Victor Glover served as the pilot for the Artemis II mission in April 2026, traveling beyond low Earth orbit to reach the vicinity of the Moon. This accomplishment distinguished him as the first African American to leave the vicinity of Earth, contributing to a career defined by extensive naval service and pioneering technical contributions to human spaceflight.
Military Foundations
Born in Pomona in 1976, Glover graduated from Ontario High School before attending California Polytechnic State University. Commissioned as an ensign in 1999, he earned his naval aviator wings in 2001. His early career included training on the F/A-18C Hornet and combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with VFA-34. By 2007, he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, moving into developmental testing at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. Over his military tenure, he accumulated 3,000 flight hours across 40 different aircraft and performed over 400 carrier arrested landings.
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Glover pursued advanced technical and operational degrees, completing three master's programs between 2007 and 2010. These include a Master of Science in flight test engineering from Air University, a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from Air University. He further holds certificates in space systems and legislative studies. Before joining the astronaut corps, he served as a legislative fellow on the staff of Senator John McCain.
Spaceflight and Expeditionary Service
Selected as part of NASA's Astronaut Group 21 in 2013, Glover completed his training by 2015. In 2020, he served as a flight engineer during the first operational flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon. As a crewmember of Expedition 64 and 65, he became the first Black American astronaut to live aboard the International Space Station for an extended period. His mission included multiple spacewalks to upgrade the station's external systems, such as the Columbus module and power infrastructure.
Lunar Exploration
In 2023, NASA named Glover the pilot for Artemis II. The mission launched in April 2026, marking a significant milestone in human deep space travel. Alongside his crew, he achieved the greatest distance from Earth ever reached by humans during their lunar flyby. Following these missions, Glover transitioned to emeritus status with NASA in September 2026, shifting his professional focus toward mentoring current employees and pursuing secondary opportunities.
Fast facts
- Born: 1976, Pomona, California
- Military Rank: Commander
- Education: California Polytechnic State University
- Notable Awards: Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Spacewalks: 3 performed in 2021
- Artemis II Mission Date: April 2026
- Callsign: Ike
Questions readers ask
What was Victor Glover's role on the Artemis II mission?
He served as the mission pilot during the April 2026 lunar flyby.
Did Victor Glover live on the International Space Station?
Yes, he was a flight engineer during Expeditions 64 and 65.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Air University and Naval Postgraduate School
- Worked as astronaut, fighter pilot and naval officer
