NASA astronauts Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman are beginning a new chapter after their historic Artemis II journey around the Moon earlier this year. In September, both astronauts are transitioning to emeritus status at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
The emeritus program allows highly experienced NASA personnel to remain involved with the agency by volunteering their expertise. In these specialized consulting roles, they can help train and mentor current employees while also gaining more freedom to pursue opportunities outside their previous full time positions.
Carrying Artemis II Experience Forward
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Reid and Victor for years, and both exemplify the leadership, character, and commitment that define NASA at its best,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “Reid commanded Artemis II after previously spending 165 days aboard the International Space Station, while Victor brought his experience as a naval aviator, test pilot, and Crew-1 astronaut to his role as pilot. Together, they took on one of the most challenging missions in human spaceflight and helped return America to the lunar environment. As Reid and Victor transition to emeritus status, I’m grateful they will continue sharing what they learned with our astronauts, flight controllers, and engineers as we prepare for Artemis III in 2027 and the missions that follow.”
As Glover moves into his new role, he plans to remain involved in aerospace, leadership, and public service both within NASA and beyond the agency. A key part of that work will involve passing along his extensive knowledge of Orion and its spacecraft systems to the teams preparing for future Artemis missions.
“As I grow into this new role, NASA and spaceflight remain a meaningful part of my journey of service,” said Glover. “I’m excited to keep uplifting my friends and cheering them on as they reach for the Moon. Together, we’ll keep pushing boundaries and inspiring the next giant leap.”
Preparing NASA for Artemis III
Wiseman will also continue sharing lessons from his spaceflight career as NASA prepares for Artemis III. That mission is planned for low Earth orbit and will test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial human landing systems.
“There is no better place to work, and there are no better people to work with, than those in this agency,” said Wiseman. “NASA gave me tremendous responsibility, supported me through two space missions, and my time as chief astronaut, and was always there for my family when we needed it most. I’m thrilled to continue serving future missions and programs through the emeritus program.”
NASA leaders emphasized that the transition does not mark the end of Glover and Wiseman’s contributions to the agency. Instead, their experience will remain available to astronauts, engineers, flight controllers, and others working on the next stages of NASA’s human spaceflight program.
“Reid and Victor’s commitment to exploration, steady leadership, and service to our astronaut corps and our nation have made a lasting impact,” said Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “Throughout their careers, they have each brought excellence, humility, and purpose to every role they have held at NASA. Their contributions have helped advance our mission and inspire those around them, leaving a legacy that will continue to shape the future of human spaceflight. We are immeasurably grateful for all they have given to NASA and are glad that this is not the end of their journey with the agency.”
Scott Tingle, chief of the Astronaut Office at Johnson, likewise highlighted the influence the two astronauts have had on NASA’s astronaut corps.
“Reid and Victor are trusted teammates whose professionalism, calm leadership, and unwavering commitment to NASA have strengthened our office and inspired everyone around them,” said Scott Tingle, chief of the Astronaut Office at Johnson. “As they transition into their emeritus roles, they leave a legacy of operational excellence that will continue shaping the astronaut corps for years to come. We’re grateful that they will still be part of our community, sharing their experience and insight as they begin this next chapter.”
A Historic Journey Around the Moon
Glover and Wiseman were two of the four astronauts aboard Artemis II, the first crewed mission to launch on NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and carry astronauts aboard Orion around the Moon.
They flew with NASA astronaut Christina Koch and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen on the 10-day mission. The crew safely splashed down on April 10 after becoming the first humans in more than 50 years to travel to lunar orbit. During the mission, the four astronauts ultimately traveled farther into space than anyone before them.
The experience Glover and Wiseman gained during Artemis II is expected to play an important role in NASA’s preparations for Artemis III. Their knowledge will also help support the broader Artemis campaign as NASA works toward returning American astronauts to the lunar surface with Artemis IV in 2028.
