01 NOV. 2026
publication date
32201
Views
In 2027, the Artemis III mission will take four astronauts into Earth orbit aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft for a test flight that will prepare the technologies needed for human landings on the Moon. Orion will be powered by ESA’s third European Service Module and piloted by ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano.
In early 2026, NASA announced that Artemis III, originally planned to be the first lunar landing mission of the Artemis programme, would instead become an orbital demonstration mission. During the planned 14-day flight, the crew and ground teams will practise rendezvous and docking operations between Orion and commercial lunar landers in space, rehearsing one of the most critical steps required for future Moon landings.
The four-person crew comprises NASA astronauts Randy Bresnik, Frank Rubio and Andre Douglas, and ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano.
Media modal
Artemis I launch on 16 November 2022
Ballet in low Earth orbit
Artemis III will involve three launches and a carefully choreographed sequence of manoeuvres in orbit.
The first spacecraft to launch will be Blue Origin’s Blue Moon lander test article, followed by Orion and its crew, launching on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket from Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United States. Once in orbit, Orion will approach and dock with the Blue Moon test article, which the crew will enter. Later, a SpaceX Starship lander test article will launch, and Orion will rendezvous with the spacecraft for a second series of docking demonstrations, however the crew will not enter the test article.
These tests will allow engineers and astronauts to verify that Orion can operate safely and reliably with the two spacecraft that will carry humans onto the lunar surface. Teams will evaluate how their hardware and software systems work together and study how the combined vehicles move in space.
Media modal
On 9 June, NASA announced the crew for the Artemis III mission, which includes ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano as pilot.
Europe driving Artemis
Europe is at the heart of Artemis III, with ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano as pilot and the European Service Module powering Orion.
NASA selected Luca Parmitano to be the mission’s pilot, becoming the first European to join an Artemis crew. A former commander of the International Space Station, Luca brings extensive experience from two long-duration missions in orbit, six spacewalks and more than a year spent in space.
Media modal
Orion's European Service Module with engines and solar arrays on display
Europe is also delivering the third European Service Module, the powerhouse of Orion. Built by ESA together with European industry, the module supplies potable water, breathable air and thermal control for the crew. Its four solar wings generate power, while its 33 engines provide the propulsion needed to manoeuvre Orion in space.
The European Service Module’s engines will be essential throughout Artemis III. After launch, they will place Orion into its operational orbit around Earth and fire as needed to meet with the lander test articles operating in different orbits.
Media modal
European engineers in the Orion Mission Evaluation Room at NASA's Johnson Space Center during Artemis II
As pilot, Luca will play a leading role in the rendezvous and docking operations with the two lander test articles, taking manual control of the module’s engines to manoeuvre Orion through the mission’s most complex phases. At the end of the flight, the same propulsion system will perform the de-orbit burn that will guide Orion onto its return path to Earth.
Once Orion is safely on course for splashdown, the European Service Module will separate from the crew module and burn up in Earth’s atmosphere. Throughout the mission, engineers from ESA and European industry will monitor the module’s performance around the clock.
Media modal
Luca Parmitano, Artemis III pilot, in his flight suit
Preparing for launch
Luca Parmitano is currently training alongside his crewmates at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, United States, rehearsing the complex sequence of operations the mission will require.
Meanwhile, the Orion spacecraft is taking shape. The European Service Module has already been integrated with the crew module, forming the spacecraft that will carry the Artemis III crew into space. In the lead up to launch, engineers will continue testing the spacecraft and install Orion’s four solar wings.
Although Artemis III will remain in low Earth orbit, it will be a stepping stone that tests the technologies needed for future lunar landing missions, much as Apollo 9 before Apollo 11. With the European Service Module powering Orion and ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano at its controls, Europe plays a key role in preparing humankind’s next journeys to the Moon.
Share this page
stay updated
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news, mission updates, and exclusive insights directly in your inbox. Be the first to know about our upcoming projects and breakthroughs.