NASA Moves Artemis II Astronauts to Emeritus Status at Johnson Space Center

By Daniel Mercer Charlotte, NC · WASHINGTON —

Published Updated 5 min read

NASA transitions Artemis II astronauts Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman to emeritus status at Johnson Space Center. The agency also welcomed four new nations as signatories to the Artemis Accords.

WASHINGTON — NASA announced that Artemis II astronauts Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman are transitioning to emeritus status at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The agency also welcomed Albania, Croatia, Côte d’Ivoire, and San Marino as signatories to the Artemis Accords, bringing the total number of signatories to 76 countries. "I'm excited to keep uplifting my friends and cheering them on as they reach for the Moon," Victor Glover said.

Glover and Wiseman were two of the four astronauts aboard Artemis II, which launched on April 1, 2026. The crew, which also included NASA astronaut Christina Koch and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen, flew the first crewed mission on NASA's SLS rocket and carried astronauts aboard Orion around the Moon. The mission lasted 10 days, and the crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, 2026.

"As Reid and Victor transition to emeritus status, 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," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. "Nearly one-third of all signatories have joined since the start of President Trump’s second term," he said. "As the President directs NASA to return Americans to the lunar surface and lay the groundwork for Mars, we are strengthening a coalition of partners who share our values and are ready to help shape the future of exploration," he said. "I've had the privilege of knowing Reid and Victor for years, and both exemplify the leadership, character, and commitment that define NASA at its best," he said.

Artemis III is planned for 2027 and will test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial human landing systems. NASA plans to return American astronauts to the lunar surface with Artemis IV in 2028.

The United States, led by NASA and the U.S. Department of State, and seven other nations launched the Artemis Accords in 2020. Nearly 40% of the world’s nations are signatories to the Artemis Accords, and nearly two-thirds of countries that signed the 1967 Outer Space Treaty have also signed the accords. The Artemis Accords Signatories Group Method of Operations was adopted in 2024.

The group meets twice annually, once at a technical workshop and once at a Principals’ Meeting during the International Astronautical Congress. Signatories have advanced recommendations on noninterference, interoperability, scientific data sharing, and registration practices. "Our momentum reflects a growing commitment to peaceful, responsible exploration and a shared understanding that the future in space will be shaped by those willing to lead," he said.

The Artemis Accords Principals’ Meeting at the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, Türkiye, begins on October 5, 2026. The meeting will be co-chaired by NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson and Major General Roberto Melgar Sheen, director of the Peruvian Space Agency (CONIDA).

Why It Matters

The transition of Glover and Wiseman to emeritus status shows NASA's strategy to retain institutional knowledge from experienced astronauts as it prepares for future lunar missions. The structured annual reapplication process for emeritus status differs from traditional retirement, ensuring that advisors remain actively engaged and approved for their roles. This approach builds on historical precedents where astronauts moved into advisory capacities, but formalizes the arrangement to support the upcoming Artemis III and IV missions.

The expansion of the Artemis Accords to 76 signatories reflects the growing international coalition supporting NASA's lunar exploration goals. With nearly 40% of the world’s nations as signatories, the accords establish a framework for peaceful and responsible space exploration. The upcoming Principals’ Meeting in Türkiye will provide a forum for these partners to discuss interoperability and scientific data sharing, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the Artemis program.

Timeline

The previous record for human spaceflight’s farthest distance traveled was set by the Apollo 13 mission in 1970.

NASA’s Artemis II mission launched on April 1, 2026. During the Artemis II mission, the astronauts traveled 252,756 miles from Earth. During the Artemis II mission, the four astronauts traveled farther into space than anyone before them. The Artemis II crew splashed down on April 10, 2026. The Artemis II crew became the first humans in more than 50 years to travel to lunar orbit.

What's New

Additional reporting provides further detail on the statements surrounding the transition. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman exemplify the leadership, character, and commitment that define NASA at its best. He said, "I've had the privilege of knowing Reid and Victor for years, and both exemplify the leadership, character, and commitment that define NASA at its best." He also noted, "Reid commanded Artemis II after previously spending 165 days aboard the International Space Station, while Victor brought his experience as a naval aviator, test pilot, and Crew-1 astronaut to his role as pilot." He added, "Together, they took on one of the most challenging missions in human spaceflight and helped return America to the lunar environment." Regarding the future, he said, "As Reid and Victor transition to emeritus status, 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." Victor Glover commented on his new role, stating, "As I grow into this new role, NASA and spaceflight remain a meaningful part of my journey of service." Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center, said, "Reid and Victor's commitment to exploration, steady leadership, and service to our astronaut corps and our nation have made a lasting impact." The core event remains that Artemis II astronauts Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman are transitioning to emeritus status at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

How Sources Differ

Details regarding NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's comments also vary. He is quoted saying, "Reid commanded Artemis II after previously spending 165 days aboard the International Space Station, while Victor brought his experience as a naval aviator, test pilot, and Crew-1 astronaut to his role as pilot." Differences also appear in descriptions of command roles.

He said Reid commanded Artemis II, while nasa.gov notes Reid Wiseman was chief of the Astronaut Office from December 2020 until November 2022, making him one of the few astronauts to hold a leadership role within the office prior to his Artemis II mission. Additionally, while he described the command structure, NASA press release via ScienceDaily simply states Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman were two of the four astronauts aboard Artemis II.

Further details about Victor Glover's background differ across sources. He mentioned Glover's experience as a naval aviator, test pilot, and Crew-1 astronaut. Nasa.gov adds that in 2026, NASA announced that Victor Glover would join Cal Poly in a leadership role, marking a transition from federal service to academic and institutional support for space education and research. Another detail gap concerns Glover's role on the ISS; he referenced his pilot experience, while nasa.gov states Victor Glover became the first African American astronaut to serve as a pilot on a NASA mission to the International Space Station, following his 168-day stay aboard the station in 2020.

fact_check Facts

NASA welcomed Albania, Croatia, Côte d’Ivoire, and San Marino as signatories to the Artemis Accords.
The total number of signatories to the Artemis Accords is 76 countries.
Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator
"Nearly one-third of all signatories have joined since the start of President Trump’s second term," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
Source: nasa.gov
Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator
"As the President directs NASA to return Americans to the lunar surface and lay the groundwork for Mars, we are strengthening a coalition of partners who share our values and are ready to help shape the future of exploration," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
Source: nasa.gov
Nearly 40% of the world’s nations are signatories to the Artemis Accords.
Nearly two-thirds of countries that signed the 1967 Outer Space Treaty have also signed the Artemis Accords.
The Artemis Accords Principals’ Meeting at the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, Türkiye, begins on October 5, 2026.
The Artemis Accords Principals’ Meeting will be co-chaired by NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson and Major General Roberto Melgar Sheen, director of the Peruvian Space Agency (CONIDA).
Artemis II astronauts Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman are transitioning to emeritus status at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator
"I've had the privilege of knowing Reid and Victor for years, and both exemplify the leadership, character, and commitment that define NASA at its best," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator
"Reid commanded Artemis II after previously spending 165 days aboard the International Space Station, while Victor brought his experience as a naval aviator, test pilot, and Crew-1 astronaut to his role as pilot," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator
"Together, they took on one of the most challenging missions in human spaceflight and helped return America to the lunar environment," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator
"As Reid and Victor transition to emeritus status, 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," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
Victor Glover, NASA Astronaut
"As I grow into this new role, NASA and spaceflight remain a meaningful part of my journey of service," said Victor Glover.
Victor Glover, NASA Astronaut
"Together, we'll keep pushing boundaries and inspiring the next giant leap," said Victor Glover.
Reid Wiseman, NASA Astronaut
"There is no better place to work, and there are no better people to work with, than those in this agency," said Reid Wiseman.
Reid Wiseman, NASA Astronaut
"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," said Reid Wiseman.
Reid Wiseman, NASA Astronaut
"I'm thrilled to continue serving future missions and programs through the emeritus program," said Reid Wiseman.
Vanessa Wyche, Director of NASA's Johnson Space Center
"Reid and Victor's commitment to exploration, steady leadership, and service to our astronaut corps and our nation have made a lasting impact," said Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Vanessa Wyche, Director of NASA's Johnson Space Center
"Throughout their careers, they have each brought excellence, humility, and purpose to every role they have held at NASA," said Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Vanessa Wyche, Director of NASA's Johnson Space Center
"Their contributions have helped advance our mission and inspire those around them, leaving a legacy that will continue to shape the future of human spaceflight," said Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Vanessa Wyche, Director of NASA's Johnson Space Center
"We are immeasurably grateful for all they have given to NASA and are glad that this is not the end of their journey with the agency," said Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Scott Tingle, Chief of the Astronaut Office at Johnson
"Reid and Victor are trusted teammates whose professionalism, calm leadership, and unwavering commitment to NASA have strengthened our office and inspired everyone around them," said Scott Tingle, chief of the Astronaut Office at Johnson.
Scott Tingle, Chief of the Astronaut Office at Johnson
"As they transition into their emeritus roles, they leave a legacy of operational excellence that will continue shaping the astronaut corps for years to come," said Scott Tingle, chief of the Astronaut Office at Johnson.
Scott Tingle, Chief of the Astronaut Office at Johnson
"We're grateful that they will still be part of our community, sharing their experience and insight as they begin this next chapter," said Scott Tingle, chief of the Astronaut Office at Johnson.
The four astronauts of NASA’s Artemis II mission will participate in an event at the University of Houston on September 30, 2026.
The event at the University of Houston will be held at the Fertitta Center at 7 p.m. CDT.
The National Aeronautic Association will recognize the Artemis II crew for surpassing the record for human spaceflight’s farthest distance traveled.
Media are invited to attend a question and answer session with the Artemis II crew at 5:45 p.m. prior to the public presentation.

menu_bookBackground & Sources

Context and data our newsroom added to the originating report, with the primary source for each item shown below it.

The Artemis Accords Signatories Group Method of Operations was adopted in 2024.
The Artemis Accords Signatories Group meets twice annually, once at a technical workshop and once at a Principals’ Meeting during the International Astronautical Congress.
The United States, led by NASA and the U.S. Department of State, and seven other nations launched the Artemis Accords in 2020.
Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman were two of the four astronauts aboard Artemis II.
Artemis II was the first crewed mission to launch on NASA's SLS rocket and carry astronauts aboard Orion around the Moon.
The Artemis II crew flew with NASA astronaut Christina Koch and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
The Artemis II mission lasted 10 days.
The Artemis II crew splashed down on April 10, 2026.
Artemis III is planned for 2027.
Artemis III will test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial human landing systems.
NASA plans to return American astronauts to the lunar surface with Artemis IV in 2028.
The previous record for human spaceflight’s farthest distance traveled was set by the Apollo 13 mission in 1970.
NASA’s Artemis II mission launched on April 1, 2026.
The Artemis II crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean.
During the Artemis II mission, the astronauts traveled 252,756 miles from Earth.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman exemplify the leadership, character, and commitment that define NASA at its best.
Source: nasa.gov
Reid Wiseman was chief of the Astronaut Office from December 2020 until November 2022, making him one of the few astronauts to hold a leadership role within the office prior to his Artemis II mission.
Source: nasa.gov
Victor Glover became the first Black astronaut to complete a long-duration stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), spending 168 days in space during the Crew-1 mission (November 2020–May 2021).
Source: nasa.gov
Reid Wiseman previously spent 165 days aboard the International Space Station during his 2018-2019 mission, making him one of only 11 astronauts to have logged over 150 days in space during a single stay.
Source: nasa.gov
Victor Glover became the first African American astronaut to serve as a pilot on a NASA mission to the International Space Station, following his 168-day stay aboard the station in 2020.
Source: nasa.gov
Prior to becoming an astronaut, Victor Glover served as a test pilot with the U.S. Navy, flying over 30 aircraft in the U.S. and Italy during a one-year course at the Air Force Test Pilot School.
Source: nasa.gov
The percentage of Black astronauts in NASA's history is 5%, with Victor Glover being one of only 17 Black astronauts to have flown in space out of more than 350 total NASA astronauts.
Source: nasa.gov
In 2026, NASA announced that Victor Glover would join Cal Poly in a leadership role, marking a transition from federal service to academic and institutional support for space education and research.
Source: nasa.gov
Historically, astronauts like Scott Carpenter (Mercury program) and Edward Gibson (Skylab) transitioned to non-flight roles or re-entered NASA in advisory capacities, setting a precedent for emeritus-like arrangements before the formal program was established.
Glover and Wiseman will need to re-apply annually for emeritus status, as the program requires yearly approval to maintain their advisory roles, unlike traditional retirement categories.
Source: nasa.gov
NASA has historically allowed astronauts to transition into non-flight roles, such as management or advisory positions, but the emeritus program for Glover and Wiseman is notable for its structured annual reapplication process.
Source: nasa.gov
The emeritus status for Glover and Wiseman allows them to continue mentoring and training future astronauts, a role that NASA has historically used to retain expertise from former astronauts who are no longer eligible for flight assignments.
Source: nasa.gov
During the Artemis II mission, Victor Glover became the only person of color to fly beyond low Earth orbit and to travel to the vicinity of the Moon.
Victor Glover became the first Black American astronaut to live aboard the International Space Station.

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