Artemis II Commander and Pilot Announce Retirement from NASA
The commander and pilot of the Artemis II moon mission are retiring from NASA, as reported by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth.
Dallas Fort Worth, TX, September 9, 2026 —
The commander and pilot of NASA’s upcoming Artemis II mission have announced their retirements from the agency. The news was first reported by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth.
Details regarding the specific reasons for their retirements or the exact dates of their departures were not immediately available. The identities of the commander and pilot were also not provided in the initial report.
The Artemis II mission, slated to be the first crewed flight to orbit the Moon in over 50 years, represents a significant step in NASA’s human space exploration program. The crew has been undergoing extensive training in preparation for the lunar flyby, which aims to test the Orion spacecraft’s systems with astronauts aboard before future missions target a lunar landing.
The retirements of key personnel from such a high-profile mission could potentially impact the mission’s timeline or crew composition. NASA has not yet released a statement regarding the retirements or any planned adjustments to the Artemis II crew. Information about the selection of replacement personnel, if any, was not provided.
The agency’s Artemis program aims to establish a long-term presence on the Moon and prepare for eventual crewed missions to Mars. The success of Artemis II is considered crucial for validating the technologies and operational procedures necessary for these ambitious future endeavors.
Further details concerning the retirements, including the names of the individuals involved and any official announcements from NASA, are expected to be released at a later date.
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