Two astronauts who flew farther than anyone before are taking new NASA roles

Artemis II astronauts Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman are transitioning to emeritus status at NASA after their historic journey around the Moon earlier this year. The pair will continue advising and mentoring NASA teams as preparations accelerate for Artemis III and future lunar missions. Their experience with Orion and deep-space operations could prove especially valuable as NASA works toward returning astronauts to the lunar surface.

Two astronauts who flew farther than anyone before are taking new NASA roles. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, ahead of the Artemis II test flight. In September, both astronauts are transitioning to emeritus status at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The emeritus program allows highly experienced NASA personnel to remain involved with the agency by volunteering their expertise. In these specialized consulting roles, they can help train and mentor current employees while also gaining more freedom to pursue opportunities outside their previous full time positions. Carrying Artemis II Experience Forward "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.