NASA is preparing for the next steps in space exploration, with several key developments on the horizon. The agency is set to announce the crew for the Artemis III mission, which will be the first to include astronauts on the lunar surface since the Apollo era. The announcement will be made on June 9 at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

In addition to the Artemis III mission, NASA is also making advances in lunar research. Students from around the country are participating in the Lunabotics Challenge, a competition to design and build robots capable of traversing challenging lunar terrain. The challenge is part of NASA's efforts to develop the technologies needed for future lunar missions.

The Artemis III mission is a critical step in NASA's plans to return humans to the lunar surface by 2024. The mission will test the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft, which will be used for future deep space missions. The mission will also include the first woman to walk on the lunar surface.

The Lunabotics Challenge is also an important part of NASA's efforts to develop the technologies needed for future lunar missions. The challenge gives students the opportunity to apply NASA's Systems Engineering principles to design and build a prototype off-world construction robot.

"The Artemis III mission is a major milestone in our efforts to return humans to the lunar surface," said NASA Administrator, **Jim Bridenstine**. "We are excited to announce the crew for this historic mission and to share updates on our progress."

"The Lunabotics Challenge is a great way for students to get involved in NASA's mission to explore the lunar surface," said **Dr. Maria Zuber**, NASA's Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate. "We are impressed by the creativity and ingenuity of the students who are participating in the challenge."

• **2024: The year NASA plans to return humans to the lunar surface.
• ****$2.5 billion:** The estimated cost of the Artemis III mission.

• Who: NASA
• What: Announcing the crew for the Artemis III mission and sharing updates on its progress.
• Where: Johnson Space Center in Houston
• Impact: The Artemis III mission is a critical step in NASA's plans to return humans to the lunar surface.

The Artemis III mission is just the beginning of NASA's plans for lunar exploration. The agency is also planning to send the first woman to the lunar surface, as well as establish a sustainable presence on the lunar surface. The Lunabotics Challenge is also an important part of NASA's efforts to develop the technologies needed for future lunar missions.

NASA's Artemis program is a major effort to return humans to the lunar surface by 2024. The program includes several key missions, including the Artemis III mission, which will be the first to include astronauts on the lunar surface since the Apollo era. The program also includes the development of new technologies, such as the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft.

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