Celebrating a Milestone in Space Exploration
As the Artemis II crew makes their return to Earth, it’s a moment for Americans to reflect on a significant technological achievement. Sending humans beyond low Earth orbit and around the moon is no trivial task. This accomplishment highlights decades of engineering, dedication, and bravery.
Yet, for one astronaut, this achievement represents much more than just technology. It exemplifies American excellence.
Victor Glover didn’t arrive at this moment by mere chance.
His achievement required a different kind of bravery. It was moral courage—not just the physical kind required to launch or return.
Glover isn’t a manufactured symbol or merely a product of diversity initiatives. Instead, he embodies something much older and resilient: hard work, discipline, intelligence, perseverance, and grit.
He trained as an engineer, a discipline that requires precision, patience, and an ability to grasp reality well. From there, he became a naval aviator and test pilot, roles where failure can carry dire consequences. In that context, mistakes are measured in lives rather than opinions, as he logged thousands of flying hours, faced high-stakes missions, and underwent constant evaluation.
But that was just the beginning.
Selected by NASA in 2013, Glover faced a long wait before his first mission—seven years, in fact. Many would have become impatient or complacent, but he didn’t.
In 2020, he flew on SpaceX Crew-1 and spent six months aboard the International Space Station. Six months of isolation, immense pressure, and unwavering responsibilities. For many, that mission alone would define a career, but for Glover, it was merely preparation.
His story isn’t defined by single achievements, but by a relentless pattern of perseverance. He won’t give up.
In a world fixated on quick fixes, Glover stands out for his tenacity. It’s a spirit that shines daily, away from the spotlight. This is the kind of character that propels one to explore beyond Earth and return safely.
However, such excellence might struggle to gain the recognition it deserves in a society that often emphasizes noise over substance.
Glover is frequently asked about being the “first black astronaut,” a significant milestone for him. Yet he doesn’t let that label confine his work to the narrow categories often imposed by contemporary diversity ideologies. He consistently brings the conversation back to the shared experiences that unite humanity.
Inspiration and common goals in exploration can’t be contained within demographic boxes. Glover acknowledges the past while refusing to let it dictate the legacy of his achievements. It’s remarkable how he consistently points back to his faith in Christ.
At this pivotal moment, as the world redirects its gaze to the moon, Grover openly shares his faith—a bold move for someone in his position.
Before communication was lost on the moon’s far side, he shared a command from Jesus about loving God. In this, he joined a treasured tradition among astronauts who recognize that the most profound truths transcend mere technicalities.
Reflecting on this moment, I can’t help but recall Apollo 8.
Back in 1968, as the crew first orbited the Moon, astronaut Frank Borman read from Genesis:
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
And the earth had no form and was empty. Darkness covered the deep waters.
And the Spirit of God moved over the surface of the waters.
And God said, “Let there be light.” Then there was light.
This reading was broadcast worldwide, marking one of humanity’s greatest moments. Yet it also ignited controversy. The response was swift, and by the time Apollo 11 ventured to the moon, the atmosphere had shifted.
Buzz Aldrin, a Presbyterian elder, participated in the Lord’s Supper privately aboard the lunar module, a moment that didn’t receive the widespread attention Borman’s did.
This contrast reveals a shift from an era of open expression of faith to one where silence about religion, especially in scientific contexts, is increasingly expected.
Glover must be aware of this historical context. He knows the unwritten rule regarding personal faith, and he chose to challenge it.
His actions required a distinct type of bravery—a moral courage that transcends physical challenges. It’s the courage to articulate the Gospel when remaining silent is far easier, and to affirm the truth of Jesus when ambiguity is preferred by many.
Glover didn’t react with anger or take a divisive stance. He simply spoke from the heart and quoted scripture, reaching millions in the process.
This serves as a reminder of what gets overlooked: science and faith are not adversaries. Attempts to segregate them or to erase God from public life are not neutral actions; they reflect a philosophical bias.
Glover quietly embodies a principle that rejects that bias. His legacy extends beyond a single mission; Victor Glover represents a quintessentially American blend of hard work, mastery of craft, and the relentless push for exploration.
