Who will be on Artemis III? NASA names astronauts assigned to the mission

HOUSTON, Texas -- NASA is giving the biggest update yet on Artemis III.

The agency revealed the astronauts chosen for the lunar mission on Tuesday morning at Houston's Johnson Space Center.

The crew:

• 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

• Backup: Bob Hines (NASA)

We're also expecting an update on the impact that last month's Blue Origin rocket explosion could have on the Artemis program.

Last month, NASA's administrator posted on X that the agency would "provide information on any impacts to the Artemis and moon base programs as it becomes available."

READ MORE: Blue Origin rocket explodes: What does it mean for future NASA missions?

Artemis III is set to launch next year, with Artemis IV scheduled for 2028.