NASA has revealed the 18 astronauts who will take part in its upcoming missions to the moon, as part of the Artemis programme.

Vice President Mike Pence introduced the astronauts at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida this week.

He said: “I give you the heroes who will carry us to the Moon and beyond – the Artemis Generation. It is amazing to think that the next man and first woman on the Moon are among the names that we just read.

“The Artemis Team astronauts are the future of American space exploration – and that future is bright.”

The astronauts include nine men and nine women - one of who will be the first woman to ever set foot on the moon.

Jim Bridenstine, NASA administrator, said: “We’re excited to share this next step in exploration – naming the Artemis Team of astronauts who will lead the way, which includes the first woman and next man to walk on the lunar surface.”

Buzz Aldrin on the Moon (
Image:
PA)

NASA has reassured that the Artemis mission is still on track, with an unmanned launch set for 2021, before a manned launch in 2024.

Chief Astronaut Pat Forrester, said: “There is so much exciting work ahead of us as we return to the moon, and it will take the entire astronaut corps to make that happen.

“Walking on the lunar surface would be a dream come true for any one of us, and any part we can play in making that happen is an honor. I am proud of this particular group of men and women and know that any of them would do an outstanding job representing NASA and the United States on a future Artemis mission.”

The astronauts include nine men and nine women - one of who will be the first woman to ever set foot on the moon (
Image:
NASA)

NASA Artemis Team

Joseph Acaba

Kayla Barron

Raja Chari

Matthew Dominick

Victor Glover

Warren Hoburg

Jonny Kim

Christina Hammock Koch

Kjell Lindgren

Nicole A. Mann

Anne McClain

Jessica Meir

Jasmin Moghbeli

Kate Rubins

Frank Rubio

Scott Tingle

Jessica Watkins

Stephanie Wilson