NASA Astronaut Victor Glover Prepares for Historic Artemis II Mission to the Moon
In an exciting development for space enthusiasts around the world, NASA astronaut Victor Glover is gearing up for the highly anticipated Artemis II mission. Scheduled for next year, this mission holds the promise of inspiring people to follow their dreams of reaching the stars. Glover, who will be piloting the four-person manned mission, is set to make history as the first person of color to venture beyond low earth orbit in over 50 years. Joining him on this groundbreaking journey are Commander Reid Wiseman, mission specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency.
Representation and diversity are key aspects of this mission, as Glover highlights the importance of seeing oneself in the pursuit of dreams. “People are excited that we’re doing this again. And so for a woman to be on the crew and for a Black astronaut to be on the crew, because that’s what our office looks like, to me it is important,” Glover expressed in an interview with ABC News’ Linsey Davis.
As preparations for the Artemis II mission are underway, Glover sheds light on the three fundamental elements of their training. Firstly, they engage in rigorous simulator sessions to familiarize themselves with normal and emergency scenarios. Secondly, they conduct extensive testing of the spacecraft, which will be carrying humans for the first time. Lastly, they prioritize engaging with the public and emphasizing their commitment to being responsible stewards of time and resources.
Reflecting on his journey to becoming a pilot, Glover credits his mentor, Dr. Wallace, for opening his eyes to new possibilities. Witnessing Dr. Wallace in his Navy uniform while studying engineering in college inspired Glover to join the Navy himself. This pivotal moment demonstrates the power of representation and how seeing someone who looks like oneself can ignite a passion for pursuing unconventional paths.
Glover also draws inspiration from Gil Scott-Heron’s poem, “Whitey on the Moon,” which he listens to every Monday during his commute. As an ambassador of human spaceflight, he believes it is crucial to understand the perspectives of the people he represents. The poem sheds light on the challenges faced by many during the Apollo era, highlighting the importance of recognizing the fullness and diversity of America today.
Addressing concerns about the allocation of resources, Glover acknowledges the need to listen to communities and empathize with their struggles. While space exploration is a significant investment, he emphasizes the substantial returns it brings, with every dollar spent on NASA resulting in a 300 to 700% economic and academic boost. Understanding the context behind critical perspectives, such as those expressed in Marvin Gaye’s song “Make Me Wanna Holler,” allows us to become better ambassadors for aerospace endeavors.
Glover’s colleagues at NASA share his enthusiasm for the Artemis II mission and the unifying power of human spaceflight. Astronaut Jessica Watkins believes that this shared focus brings people together, enabling them to pool their resources and expertise to explore new frontiers. Christina Koch emphasizes that breaking records is not about individual success but rather marks milestones and signifies the direction humanity is choosing to take.
When asked about the most awe-inspiring aspect of space, Glover highlights the profound impact it has on both astronauts inside the spaceship and people observing from Earth. Leaving the planet represents a powerful moment of unity, where astronauts like Glover become representatives of humanity itself. With a strong sense of duty to represent humanity, Glover recognizes that we all have a part to play in shaping the future of space exploration.
As Victor Glover prepares for the historic Artemis II mission, the world eagerly awaits this significant milestone in human spaceflight. With diversity, representation, and a shared vision for exploration, this mission has the potential to inspire generations and bring us closer to realizing our dreams of reaching the stars.