NASA astronaut emeriti program inaugurated with Artemis II commander and pilot

NASA has officially inducted Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman and pilot Victor Glover into its newly created astronaut emeritus program, making them the agency’s first NASA astronaut emeriti.

NASA astronaut emeriti program launches with Artemis II veterans

The emeritus status lets the duo remain active at Johnson Space Center, guiding current crews while pursuing outside opportunities.

“I asked NASA not to use the term ‘retire’…emeritus is a program for scientists who move back to academia,” Victor Glover told Reuters on Wednesday.

Both astronauts will continue to train newcomers, oversee mission simulations, and contribute to policy discussions. Their involvement is expected to boost mentorship capacity by ↑ 2 experienced hands.

NASA officials say the move reflects a broader shift toward flexible career pathways for senior talent, aligning with the agency’s long‑term exploration goals.