Victor J. Glover: Pilot For Artemis II
Victor J. Glover: Pilot For Artemis II
By Cameron Schneider
Incredible advancements are made every day in the pursuit of space exploration. This year marks an especially exciting milestone in space travel with the launch of Artemis II. As early as March, the Orion spacecraft will travel around the moon and back. For this incredible mission, NASA astronaut Victor J. Glover has been selected to be the Pilot. Glover’s role in Artemis II will help pave the way for future space travel and explorers alike.
The Path of an Astronaut
Born and raised in California, Victor J. Glover attended Cal Poly where he earned a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering. While attending Cal Poly, Glover was a NCAA Division-I wrestler and football player. He also led efforts to establish the first student-funded outreach and retention center in the California Public University system.
After graduating from Cal Poly in 1999, Glover joined the U.S. Navy. While serving in the Navy, Glover earned a Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering, a Master of Science in Systems Engineering, and a Master of Operational Art and Science. In the Navy, Glover was a test pilot in the F/A‐18 Hornet, Super Hornet, and EA‐18G Growler. Over the course of his career, Glover has garnered 3,000 flight hours in more than 40 different aircrafts, completed over 400 carrier arrested landings, and 24 combat missions.
Out of more than 6,000 candidates, Glover was selected in 2013 to be one of eight members of the 21st NASA astronaut class. In 2018, Glover was assigned to his first spaceflight mission as Pilot of the Crew Dragon spacecraft. Glover also served as Expedition 64/65 Flight Engineer aboard the International Space Station. Glover’s extensive education and experience in science, engineering, and flying made him the perfect candidate to be selected in 2023 for Artemis II Pilot.
Looking To the Future
Victor J. Glover is helping to lay the foundation for future space exploration and travel. The successful completion of Artemis II will send Glover and his fellow crew members into the next phase of the Artemis program: the exploration of the lunar South Pole. If the mission is successful, Glover will be the first person of color to walk on the surface of the Moon. Astronauts like Glover will help inspire generations of space explorers for years to come.
Splashdown at Chabot
Free with the cost of admission – date coming soon!
Chabot Space & Science Center plans to host a splashdown party to celebrate this incredible achievement in space travel. This stellar event will include moon-themed crafts and snacks, special guest speakers from NASA Ames, and a livestream of the splashdown in Chabot’s planetarium, theater, and NASA Ames Visitor Center. For updates on this special event and more visit chabotspace.org! The date will be determined once a launch day has officially been selected for Artemis II, so keep an eye on our events calendar: chabotspace.org/programs/events-listing.
Keep an eye on our events calendar for the date of our Splashdown Party!
