posted 09-09-2026 10:39 AM               

NASA Names Artemis II Astronaut to Emeritus Program

Following his landmark Artemis II mission earlier this year, distinguished NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman is transitioning in September to emeritus status at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

In an emeritus role, individuals with a high degree of technical and professional knowledge can continue to support the agency by donating their time to train and mentor the current workforce. This allows the agency to maintain access to top talent in a specialized consultant role, while simultaneously providing the individual with the flexibility to pursue other opportunities.

"I've had the privilege of knowing ... Reid for years, and [he exemplifies] the leadership, character, and commitment that define NASA at its best." said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. "Reid brought his experience as a naval aviator, test pilot, and Crew-1 astronaut to his role as pilot. [He] took on one of the most challenging missions in human spaceflight and helped return America to the lunar environment. As ... Reid transition[s] to emeritus status, I'm grateful [he] will continue sharing what [he] learned with our astronauts, flight controllers, and engineers as we prepare for Artemis III in 2027 and the missions that follow."

Wiseman is set to share his spaceflight experience with colleagues ahead of the agency's Artemis III mission in low Earth orbit to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial human landing systems.

"There is no better place to work, and there are no better people to work with, than those in this agency," said Wiseman. "NASA gave me tremendous responsibility, supported me through two space missions, and my time as chief astronaut, and was always there for my family when we needed it most. I'm thrilled to continue serving future missions and programs through the emeritus program."

"Reid's commitment to exploration, steady leadership, and service to our astronaut corps and our nation [has] made a lasting impact," said Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "Throughout [his career, he has] brought excellence, humility, and purpose to every role [he has] held at NASA. [His] contributions have helped advance our mission and inspire those around [him], leaving a legacy that will continue to shape the future of human spaceflight. We are immeasurably grateful for all [he has] given to NASA and are glad that this is not the end of [his] journey with the agency."

"Reid [is a trusted teammate] whose professionalism, calm leadership, and unwavering commitment to NASA [has] strengthened our office and inspired everyone around [him]," said Scott Tingle, chief of the Astronaut Office at Johnson. "As [he transitions] into [his emeritus role, he leaves] a legacy of operational excellence that will continue shaping the astronaut corps for years to come. We're grateful that [he] will still be part of our community, sharing [his] experience and insight as [he] begins this next chapter."

Among [his] many accomplishments at NASA, as [an] Artemis II crew member, Wiseman [was one] of the four astronauts to first launch on top NASA's SLS (Space Launch System) rocket aboard the Orion spacecraft for a mission around the Moon. Following a 10-day mission with crewmates NASA [astronauts Victor Glover and] Christina Koch and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, they safely splashed down on April 10 as the first humans to travel to lunar orbit in more than 50 years, ultimately flying farther in space than anyone had before.

Support and knowledge transfer from Wiseman is critical for the upcoming Artemis III mission as NASA prepares to return American astronauts to the lunar surface on the Artemis IV mission in 2028.