NASA Defends Artemis III All-Male Crew, Emphasizing Experience and Availability

NASA chief Jared Isaacman defended the Artemis III all-male crew, saying the selection was based on astronauts' experience, skills and availability amid online backlash; the four-person team — Randy Bresnik (commander), Luca Parmitano (pilot), Andre Douglas and Frank Rubio — brings a mix of test-pilot, engineering and medical expertise as Artemis III prepares to test rendezvous and docking in low-Earth orbit with SpaceX and Blue Origin lunar landers. NASA notes a broad leadership pipeline and ongoing efforts to include more women in future crews.