CA, US & World
NASA Unveils Artemis III Astronaut Crew to Test Critical Spaceflight Tech for Future Moon Landing
HOUSTON — Fresh off the historic success of the Artemis II ten-day lunar flyby in April, NASA has officially announced the four astronauts selected for the highly anticipated Artemis III mission. Speaking from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, agency officials revealed that Randy Bresnik, Andre Douglas, Frank Rubio, and Luca Parmitano will form the core crew tasked with testing critical docking and operational technologies needed to return humans to the lunar surface.
Unlike future surface missions, Artemis III will not land on the moon. Instead, the crew will launch into low Earth orbit to conduct comprehensive practice maneuvers, executing complex docking operations that are essential for long-duration spaceflight. The high-stakes mission is designed to validate human landing systems in real space environments before NASA attempts to place boots on the ground during subsequent missions later this decade.
The announcement comes during an intense private-sector race to build the hardware required for a successful landing. NASA is relying heavily on commercial partnerships with Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin to develop the competing human landing systems. However, neither automated design has completed a flawless uncrewed test flight. SpaceX recently logged a successful test launch of its massive Starship platform, though technical engine anomalies prevented a perfect mission execution. Meanwhile, Blue Origin suffered a high-profile setback just two weeks ago when a booster meant to carry its lunar lander into space exploded in a massive fireball during a routine ground test. Despite the pad explosion, Blue Origin leadership maintained that the company has a solid path forward to remain on track for a launch later this year.
The development timelines are tight, as NASA intends to launch the Artemis III flight next year. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized the agency's resolve to analyze recent hardware failures, fix mechanical issues, and continue moving forward aggressively. If the forthcoming orbital test proves successful, NASA remains committed to an official human landing mission in 2028, which would mark the first time humans have stepped onto the moon in over fifty years. The long-term vision includes establishing a permanent, sustainable lunar base powered by solar and nuclear energy, allowing future explorers to harvest water ice trapped inside deep craters at the lunar south pole.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 9, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.