A SoCal native is set to pilot NASA’s lunar mission — and become the first Black person to reach the moon

Published on March 31, 2026

Victor Glover, a native of Pomona, California, is gearing up to make history as he prepares to pilot NASA’s upcoming lunar mission. Scheduled for launch next year, Glover will be part of the Artemis II mission, marking the space agency’s first crewed flight to the moon since the Apollo program concluded in 1972. If successful, Glover will become the first Black astronaut to reach the lunar surface.

Growing up in Pomona, Glover was inspired from an early age. He pursued this passion through education, earning a degree in engineering and later joining the Navy, where he became a test pilot. His journey to this historic mission reflects not only his personal achievements but also a broader commitment increase diversity within its ranks and in space exploration.

This upcoming mission is part of NASA’s larger Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the moon and establishing a sustainable human presence there of the decade. Glover’s role as pilot will involve navigating the spacecraft and working closely with the mission commander and other crew members to ensure a safe journey to lunar orbit.

The Artemis II mission will pave the way for future lunar landings and potentially lay the groundwork for missions to Mars. Glover’s participation is seen as a significant step in promoting representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), encouraging young people of all backgrounds to dream big and pursue careers in these fields.

As the launch date approaches, excitement builds not just among space enthusiasts but also within the local community in Pomona, where Glover remains a celebrated figure. His achievement underscores the importance of perseverance and the possibility of breaking barriers in areas once dominated by a homogeneous demographic.

In an era where space exploration is becoming increasingly collaborative and inclusive, Glover stands poised to inspire the next generation of astronauts and scientists, reminding us all that the sky is not the limit — it is only the beginning.

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