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Commander Reid Wiseman
Commander Reid Wiseman, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, has an impressive career built on a foundation of aerospace engineering and experience as a naval aviator. He earned an engineering bachelor's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University before carving out a career in the United States Navy and joining NASA's astronaut corps.
NASA recognized Wiseman's potent mix of academic prowess and tactical aviation experience in 2009, selecting him as an astronaut candidate. He successfully adapted to NASA's stringent training regime and made his debut spaceflight in May 2014 aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for Expedition 41. During his 165-day mission, Wiseman contributed to multiple scientific studies, led spacewalks, and balanced the engineering workload aboard the ISS.
Upon returning, Wiseman served as Chief of the Astronaut Office from December 2020 to November 2022, a role well-suited to molding the next generation of space explorers. As Commander for the upcoming Artemis II mission, his responsibilities include:
- Leading the first crewed test flight of NASA's Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System rocket
- Steering a path through the cosmos
- Embodying NASA's vision of taking giant leaps, integrating innovative technology, and shepherding a formidable team through the challenges of deep space exploration
The mission will take the crew on a ten-day circumlunar voyage, charting an expanse beyond past moon missions and reaching approximately 4,600 miles beyond the moon's surface.
With his aerospace knowledge and leadership skills, Wiseman is well-equipped to shape the future of space exploration and pave the way for missions to Mars and beyond.
Pilot Victor Glover
Victor Glover, from Pomona, California, has achieved notable success as a fighter pilot and aerospace engineer. He earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from California Polytechnic State University and three master's degrees from Air University at Edwards Air Force Base, the Naval Postgraduate School, and Air University in Montgomery, Alabama.
As a U.S. Navy fighter pilot, Glover accrued an impressive record:
- 3,000 flight hours in over 40 aircraft types
- More than 400 carrier arrested landings
- 24 combat missions
NASA selected him as an astronaut candidate in 2013, recognizing his potential for far-reaching impact in space exploration.
Glover's inaugural spaceflight was aboard SpaceX's Crew-1, piloting the pioneering operational use of a commercial spacecraft. During his six-month tenure on the International Space Station for Expedition 64, he contributed to hundreds of experiments and embarked on four spacewalks to maintain and upgrade the station's systems.
As the pilot for Artemis II, Glover will play a crucial role in this generational leap in lunar exploration. He will ensure the precise calibration and smooth operation of the Orion spacecraft's systems, particularly during the mission's keystone maneuver – the trans-lunar injection burn. Glover's profound poise and adroit agility will be essential as the crew navigates the enigmatic trajectory extending 230,000 miles from Earth, with barely 4,600 miles of breathing space beyond the moon before looping back.
Glover's participation in Artemis II is set to immortalize his role in the annals of space exploration, solidifying his place in the next chapter of lunar missions and the eventual journey to Mars.
Mission Specialist Christina Koch
Christina Koch, hailing from Jacksonville, North Carolina, is renowned for her record-setting 328-day spaceflight—the longest ever completed by a woman aboard the International Space Station.1 As an electrical engineer, Koch's duties involved handling a slew of scientific instruments designed to expand human understanding of outer space conditions and physics.
Koch made history alongside astronaut Jessica Meir when they embarked on the first all-female spacewalk, a significant event that garnered global media attention and underscored gender equality in space exploration. The excursion played a pivotal role in maintaining and upgrading the ISS, aligning the orbital outpost to better serve the nations dedicated to unraveling the unknown.
As a Mission Specialist on the Artemis II mission, Koch's experience in navigating the intricacies of space operations and her unwavering courage will be invaluable. She will focus on ensuring that the knowledge gained from her near-year orbit contributes to the survivability and sustainability of humanity's presence in deep space, as outlined in NASA's ambitious roadmap.
Koch's responsibilities will include:
- Calibrating and verifying the life-support systems throughout the Orion spacecraft, a testament to the mission's scope and the importance of ensuring the crew's safety
- Being anchored to a scientific agenda, demonstrating the refined improvements necessary for future lunar and Martian missions
As an ambassador for space exploration, Koch's presence on Artemis II will inspire youth, scholars, and dreamers to pursue the furtherance of human spaceflight, making the once-fictional concept of deep space travel more tangible and attainable.
Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen
Jeremy Hansen, a native of London, Ontario, brings a unique blend of military experience and academic rigor to the Artemis II mission. A graduate of the Royal Military College, Hansen holds a Bachelor of Science in Space Science and a Master in Physics, which have shaped his analytical skills, particularly in satellite tracking – abilities well-suited for space exploration.
Hansen's career in the Canadian Air Force as a fighter pilot honed his precision and grit before he transitioned into the Canadian Space Agency as one of the few selected during its third astronaut recruitment campaign in 2009. His subsequent experiences ranged from serving at NASA's Capcom in Mission Control to working as the inaugural Canadian shepherd to NASA's astronaut corps, responsible for training a diverse class of aspiring astronauts.
As a Mission Specialist on Artemis II, Hansen will be the first Canadian to venture into deep space, marking a significant milestone for his country's space program. His unique skill set, which includes operational command in challenging environments and expertise in orbital mechanics, positions him well for this groundbreaking mission.
Hansen's responsibilities will encompass overseeing key aspects of Artemis II, ensuring the successful debut of new technologies crucial for this celestial endeavor. His role not only highlights his procedural acumen but also his ability to adapt to unfamiliar situations – a testament to his rigorous training and experience.
Beyond the mission itself, Hansen's participation in Artemis II will serve as a source of national pride and inspiration for Canada's next generation of space explorers. His involvement embodies the spirit of international cooperation in space exploration, showcasing the importance of multilateral partnerships in pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight.
- Koch C, Meir J, Rubins K, et al. One giant leap for womankind: The first all-female spacewalk. N Engl J Med. 2020;382(17):1589-1591.
