All 4 Artemis II Moon Astronauts Retire, Start New Careers

Ten days in a cramped capsule circling the Moon was enough for a lifetime, and now all four Artemis II astronauts agree: Earth is where they want to stay.

Since their historic April 2026 lunar mission, Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen, Victor Glover, and Reid Wiseman have each announced they're hanging up their spacesuits for good. It's bittersweet news for NASA and the Canadian Space Agency, but these pioneers have earned the right to choose what comes next.

Koch is making the biggest splash in her new role. She's been promoted to acting deputy chief engineer for all of NASA, overseeing engineering teams and missions across the entire agency. It's a massive responsibility that builds on her already impressive resume: 328 consecutive days on the International Space Station and leadership roles at Johnson Space Center.

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen is channeling his experience into building his home country's space capabilities. The former Royal Canadian Air Force colonel has retired from active duty and transitioned to reservist status, focusing on helping Canada develop its own independent space access. He's taking time to find the perfect opportunity for his next chapter.

Pilot Victor Glover went back to his alma mater, but not as a student. California Polytechnic State University hired him as an executive advisor to the president, a flexible role he describes as "where the school needs me the most." After orbiting the Moon, promoting a university sounds refreshingly calm.

Mission commander Reid Wiseman is keeping his options open. Like Glover, he received astronaut emeritus status from NASA, meaning he can mentor and advise without flying again. Beyond that, he's exploring possibilities and enjoying the flexibility to pursue whatever excites him next.

The Ripple Effect

These retirements aren't losses for space exploration. They're investments in its future. Koch will shape engineering decisions across NASA's portfolio. Hansen will strengthen Canada's space sector. Glover will inspire the next generation of engineers at Cal Poly. And all four will mentor current astronauts who dream of following in their lunar footsteps.

Together, they received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and toured the country to standing ovations. They shared two tiny rooms for 10 days without showers, fresh food, or the comfort of knowing rescue was nearby. They looked back at Earth from the dark side of the Moon and realized how precious home really is.

Now they're proving that coming back to Earth doesn't mean leaving space behind. Their experience, wisdom, and historic achievement will influence space exploration for decades, just from a different vantage point.

Four heroes went to the Moon and came back ready to make Earth better.