NASA astronaut Victor Glover’s north star can’t be found in space, it’s in mentoring the next generation.
Glover made history in 2026 as a member of Artemis II, the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon in more than 50 years, a NASA press release notes. He joined fellow astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The crew traveled 252,756 miles from Earth at its farthest point, setting a record for the greatest distance humans have traveled in space, according to Howard University. This also marked the second mission Glover has piloted with NASA, Today reports.
Glover is now transitioning from NASA’s active astronaut corps after a 13-year career. He has entered NASA’s astronaut emeritus program, through which he will donate his time to train and mentor the agency’s workforce at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, per the NASA press release.
“As I grow into this new role, NASA and spaceflight remain a meaningful part of my journey of service,” Glover said in the press release. “I’m excited to keep uplifting my friends and cheering them on as they reach for the Moon. Together, we’ll keep pushing boundaries and inspiring the next giant leap.”
Glover is also looking to empower future leaders in STEM by taking on a full-time administrative leadership role at his alma mater, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), effective Sept. 1. According to a Cal Poly press release, he will help shape the university’s long-term strategies in polytechnic education, research innovation, and workforce development. He will also collaborate with university leaders, including the president, provost, and college deans, on partnerships, initiatives, and philanthropy in areas such as engineering, applied computing, aerospace, aviation, maritime, AI, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, and national defense.
Additionally, as an ambassador, he will also work to improve initiatives for students pursuing STEM fields.
“The most meaningful moments of my NASA career did not take place in space. They were supporting astronauts and their families through missions, and mentoring interns and new hires as they began their own journeys in technical and public service,” he wrote on LinkedIn.
“…As I retire from the U.S. Navy and transition to NASA astronaut emeritus, I’m grateful to continue serving NASA while beginning this new chapter at Cal Poly. I look forward to helping create more opportunities for the next generation of STEM, faith, and service leaders through Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing education,” he continued.
