Victor Glover makes history on Artemis II as crew travels toward the moon

NASA astronaut Victor Glover made history on April 1 as the first Black astronaut to travel toward the Moon, launching with the Artemis II crew on a 10‑day mission that marks the first human departure from Earth orbit in more than 50 years. His milestone comes alongside another: mission specialist Christina Koch is the first woman to make the journey.

Artemis II: A Historic Launch

The crew lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on April 1. According to NASA, Artemis II is the first time “humans have departed Earth orbit” since the final Apollo mission in 1972.

The Artemis II crew is comprised of four brilliant astronauts:

• Reid Wiseman, commander
• Victor J. Glover, pilot
• Christina Koch, mission specialist
• Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist

Astronaut Victor Glover’s Message: “Human History”

Although Glover’s milestone is historic, he continues to emphasize a broader perspective. He says the moment should be viewed as part of a shared human story, not limited by race or gender.

“I’m not making Black history. It’s human history.” Glover told the Telegraph U.K.

Glover, a former U.S. Navy captain and test pilot, previously became the first Black astronaut to serve on a long‑duration mission aboard the International Space Station.

The Southern California native has completed four spacewalks and has flown more than 40 aircraft during his time in the U.S. Navy before NASA, according to Reuters.

Koch also brings significant experience, including conducting the first all‑female spacewalk.

Mission Timeline

Artemis II is expected to last about 10 days. After completing the lunar flyby, the astronauts will begin a four‑day return to Earth. Orion will use Earth’s gravity to guide the spacecraft home for a Pacific Ocean splashdown.

Key Mission Objectives

• Test Orion’s life‑support systems
• Demonstrate deep‑space navigation and communication
• Gather data for Artemis III and future lunar missions

As Artemis II continues toward the Moon, the mission marks a major step in NASA’s long‑term plan to return humans to the lunar surface. The flight also supports future goals, including establishing a sustained presence on the Moon and preparing for missions to Mars.

The mission could travel farther from Earth than any human ever has, breaking the Apollo program’s distance record, the Associated Press reports.

Tracking the Artemis II Mission

You can track this historic mission through NASA’S Artemis II tracker on its website and mobile app. Users can see Orion’s location, speed, and distance from both Earth and the Moon in real time. The tool updates continuously as the spacecraft travels through deep space.

Victor Glover Follows After Great History Makers

The engineer and former college athlete is a father of four and husband.

He follows in the footsteps of Guion Bluford, who was the first Black astronaut in space; Frederick D. Gregory, who was the first Black man to pilot and command a Space Shuttle mission; and Mae Jemison, Ronald McNair, Jessica Watkins and Stephanie Wilson.

In the Telegraph U.K interview, he said he’s hoping society can move past these “firsts.”

Glover hopes young Black children look at him and say: ‘Hey, he looks like me, and he’s doing what?’ And that’s great, I love that.”