NASA has announced 18 astronauts who will take part in its next mission to the moon, as part of the Artemis program.
Vice President Mike Pence introduced the astronauts to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida this week.
He said: “I give you heroes who will take us to the moon and beyond – Artemis Generation. It’s amazing to think that the next man and first woman on the moon are the names we just read.
“The Artemis team astronauts are the future of American space exploration – and that future is bright.”
The astronauts include nine men and nine women – one of whom will be the first woman to set foot on the moon.
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstein said: “We are excited to share this next step in research – naming the Artemis team of astronauts who will lead the way, including the first woman and the next man to walk on the lunar surface.”
(Photo: PA)
NASA has assured that the Artemis mission is still on track with an unmanned launch in 2021 before the human launch in 2024.
“We have a lot of exciting work ahead of us when we return to the moon, and it will take the entire astronaut corps to make it happen,” said Chief Astron Fort Pat Forester.
“Walking on the surface of the moon will be a dream come true for any of us, and it is an honor to do whatever we can to make it happen. I am proud of this special group of men and women and I know that none of them will do an excellent job representing NASA and the United States on a future Artemis mission. “
(Photo: NASA)
NASA Artemis team
Joseph Aqaba
Kyla Baron
King Chari |
Matthew Dominic
Victor Glover
Warren Hobberg
Johnny Kim
Christina Hammock Coach
Kijel Lindgren
Nicole A. Respect
N. M. Mc Klein
Jessica Mer
Jasmine Mogbeli
Kate Rubins
Frank Rubio
Scott Tingle
Jessica Watkins
Stephanie Wilson
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