Nasa to reveal Artemis-III astronauts tonight: When and how to watch
Nasa is set to unveil the four astronauts selected for the Artemis-III mission, a major milestone in humanity's return to the Moon. Here's how you can watch the historic announcement from your room.
Nasa is set to announce the four astronauts who will fly on the Artemis-III mission, a key test flight in humanity's plan to return to the Moon.
The live event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, at 9 pm IST, from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
This comes shortly after the successful Artemis II mission earlier this year, where four astronauts flew around the Moon, marking the first crewed trip beyond low Earth orbit since 1972.
The astronaut line-up is being closely watched by people across the globe because it will reveal who could eventually play a role in humanity's next steps beyond Earth. Nasa has not disclosed the names in advance, but the crew is expected to include experienced astronauts capable of helping validate the technologies and procedures needed for future lunar landing missions.
Artemis-III, planned for late 2027, will now focus on practising important skills closer to home.
WHAT IS ARTEMIS-III?
The Artemis programme aims to build a lasting human presence on the Moon, including sending the first woman and first person of colour to its surface, while preparing for future Mars journeys.
It works with international partners and private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Originally meant as a landing mission, Artemis-III has been adjusted; the four astronauts will now launch on Nasa's powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. In low Earth orbit, they will practise meeting and connecting with commercial lunar landers.
These tests are meant to make future Moon landings safer, with actual landings expected from Artemis-IV in 2028.
HOW TO WATCH NASA ANNOUNCEMENT?
People in India can easily tune in live at 8:30 pm IST on Tuesday.
The event will be streamed for free on Nasa's official YouTube channel and NASA+ streaming service. No special subscription is needed for the YouTube broadcast.
You can also follow updates on science news pages, or follow along with India Today's live coverage to keep up with all the details of a pivotal announcement in humanity's bid to set foot on the Moon again.