Andre Douglas Still in the Running for Other Artemis

A backup crewman has been named for the upcoming Artemis campaign, adding Andre Douglas to a roster of possible lunar landers in the years to come.

“Andre’s educational background and extensive operational experience in his various jobs prior to joining NASA are clear evidence of his readiness to support this mission,” said Joe Acaba, chief astronaut at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

“He excelled in his astronaut candidate training and technical assignments, and we are confident he will continue to do so as NASA’s backup crew member for Artemis II.” 

Douglas joins the last understudy announced in November of 2023, Canadian Jenni Gibbons, as those who would join the missions should any one of the scheduled members for an Artemis mission fail to appear. The two will be on deck for the 10-day Artemis II test flight to come, which will give the new Space Launch System a full workout while bearing out the Orion spacecraft's ability to support a longer-term voyage ahead of more extended journeys. 

NASA notes that crew selections for future Artemis missions are compartmentalized, so Douglas' presence as backup doesn't work against him in terms of going for the gold on a later program mission. All active NASA astronauts are eligible for assignment on any crewed space mission, giving everyone a chance at glory.

“Canada’s seat on the historic Artemis II flight is a direct result of our contribution of Canadarm3 to the lunar Gateway. Jenni Gibbons’ assignment as backup is of utmost importance for our country,” said CSA President Lisa Campbell. “Since being recruited, Jenni has distinguished herself repeatedly through her work with NASA and the CSA. She is also a tremendous role model for Canada’s future scientists, engineers, and explorers.”

FMI: www.nasa.gov