Kansas Native Joins NASA Artemis II Moon Mission

Erik Stalcup, a K-State graduate, is part of the team for the historic lunar flight.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:07am

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Erik Stalcup, a native of Wellington, Kansas and a graduate of Kansas State University, has been selected to join the NASA team for the upcoming Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight around the Moon since the Apollo program.

Why it matters

The Artemis program represents NASA's ambitious plan to return humans to the lunar surface, and the Artemis II mission will be a crucial step in that process, paving the way for future Moon landings. Stalcup's involvement highlights the contributions of Kansans to this historic endeavor.

The details

Stalcup, an aerospace engineer, will be part of the mission control team providing critical support during the Artemis II flight. His hometown of Wellington is already celebrating his connection to the mission, which will see astronauts travel farther into space than any human has gone in over 50 years.

  • The Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch in late 2024.
  • Stalcup has been working with NASA for several years in preparation for the Artemis program.

The players

Erik Stalcup

A native of Wellington, Kansas and a graduate of Kansas State University, Stalcup is an aerospace engineer who has been selected to join the NASA team for the Artemis II mission.

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the United States government agency responsible for the country's civilian space program, including the Artemis program to return humans to the Moon.

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What they’re saying

“We're so proud of Erik and all that he's accomplished. This is a huge honor for our small town, and we can't wait to watch the Artemis II mission unfold.”

— Mayor of Wellington

What’s next

The Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch in late 2024, with Stalcup and the rest of the NASA team working diligently in the lead-up to ensure a successful flight.

The takeaway

Stalcup's selection for the Artemis II mission is a testament to the talent and expertise of Kansans, and it showcases the state's contributions to the advancement of space exploration. His involvement will inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers from the Sunflower State.