NASA Astronaut Victor Glover Set to Make History on Artemis II Mission

Glover will become the first person of color to travel to the vicinity of the Moon.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:56pm

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NASA astronaut Victor Glover is set to make history as the pilot of the Artemis II mission, which will conduct a lunar flyby in April 2026. If successful, Glover will become the first person of color to travel to the vicinity of the Moon, as well as the first African American ISS Expedition crew member to live on the International Space Station for an extended stay.

Why it matters

Glover's historic achievements as a person of color in the space program represent important milestones for diversity and inclusion in the exploration of space. His missions will inspire future generations of astronauts and scientists from underrepresented backgrounds.

The details

Prior to becoming an astronaut, Glover was a two-sport athlete at California Polytechnic State University, playing both football and wrestling. He later joined the U.S. Air Force, logging over 3,000 flight hours in more than 40 aircraft and completing 400 carrier arrested landings and 24 combat missions. In 2013, Glover was selected as a legislative fellow on the staff of Senator John McCain.

  • Glover is scheduled to pilot the Artemis II mission in April 2026.
  • In 2013, Glover became part of the Astronaut Group 21 team.
  • Glover served as a crew member on the ISS Expedition 64 and 65 missions, becoming the first African American ISS Expedition crew member to live on the station.

The players

Victor Glover

A NASA astronaut who will pilot the Artemis II mission, becoming the first person of color to travel to the vicinity of the Moon.

John McCain

A U.S. Senator who selected Glover as a legislative fellow on his staff in 2013.

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What’s next

Glover's Artemis II mission is tentatively scheduled to launch in early February 2026, with the lunar flyby taking place on April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

Victor Glover's historic achievements as a person of color in the space program represent important milestones for diversity and inclusion in the exploration of space, inspiring future generations of astronauts and scientists from underrepresented backgrounds.