In anticipation of its historic launch, attention is turning to the remarkable crew members who will carry humanity back to the Moon’s vicinity for the first time in more than 50 years. Among them is U.S. Navy Captain Victor Glover, who will serve as pilot of the Orion spacecraft on NASA’s Artemis II mission.

This landmark flight represents a major step toward building a sustainable human presence beyond low Earth orbit. As Orion’s pilot, Glover will play a central role in guiding and operating the spacecraft as it carries the four-person crew around the Moon and safely back to Earth.

Glover brings proven spaceflight experience to Artemis II. He previously flew on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 mission, spending nearly six months aboard the International Space Station. During Expeditions 64 and 65, he served as a flight engineer while conducting scientific investigations and technology demonstrations that supported future exploration missions.

A graduate of California Polytechnic State University with a degree in engineering and the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Glover has logged thousands of flight hours in more than 40 different aircraft. His distinguished career as a naval aviator and test pilot includes numerous combat missions and a long-standing commitment to operational excellence and safety.

He also made history as the first Black astronaut to live aboard the International Space Station for a long-duration mission—an achievement that marked a powerful milestone for representation in human spaceflight.

As the Artemis II crew prepares to journey around the Moon and return home, Victor Glover’s leadership, technical skill, and dedication to teamwork and mentorship continue to inspire the next generation of explorers who will carry humanity farther into deep space.