NASA has unveiled the crew roster for Artemis III, with plans to dock with Blue Origin and SpaceX landers. However, key questions remain about the state of the Space Launch System and its rocket boosters.

According to Jeremy Parsons, NASA’s Artemis program manager, the mobile launcher is in excellent condition after the successful launch of Artemis II. The focus now is on refurbishing damaged areas before stacking the boosters, expected to be completed by early July.

Arsenio reported that the SLS rocket will undergo significant changes, including redesigned cryogenic seals following issues during previous missions. Parsons outlined a plan for a short-stack tanking test, which would simulate the launch configuration without placing Orion on top, to ensure seal integrity and thermal protection systems are functioning correctly.

The Artemis III mission aims to bring astronauts back to the Moon’s surface after a long absence, but the details of their journey remain somewhat vague. As Parsons notes, much work lies ahead before the first crewed flight can take place in 2027.