Artemis II moonshot commander and pilot are hanging up their astronaut suits at NASA

Live updates

1. 31d ago

   Artemis II commanders step back after crewed lunar flyby

   The commander and pilot of the Artemis II moonshot have transitioned to NASA's emeritus program and stepped back from primary active roles, leaving formal agency affiliations behind as personnel shifts. Victor Glover has returned full-time to Cal Poly. Artemis II flew from April 1 to 11, 2026, executing a crewed lunar flyby aboard the Orion spacecraft named Integrity. This flight marked the only crewed journey beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972, serving as a vital test mission to validate systems and procedures ahead of future lunar landings.

   Why it matters

   Artemis II utilized the Space Launch System and the Orion spacecraft to carry a four-person crew on a trajectory similar to Apollo 8 and Apollo 13. The test flight supported preparations for the Artemis IV mission aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface. Meanwhile, the broader Artemis program continues to navigate milestones and public discussions surrounding crew compositions.

   What is confirmed

   • The Artemis II mission flew from April 1 to 11, 2026, as a crewed lunar flyby.
   • Victor Glover has returned to Cal Poly on a full-time basis.
   • The Artemis II commander and pilot transitioned from active duty to NASA's emeritus program.
   • Artemis II was the only crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972.

   Still unconfirmed

   • There are mixed reactions over the all-male crew composition of the Artemis III mission.

   What to watch next

   • Announcements regarding crew rosters and assignments for upcoming Artemis missions
   • Further updates on the academic and advisory roles assumed by the emeritus astronauts
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. baynews9.com — Mixed reactions over all-male Artemis III crew
   2. en.wikipedia.org — Artemis II - Wikipedia
   3. www.orlandosentinel.com — Space news, launches and Artemis information for NASA's Kennedy Space ...
   4. www.usatoday.com — ‘1,000 things have to go right.’ The pressure of the Artemis II countdown clock
   5. www.mercurynews.com — Science - The Mercury News
   6. www.military.com — NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
   7. www.nasa.gov — Meet NASA’s Artemis II Crew During Houston Public Event
   confidence 100%
2. 44d ago

   Artemis II commander and pilot enter NASA emeritus program

   The commander and pilot of the Artemis II moonshot have transitioned from active duty to NASA's emeritus program. Victor Glover has returned to Cal Poly on a full-time basis. Both astronauts have stepped back from their primary roles following the conclusion of the Artemis II mission, though they retain a formal affiliation with the agency. This move marks a shift in leadership and personnel for the agency's lunar exploration efforts as the officers move into advisory or academic capacities.

   Why it matters

   The emeritus designation allows former astronauts to maintain a connection to NASA while pursuing other careers. This transition follows the completion of the Artemis II mission.

   What is confirmed

   • The commander and pilot of Artemis II have joined NASA's emeritus program.
   • Victor Glover returned to Cal Poly full time.

   What to watch next

   • NASA announcements regarding replacements for the Artemis II command roles
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. www.10news.com — US acknowledges for the first time that it has deployed weapons in space
   2. www.bostonherald.com — NASA spacecraft discovers a huge new crater on the moon
   3. www.dailynews.com — The T. rex had a body temperature similar to our own, study finds
   confidence 100%
3. 47d ago

   Artemis II Commander and Pilot Move to NASA Emeritus Status

   The commander and pilot of the Artemis II moonshot have left active duty at NASA to join the agency's emeritus program. Victor Glover, one of the two astronauts, has returned to Cal Poly full time. This transition follows the completion of the Artemis II mission. Both officers are stepping back from their primary astronaut roles while maintaining a formal connection to the agency through the emeritus designation.

   Why it matters

   The Artemis II mission was a key step in returning humans to lunar orbit. These roles represent the highest leadership positions for the crew. Their departure marks a transition in personnel as NASA moves toward subsequent lunar goals.

   What is confirmed

   • NASA named two Artemis II astronauts to its emeritus program.
   • Victor Glover has returned to Cal Poly full time.
   • The Artemis II commander and pilot are leaving their active roles at NASA.

   What to watch next

   • NASA announcement regarding replacements for the former Artemis II leadership
   • Details on the specific responsibilities of the astronaut emeritus program
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. AP News — Artemis II moonshot commander and pilot are hanging up their astronaut suits at NASA
   2. NASA (.gov) — NASA Names Two Artemis II Astronauts to Emeritus Program
   3. Cal Poly — Astronaut Victor Glover Returns Full Time to Cal Poly After Historic Artemis II Mission
   4. Space — What comes after the moon? Artemis II commander and pilot shift to 'emeritus' status at NASA
   5. Los Angeles Times — Artemis II astronaut and SoCal native Victor Glover steps back from NASA, joins Cal Poly
   6. www.orlandosentinel.com — All of the sudden a rare event, SpaceX launches from Space Coast
   confidence 100%