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Reid Wiseman – Biography of the Artemis II Commander

Gregory Reid Wiseman, known universally as Reid Wiseman, is a U.S. Navy captain, test pilot, and NASA astronaut who commands the historic Artemis II mission. He was born on November 11, 1975, in Baltimore, Maryland, and is described by NASA as a Baltimore native, engineer, pilot, and father. His career has taken him from the decks of Navy carriers to the International Space Station and now to the cusp of lunar exploration.

Wiseman was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2009 and first flew to space in 2014, serving as a Flight Engineer on the International Space Station. In 2023, he was named commander of Artemis II, the first crewed mission to fly by the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. The mission, which launched in 2026, represents a new chapter in human spaceflight.

Who Is Reid Wiseman?

Full Name
Gregory Reid Wiseman
Born
November 11, 1975
Profession
NASA Astronaut, U.S. Navy Captain, Test Pilot
Key Mission
Commander, Artemis II (2026)
  • Reid Wiseman is a highly decorated naval aviator and NASA astronaut who commands the historic Artemis II mission, the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years.
  • He is a father of two teenagers and describes himself as an “only parent” on his LinkedIn profile, suggesting he may be a single father.
  • His personal details like wife, religion, and net worth are not publicly disclosed by official sources, leading to search interest but limited verifiable data.
  • After spending about 165 days in orbit during Expedition 40/41, he completed two spacewalks.
  • He became chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office in December 2020, a role he held until 2022.
  • At age 50, he became the oldest person to travel beyond low Earth orbit and the first to command a lunar mission since Gene Cernan.
  • His education includes a B.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an M.S. from Johns Hopkins University.
Category Fact
Birthdate November 11, 1975
Birthplace Baltimore, Maryland
Education B.S. in Computer Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1997); M.S. in Systems Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (2006/2007)
NASA Selection 2009
Spaceflights Expedition 40/41 (ISS, 2014), Artemis II (2026)
Children Two daughters
Height Not publicly available from official sources
Net Worth Not publicly disclosed

What Is Known About Reid Wiseman’s Family?

Official NASA sources describe Wiseman simply as a father. His NASA biography mentions that he has two children. Some biographical sources, including Wikipedia entries in other languages, state that he has two daughters.

On his LinkedIn profile, Wiseman describes himself as an “only parent to two teenagers,” which suggests he is raising his children alone. One source, the Slovak Wikipedia entry, states that his wife was Carroll (Taylor) Wiseman, who died in 2020. However, this information has not been confirmed by official NASA sources or major news outlets.

What remains unclear about his personal life

The identity and current status of Wiseman’s wife, if any, is not confirmed by official NASA bios or reputable news articles. The information about his wife’s passing comes from an unverified Wikipedia entry and should be treated with caution.

No official source provides information about Wiseman’s religious affiliation. Similarly, his net worth and height are not publicly documented in any authoritative records. These gaps in public knowledge reflect Wiseman’s preference for keeping his private life separate from his professional persona.

What Is Reid Wiseman’s Education and Career Path?

Wiseman’s journey to space began in the classroom. He attended Dulaney High School in Timonium, Maryland, graduating in 1993. From there, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Systems Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1997.

He later earned a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University around 2006 or 2007, depending on the source, and a certificate in Space Systems from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 2008.

Early career as a naval aviator

After college, Wiseman pursued a career in naval aviation. He served as a naval aviator and instructor pilot, accumulating thousands of flight hours in tactical aircraft. His experience as a test pilot prepared him for the rigors of spaceflight.

NASA astronaut selection and ISS mission

Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2009, Wiseman completed initial training and was assigned to Expedition 40/41. He launched to the International Space Station aboard the Soyuz TMA-13M spacecraft in May 2014 and spent approximately 165 days in orbit. During that mission, he completed two spacewalks, contributing to station maintenance and scientific experiments.

Leadership at NASA

In December 2020, Wiseman was appointed chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office, a senior leadership role he held until 2022. In this position, he was responsible for the training and assignment of all NASA astronauts.

Commander of Artemis II

In 2023, NASA announced Wiseman as the commander of the Artemis II mission. The mission, which launched in 2026, is the first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17. At age 50, Wiseman became the oldest person to travel beyond low Earth orbit and the first to command a lunar mission since Gene Cernan. According to a New York Times profile, the mission is a critical step toward future lunar landings and deep space exploration.

What Are Reid Wiseman’s Personal Attributes?

Given the public interest in Wiseman, many people search for details about his physical stature and financial status. However, official sources do not provide this information. His height is not listed in any NASA biography or credible news profile. His net worth, a common point of curiosity for public figures, is not disclosed by Wiseman or his representatives.

His religious beliefs are not part of his public record. NASA’s official biographies focus solely on professional accomplishments, education, and mission experience. Any numbers or claims about his height, net worth, or religion found online are speculative and not based on verifiable data.

Caution about unverified claims

No official source provides Wiseman’s height, net worth, or religious affiliation. Claims about these attributes circulating on the internet are not supported by authoritative documentation and should not be treated as fact.

Key Milestones in Reid Wiseman’s Career

  1. — Born (Gregory Reid Wiseman)
  2. — Earned B.S. in Computer and Systems Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  3. — Earned Certificate in Space Systems, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School
  4. — Selected as NASA astronaut
  5. — Launched to ISS on Soyuz TMA-13M
  6. — Appointed chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office
  7. — Announced as Commander of Artemis II
  8. — Launched Artemis II lunar flyby mission

What Is Certain and What Remains Unknown About Reid Wiseman?

Established Information Information That Remains Unclear
Reid Wiseman is a NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy captain. His current marital status is not confirmed by official sources.
He is the commander of Artemis II. His religious affiliation is not addressed by any official source.
He has two children (daughters) and is a single parent. His net worth is not disclosed; any figures are speculative.
His education includes a B.S. from RPI and an M.S. from Johns Hopkins University. His height is not listed in any official profile.
He was born on November 11, 1975, in Baltimore, Maryland. Details of his early life and childhood are not widely published.

What Is the Broader Context of Reid Wiseman’s Role?

Reid Wiseman is a modern astronaut emblematic of the Artemis generation. His public profile is heavily focused on his professional achievements, with personal life kept relatively private. The surge in search queries about his wife, children, and net worth reflects typical public curiosity about prominent figures, but also highlights the tension between public interest and personal privacy.

The Artemis II mission, being the first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17, amplifies media attention on its commander. Understanding his background helps humanize the mission and inspire the public. As Wiseman himself told the Smithsonian Air & Space magazine, “I think the Artemis II crew is going to represent the best of humanity.”

What Do Official Sources and Quotes Say About Reid Wiseman?

“I think the Artemis II crew is going to represent the best of humanity.”

— Reid Wiseman, in an interview with Smithsonian Air & Space, 2023

“Reid Wiseman is a proven leader and explorer who has already flown in space and will now lead the first crewed Artemis mission around the Moon.”

NASA press release, 2023

Wiseman is “a Baltimore native, engineer, pilot, and father.”

NASA official biography

Summary: What Are the Key Takeaways About Reid Wiseman?

Reid Wiseman is a U.S. Navy captain, test pilot, and NASA astronaut who commanded Artemis II, the first crewed lunar flyby mission since Apollo 17. Born in Baltimore in 1975, he was selected as an astronaut in 2009 and spent 165 days in space on the ISS. He is a father of two and maintains a private personal life. His net worth, height, and religion are not publicly documented. The Artemis II mission, currently scheduled for 2026, represents a major step in returning humans to the Moon. For more stories about notable figures, explore the biography of Mark Zuckerberg – Biography, Net Worth, and Personal Facts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reid Wiseman

How old is Reid Wiseman?

He was born on November 11, 1975, making him 49 years old as of 2025.

What is Reid Wiseman’s Instagram handle?

His Instagram is @astro_reid, where he shares space mission updates and personal moments.

Did Reid Wiseman serve in the military?

Yes, he is a U.S. Navy captain and test pilot, having served on active duty before joining NASA.

What is Reid Wiseman’s role in Artemis II?

He is the mission commander, responsible for overall mission success and crew safety.

Is Reid Wiseman married?

His marital status is not confirmed by official NASA sources. His LinkedIn profile describes him as an “only parent,” suggesting he may be single.

Does Reid Wiseman have children?

Yes, he has two daughters, according to multiple biographical sources and his social media presence.

What is Reid Wiseman’s education?

He has a B.S. in Computer and Systems Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an M.S. in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University.

How tall is Reid Wiseman?

His height is not publicly available from any official or authoritative source.

What is Reid Wiseman’s net worth?

His net worth is not publicly disclosed. Any figures you may find are speculative.

What is Reid Wiseman’s religion?

His religious affiliation is not addressed by any official source or credible biographical record.

Sophie Marlowe
Sophie MarloweStaff Writer

Sophie Marlowe is Culture & Lifestyle Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, covering culture, entertainment, lifestyle, events, media trends and consumer features.

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