NASA astronauts Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman are transitioning to emeritus status at the Johnson Space Center in September 2026. Following their landmark Artemis II mission, these Artemis II astronauts will continue to support the agency by mentoring the current workforce and sharing technical expertise as NASA prepares for the upcoming Artemis III mission in 2027 and future lunar exploration.
What does the emeritus status mean for NASA?
The emeritus role allows highly experienced astronauts to continue supporting the agency by donating their time to mentor the current workforce. This transition enables NASA to maintain access to specialized technical knowledge while providing the astronauts with the flexibility to pursue other professional opportunities. Both Glover and Wiseman will continue to share their expertise with flight controllers and engineers as the agency prepares for the upcoming Artemis III mission in 2027.
How will the Artemis II astronauts support future missions?
Glover and Wiseman will focus on transferring their extensive knowledge of the Orion spacecraft and mission operations to the next generation of astronauts. Glover plans to support aerospace and leadership efforts, while Wiseman will share his experience regarding rendezvous and docking capabilities. Their ongoing mentorship is designed to ensure operational excellence as the agency works toward returning American astronauts to the lunar surface in 2028.