NASA astronaut Victor J. Glover Jr., pilot of the Artemis II mission that orbited the moon earlier this year, visited Oklahoma City on Thursday for the annual Oklahoma Aerospace Forum. In a keynote address he praised the state’s vital role in the mission and called on Oklahomans to consider careers in aerospace, manufacturing and related trades.
Oklahoma’s hardware on the Artemis II spacecraft
Glover pointed to the hand controller used on the Orion capsule, which was built in Stillwater by Frontier Electronic Systems, as a concrete example of Oklahoma’s engineering expertise. “Oklahoma, you have solutions,” he said, highlighting how local companies are directly supporting America’s return to the Moon.
Celebrating the crew’s safe return
The astronaut also recalled the moment Navy Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman James “Laddy” Aldridge and the Navy dive team opened the splash‑down hatch. “When James and the rest of our fantastic Navy dive team opened the hatch, it was all smiles,” Glover recalled, adding humor about the crew’s smell after a long mission. He praised the professionalism of the team that brought the crew home safely.
Call for skilled workers and apprentices
Beyond the high‑tech spotlight, Glover emphasized the importance of hands‑on skills. “Find some area to grow. And education isn’t just what you can do with your head — it’s your hands,” he told the audience. He urged the development of welders, electricians and other trade professionals, noting that apprenticeship programs lead to well‑paid jobs in science and technology.
Glover also highlighted a shortage of air‑traffic controllers, describing them as “critical to securing our airspace.” He noted that the FAA Academy, located in Oklahoma City, plays a key role in training these essential professionals.
Inspiring the next generation
The astronaut’s message resonated with local educators and industry leaders who see the Artemis II mission as a catalyst for renewed interest in aerospace. He encouraged students to explore STEM pathways, participate in hands‑on projects, and consider the many career avenues that support space exploration.
By showcasing Oklahoma’s contributions and urging investment in skilled labor, Glover’s visit underscored the state’s growing importance in the national aerospace ecosystem and offered a hopeful outlook for future missions.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
