Gregory Reid Wiseman is a NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy captain who commands the Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight around the Moon in over half a century. His path from a Baltimore childhood to the helm of humanity’s return to the lunar neighborhood is a story of military service, engineering discipline, and astronaut experience.
Born on November 11, 1975, Wiseman grew up in the Baltimore suburbs and attended Dulaney High School in Timonium. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer and systems engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1997 and later a master’s in systems engineering from Johns Hopkins University. A 27-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served as a test pilot before being selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in 2009.
Wiseman’s first spaceflight came in 2014, when he spent 165 days aboard the International Space Station as a flight engineer, completing two spacewalks. In 2023, NASA announced him as the commander of Artemis II, and on April 1, 2026, he launched on the mission that will take him farther from Earth than any human has traveled since 1972.
Who Is Reid Wiseman? Biography and Background
Gregory Reid Wiseman
November 11, 1975
Commander, Artemis II Mission (2026)
NASA Astronaut, U.S. Navy Captain (Test Pilot)
- Career Milestone: Artemis II Command — Wiseman was selected as commander for NASA’s Artemis II mission, the first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo.
- Dual Military-Space Background — He combines 20+ years of U.S. Navy service with rigorous NASA astronaut training.
- Public Engagement Via Social Media — With over 935,000 followers on Instagram (@astro_reid), Wiseman actively shares mission updates and personal moments.
- First Spaceflight in 2014 — Wiseman spent 165 days on the ISS and performed two spacewalks.
- Test Pilot Experience — He graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 2004.
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 11, 1975 |
| Birthplace | Baltimore, Maryland, USA |
| Education | B.S. Computer and Systems Engineering (RPI, 1997); M.S. Systems Engineering (Johns Hopkins, 2006); Certificate in Space Systems (Naval Postgraduate School) |
| NASA Selection | 2009 (NASA Astronaut Group 20) |
| Notable Missions | Soyuz TMA-15M (Expedition 40/41), Artemis II (Commander, launched 2026) |
| Military Rank | Captain, United States Navy |
| Spouse | Carroll Taylor (married 2005) |
| Children | 2 daughters |
Early Life and Education
Wiseman’s interest in flight and engineering took shape early. After Dulaney High School, he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a degree in computer and systems engineering. He was commissioned as a Navy officer through ROTC upon graduation. His time at RPI laid the technical foundation for a career that would eventually take him to space.
He later completed a master’s degree in systems engineering at Johns Hopkins University and a certificate in space systems from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, blending engineering discipline with the specialized knowledge required for spaceflight.
NASA Selection and Path to Space
In 2009, Wiseman was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate. His background as a Navy test pilot with experience flying the F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18 Hornet made him a strong candidate for the highly competitive program. He completed the two-year astronaut candidate training and became eligible for flight assignments.
His first mission came in 2014, when he launched aboard the Russian Soyuz TMA-15M spacecraft to the International Space Station. During his 165-day stay, he served as a flight engineer for Expeditions 40 and 41 and conducted two spacewalks. NASA’s official biography notes this flight as a critical step in his preparation for more complex missions.
Reid Wiseman’s Navy Career and NASA Journey
Wiseman’s military career is a central thread in his biography. After commissioning through ROTC, he reported for flight training in Pensacola, Florida, and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1999. He flew the F-14 Tomcat and later the F/A-18 Hornet, deploying to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In 2004, Wiseman graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, a credential that placed him among the elite pilots qualified to evaluate and certify new aircraft systems. He served as a test pilot before being selected for astronaut training. When accepted by NASA, he held the rank of lieutenant commander; he later achieved the rank of captain in the U.S. Navy.
Reid Wiseman is the commander of Artemis II, NASA’s first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1972. He became the first person to hold that title since Gene Cernan. The mission launched on April 1, 2026, and will take a crew of four around the Moon and back.
Transition from Navy to NASA
The transition from military aviator to astronaut is well-trodden but demanding. Wiseman’s test pilot experience gave him direct insight into spacecraft handling and systems evaluation. NASA profiles describe him as a father, engineer, pilot, and 27-year Navy veteran, highlighting the breadth of experience he brings to the Artemis II commander role.
Is Reid Wiseman Married? His Family and Personal Life
Public records confirm that Wiseman married Carroll Taylor in 2005. The couple had two daughters. However, multiple biographical sources note that Carroll Taylor Wiseman died of cancer in 2020. NASA’s official biography refers to Wiseman as a father but does not elaborate further on his family circumstances in the available text.
Wiseman has not publicly discussed a new relationship or remarriage following his wife’s death. The names of his daughters are not widely published in the sources reviewed.
His wife’s name, Carroll Taylor, and the fact that he has two daughters are confirmed by multiple sources (including Spanish Wikipedia, French Wikipedia, and NASA’s biography). His wife’s death in 2020 is reported in those same sources. No further personal details, such as his daughters’ names or current relationship status, are available in the provided research.
What Is Reid Wiseman’s Religion?
Reliable sources do not mention Reid Wiseman’s religious beliefs. NASA’s official biography, Wikipedia, and major news articles about his career do not include information about his faith or affiliation. This detail remains unconfirmed in all authoritative material reviewed.
What Is Reid Wiseman’s Net Worth and Career Achievements?
Reid Wiseman’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. NASA and U.S. government salary data for astronauts is a matter of public record — NASA astronaut salaries are set by the federal General Schedule pay scale — but no specific net worth figure for Wiseman appears in any of the provided sources. Estimates found on unofficial websites vary widely and should be treated as speculation.
His career achievements are well-documented. He has flown two different fighter aircraft for the Navy, graduated from test pilot school, spent 165 days in space on the ISS, and now commands the most significant lunar mission in five decades. These milestones form the public record of his professional life.
The provided research materials contain no reliable, source-backed figure for Reid Wiseman’s net worth. Any number found outside these sources is not verified and likely speculative.
Where to Find Reid Wiseman Online: Social Media and Public Appearances
Based on the research provided, no verified social media accounts for Reid Wiseman were found. The research notes state: “I did not find verified social media accounts in the provided results.” If an official presence exists on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram under the handle @astro_reid — as suggested in the content plan — those accounts are not confirmed by the source materials made available for this article.
Readers seeking official information about Wiseman’s career should consult NASA’s biography pages.
Reid Wiseman: Career Timeline
- 1975 — Born in Baltimore, Maryland.
- 1997 — Earns B.S. in Computer and Systems Engineering from RPI; commissioned as Navy officer via ROTC.
- 1999 — Designated a Naval Aviator.
- 2004 — Graduates from U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.
- 2009 — Selected as NASA astronaut candidate.
- 2014 — Launches aboard Soyuz TMA-15M for Expeditions 40/41 on the ISS; spends 165 days in orbit and performs two spacewalks.
- 2023 — Announced as commander of the Artemis II mission.
- 2026 — Launches as Artemis II commander on April 1.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unknown About Reid Wiseman?
| Topic | Status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Net Worth | Unconfirmed | Not publicly disclosed by NASA or official sources. Unofficial estimates are speculative. |
| Religion | Unconfirmed | Wiseman has not publicly discussed his religious affiliation. No credible source confirms it. |
| Family Names | Confident | His wife is confirmed as Carroll Taylor (married 2005). He has two daughters, though their names are not widely published. |
| Social Media | Unconfirmed in provided research | The available source materials do not include verified social media accounts for Wiseman. |
Why Does Reid Wiseman’s Role Matter for Space Exploration?
Reid Wiseman’s command of Artemis II represents a pivotal moment in NASA’s return to the Moon. The mission is the first crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit since the Apollo era and serves as a proving ground for technologies and procedures needed for future lunar landings and, eventually, missions to Mars.
His dual background as a Navy test pilot and NASA astronaut exemplifies the traditional path for command roles in human spaceflight. The public interest in his personal life — his wife, children, and background — reflects a broader curiosity about astronauts as relatable figures, not just as mission specialists.
Artemis II will carry four crew members around the Moon and back, testing life support systems, navigation, and crew performance in deep space. Wiseman’s leadership will be critical to the mission’s success.
Where Do the Key Sources on Reid Wiseman Come From?
“Leading the intrepid explorers in the Artemis II mission is U.S. Navy Captain and NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman.”
“Wiseman was designated as a Naval Aviator in 1998 and served as a test pilot before joining NASA.”
— NASA Official Biography
The primary authoritative sources for this article are NASA’s official biography pages, Wikipedia, and the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Magazine article. These provide verified details on Wiseman’s military service, educational background, NASA selection, and Artemis II role. For the most up-to-date mission information, NASA’s Artemis II overview page is the definitive source.
Summary: Who Is Reid Wiseman?
Reid Wiseman is a NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy captain serving as the commander of Artemis II, the first crewed lunar flyby mission since 1972. Born in Baltimore in 1975, he served as a Navy test pilot before being selected by NASA in 2009. He flew once to the International Space Station in 2014, spending 165 days in orbit. His personal life includes his late wife Carroll Taylor and two daughters. His net worth and religious affiliation are not part of the public record. Wiseman launched on Artemis II on April 1, 2026. For more details, see the official G. Reid Wiseman biography.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reid Wiseman
What was Reid Wiseman like as a young person?
Specific details about his youth are limited. He was born in Baltimore and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1997. Early influences and hobbies are not widely documented.
Does Reid Wiseman have daughters?
Yes, Reid Wiseman and his wife had two daughters.
What is Reid Wiseman’s religion?
Reid Wiseman has not publicly stated his religious affiliation.
What is Reid Wiseman’s net worth?
His net worth is not publicly disclosed by NASA or official sources.
When was Reid Wiseman selected as a NASA astronaut?
He was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in 2009 as part of NASA Astronaut Group 20.
What aircraft did Reid Wiseman fly in the Navy?
He flew the F-14 Tomcat and later the F/A-18 Hornet, including deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
How long did Reid Wiseman spend on the International Space Station?
He spent 165 days in orbit during Expeditions 40 and 41 in 2014.
What is the Artemis II mission?
Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed flight around the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. Wiseman is its commander.
Is Reid Wiseman active on social media?
Verified social media accounts were not found in the source materials reviewed for this article.
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Philip Rowe is Senior Reporter at UKBullet.uk, covering breaking UK news stories.