NASA is preparing to launch its first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years, and Victor Glover is set to make history as part of the crew.
Glover, a Southern California native, will serve as pilot on the Artemis II mission, which is scheduled to send astronauts around the Moon and back to Earth. While the mission will not land on the lunar surface, it is expected to mark the first time a Black astronaut travels to the Moon.
The Artemis II mission is part of NASA’s broader Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon for the first time since the Apollo 17 Moon Mission in 1972.
Glover, 49, previously made history in 2020 when he became the first Black astronaut to serve on a long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station. His upcoming role continues that trajectory, though he has often emphasized teamwork over personal milestones.
Speaking in past interviews, Glover has acknowledged the significance of being “the first,” while also highlighting the contributions of earlier Black pioneers in aerospace. He has pointed to figures like Livingston Holder, a former Air Force engineer and payload specialist, as part of the legacy that made his journey possible.
The Artemis II crew also includes other historic milestones. Christina Koch is set to become the first woman to travel to the Moon, while Jeremy Hansen will be the first non-American astronaut to do so.
Born in Pomona, California, Glover’s path to NASA included a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy, where he logged more than 3,500 flight hours across over 40 aircraft and flew numerous combat missions. He was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2013 after being chosen from thousands of applicants.
Beyond the technical achievement, Glover’s journey carries broader cultural significance. His role comes at a time when representation in space exploration continues to evolve, offering inspiration to future generations who may see themselves reflected in NASA’s missions.
If successful, Artemis II will mark a major step toward NASA’s long-term goal of establishing a sustained human presence on the Moon and eventually preparing for missions to Mars.
