Black Astronaut Victor Glover Continues Legacy of Pioneering Explorers

Glover to become first Black astronaut to orbit the Moon as part of NASA's Artemis II mission.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:20am

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In April 2026, four astronauts are scheduled to fly around the Moon as part of NASA's Artemis II mission, becoming the first humans to do so in half a century. One crew member, pilot Victor Glover, will become the first Black astronaut to ever orbit the Moon, continuing a long and underappreciated history of Black American explorers.

Why it matters

Glover's achievement is significant, as it highlights the important contributions of Black Americans to the history of space exploration. However, his story is part of a larger legacy of Black pioneers, from York who traveled with Lewis and Clark to more recent NASA astronauts, who have played vital roles in American expeditions throughout history.

The details

York, an enslaved man who accompanied the Lewis and Clark expedition in the early 1800s, was one of the first known Black American explorers. He proved invaluable to the expedition, serving as a skilled riverman, hunter, and caretaker. Similarly, more recent Black astronauts like Guy Bluford, Mae Jemison, and Jeanette Epps have made important contributions to NASA's missions. Glover's upcoming flight on Artemis II continues this legacy of Black pioneers expanding the boundaries of human exploration.

  • In April 2026, the Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch.
  • Glover will become the first Black astronaut to orbit the Moon during this mission.

The players

Victor Glover

An American astronaut who will become the first Black person to orbit the Moon as part of the Artemis II mission in 2026.

York

An enslaved man who accompanied the Lewis and Clark expedition in the early 1800s, proving invaluable as a skilled riverman, hunter, and caretaker.

Guy Bluford

One of the first Black astronauts to go to space, flying on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983.

Mae Jemison

The first Black woman to travel to space, flying on the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992.

Jeanette Epps

A NASA astronaut selected in 2009 who is slated to become the first Black woman to join the crew of the International Space Station.

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What they’re saying

“York's life as an explorer shows that Black Americans have long been part of America's history of discovery and expansion, even if their contributions have often been overlooked.”

— Craig Fehrman, Adjunct instructor at the Media School, Indiana University

What’s next

Glover's historic flight on Artemis II is scheduled for April 2026. NASA will closely monitor the mission and provide updates on Glover's progress as the first Black astronaut to orbit the Moon.

The takeaway

The story of Victor Glover's upcoming mission on Artemis II is a powerful reminder of the long and important history of Black American explorers, from York on the Lewis and Clark expedition to modern-day NASA astronauts. Their contributions have often been overlooked, but they have played vital roles in expanding the boundaries of human knowledge and exploration.