts were selected for Artemis III. Meanwhile, Bresnik, the commander of Artemis III, said he was deeply honoured to be part of the crew. “We as a crew are honoured to be your crew conducting the Artemis III mission in outer space,” Bresnik stated. Douglas, a mission specialist, also spoke about his selection. “My brain… is working rapidly right now. But my heart feels very warm, very full,” he revealed.