NASA Names Two Artemis II Astronauts to Emeritus Program
Following their landmark Artemis II mission earlier this year, distinguished NASA astronauts Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman are transitioning in September to emeritus status at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. In an emeritus role, individuals with a high degree of technical and professional knowledge can continue to support the agency by donating their time to train and mentor the current workforce, allowing NASA to maintain access to top talent in a specialized consultant role while giving the individual flexibility to pursue other opportunities.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said he has known Reid and Victor for years and that both exemplify the leadership, character, and commitment that define NASA at its best. He noted that Wiseman commanded Artemis II after previously spending 165 days aboard the International Space Station, while Glover brought his experience as a naval aviator, test pilot, and Crew-1 astronaut to his role as pilot. Together, Isaacman said, they took on one of the most challenging missions in human spaceflight and helped return America to the lunar environment. He added that he is grateful they will continue sharing what they learned with NASA’s astronauts, flight controllers, and engineers as the agency prepares for Artemis III in 2027 and the missions that follow.
Glover will support aerospace, leadership, and public service efforts as he transitions within and outside NASA, and he is committed to transferring his knowledge of Orion and its spacecraft systems, among other expertise, to future Artemis missions. “As I grow into this new role, NASA and spaceflight remain a meaningful part of my journey of service,” Glover said. “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.”
Wiseman is set to share his spaceflight experience with colleagues ahead of NASA’s Artemis III mission in low Earth orbit to 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,” Wiseman said. “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.”
Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, said Reid and Victor’s commitment to exploration, steady leadership, and service to the astronaut corps and the nation have made a lasting impact. She said that throughout their careers they each brought excellence, humility, and purpose to every role they have held at NASA, and that their contributions have helped advance the agency’s mission and inspire those around them, leaving a legacy that will continue to shape the future.