Humanity is returning to the Moon, driven by national programs, commercial ventures, and scientific curiosity. The people going to the Moon today include astronauts, scientists, artists in residence, and private travelers from around the world.
As missions evolve from short flag-planting steps toward sustained exploration, the identities, roles, and origins of lunar travelers are becoming more diverse. The following sections break down who is flying, how they are selected, and what they will do when they arrive.
| Name | Nationality | Role | Mission | Launch Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NASA Astronaut Team Artemis II | United States | Lunar Flyby Crew | Artemis II | Mid 2020s |
| International Partner Astronauts | ESA / JAXA / CSA | Lunar Surface Specialist | Artemis III+ | 2026 onwards |
| Commercial Payload Providers | Multinational | Instrument Operators | CLPS Missions | 2024 onwards |
| Private Lunar Passengers | Global | Spaceflight Participant | DearMoon / Yusaku Maezawa | Planned 2023-2025 |
| Lunar Surface Habitat Crew | NASA / International | Long Duration Explorer | Artemis Base Camp | 2030s |
Selection and Training of Lunar Astronauts
Space agencies and commercial operators use rigorous criteria to select people going to the Moon. Physical health, technical expertise, psychological resilience, and teamwork are core requirements. Candidates typically come from military aviation, science, engineering, or medical backgrounds before entering strict training pipelines.
Training spans years and includes survival exercises, spacecraft simulations, lunar geology, and long-duration isolation protocols. As missions shift from flags and footprints to sustained presence, leadership and cross-cultural communication are weighted more heavily in crew selection.
Scientific and Exploration Objectives
People traveling to the Moon today are often researchers or instrument operators focused on science and technology demonstration. Objectives include studying lunar water, testing in-situ resource utilization, and preparing for Mars transit. Surface missions aim to deploy experiments, sample regolith, and map potential habitats.
On longer stays, crews function as field geologists and systems managers, maintaining habitats and managing power and communications. The knowledge gained directly informs the design of future cities on the Moon and supports safer deep-space travel.
Commercial and Private Participation
Commercial companies are expanding who can go to the Moon beyond government astronauts. Private missions now include artists, entrepreneurs, and educators, often launched under public-private partnership models. These flights create new cultural narratives and broaden global interest in lunar exploration.
Tourism flights remain high-cost and high-risk, targeting individuals who can fund seat prices in the tens of millions. Over time, increased competition and reusable infrastructure are expected to lower prices and expand access to a wider range of participants.
International Collaboration and Policy Frameworks
International agreements shape the people going to the Moon by defining access rules and data sharing. The Artemis Accords establish principles such as transparency, interoperability, and the protection of heritage sites. Participating nations commit to registering spacecraft and sharing scientific results to ensure cooperative use of lunar space.
These policies influence crew composition, technology standards, and liability arrangements. They also affect which countries can contribute experiments, landers, or habitats, ultimately determining who has a sustained role on the lunar surface.
Future Trajectory for Lunar Crews
Over the next decade, the people going to the Moon will shift from short visits to longer expeditions, supported by infrastructure and logistics systems. Diversity in nationality, profession, and background will increase as lunar bases and commercial habitats expand access.
- Review published crew manifests and mission announcements to track upcoming lunar flights.
- Follow agency and commercial selection timelines to understand when new astronauts and participants are chosen.
- Monitor international agreements for changes in policy that affect access and responsibilities on the Moon.
- Track advances in training methods, life support, and surface operations that enable longer, more diverse missions.
- Stay informed on commercial pricing and payload opportunities if you are considering participation as a private individual or institution.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which astronauts will fly on the first crewed Artemis landing mission?
The initial landing mission will include NASA astronauts selected as part of the Artemis team, supported by international partners from ESA, JAXA, and CSA, chosen for their scientific, engineering, and operational expertise.
Are private citizens allowed to travel to the Moon today?
Yes, private citizens and artists can participate through commercial lunar missions and payload programs, typically as spaceflight participants or through sponsored payload initiatives led by private companies.
How does international partnership affect who goes to the Moon?
Partnerships determine crew and payload roles, with each contributing modules, instruments, or astronaut seats based on agreements, technical standards, and shared exploration goals under frameworks like the Artemis Accords.
What kind of training do lunar surface crew members undergo?
Lunar crew members train for years in simulators, geology fieldwork, habitat operations, EVA procedures, survival scenarios, and long-duration isolation to prepare for complex tasks and emergencies on the Moon.