Technology and Science10 September, 20263 min read
NASA Puts Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman and Pilot Victor Glover Into Emeritus Status
“emeritus is a retirement program”
“this is not a leaving ... for me, this is opening the aperture, not closing it down.”
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman become NASA emeritus astronauts at Johnson Space Center this month. They will not fly again but will train, mentor, and support future Artemis missions.
Artemis II to Emeritus
NASA announced that Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman and pilot Victor Glover will transition into "emeritus status" in September, with the change tied to the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
The Artemis II quartet flew around the moon in April, becoming the first people to go beyond low Earth orbit since 1972, and the mission ended with the Orion splashdown on 10 de abril.
NASA described the emeritus role as allowing the astronauts to assist NASA as consultants and "individuals with a high degree of technical and professional knowledge," while they can pursue other opportunities.
In the same announcement, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said, "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," linking the transition directly to the next Artemis test mission.
Wiseman and Glover are also described as moving away from active astronaut duty while still supporting the Artemis program, with one report noting that their Artemis II duties concluded on Sept. 2 for Jeremy Hansen and leaving Christina Koch as the only active astronaut as of Sept. 9.
Jobs, dates, and quotes
Victor Glover’s emeritus transition includes a full-time administrative leadership job at his alma mater, California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, with the position taking effect on Sept. 1.
Glover’s move is described as a shift from active spaceflight to education and workforce strategy, with Cal Poly stating he will provide counsel to President Jeffrey D. Armstrong and other senior leaders.
In a post on X, Glover wrote, "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," and he also described the career change as a continuation of service.
Wiseman, meanwhile, is quoted in NASA’s statement saying, "I'm thrilled to continue serving future missions and programs through the emeritus program," while the same coverage notes he did not share specific updates on his career plans on social media.
The reports also place the Artemis II crew’s public recognition in the timeline, with coverage stating that on Aug. 28 President Trump awarded them the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.
What comes next
NASA’s emeritus program is framed as a way to keep technical expertise available for future missions, with the agency saying emeritus individuals can continue to support the agency by donating their time to train and mentor the current workforce. The next named target is Artemis III in 2027, described as a mission in low Earth orbit intended to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and the systems commercial de aterrizaje tripulado. The same coverage ties the emeritus transition to Artemis III planning, stating that Wiseman and Glover are expected to help NASA plan future Artemis program missions.
Beyond NASA, Glover’s emeritus role is also linked to aerospace, leadership, and public service efforts, while Wiseman’s role is described as sharing his spaceflight experience with colleagues ahead of Artemis III. In addition, one report notes that Glover will remain involved with Orion expertise by supporting initiatives related to the sector aeroespacial, el liderazgo y el servicio público, while Wiseman will share his experience as NASA prepares for Artemis III.