Who is Artemis III crew member Andre Douglas?published at 18:08 BST
18:08 BST
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption,
Andre Douglas pictured far right
Andre Douglas – one of the four Artemis III crew members – will be making his first-ever space flight.
He was given the role of mission specialist.
Born in Florida but raised in Virginia, Douglas earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the US Coast Guard Academy, then went on to earn three master’s degrees, and a PhD in systems engineering.
Douglas was invited by Nasa to join the 2021 Astronaut Candidate Class and reported for duty in January 2022.
Part of his role was to identify lunar surface needs and recommend technology for development strategies.
Douglas was among the most animated on stage on Tuesday, grabbing the baton presented by the Artemis II team – a symbolic passing of the torch – and pretending to run with it.
He beamed with enthusiasm and gratitude.
“My brain, it is going a mile a minute right now, but my heart, my heart, it is so warm, it is so full, and I can’t thank everybody who’s been along (on) my journey,” he said.
He thanked his mother, “for believing in me”, his dad, “for the work ethic”, and his “lovely wife” for her unwavering support.