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

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1. 2d 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
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