NASA is offering the public a chance to be part of the historic Artemis II mission by sending their names on a journey around the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft. This initiative marks a significant step in humanity's return to the lunar surface and sets the stage for future Mars expeditions.
The Artemis II mission, currently scheduled for launch no later than April 2026, will carry a crew of four astronauts: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. Their approximately 10-day mission will orbit the Moon, rigorously testing NASA's deep space exploration capabilities, including the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft. This flight will be the first crewed test of these systems around the Moon since the Apollo era.
To participate, individuals can visit NASA's "Send Your Name with Artemis II" webpage. Upon submission, participants will receive a digital boarding pass as a memento. The collective names will be etched onto an SD card, which will be carried within the Orion spacecraft throughout its lunar journey.
This endeavor builds upon the successful uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022, which tested the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft as an integrated system. Artemis II is designed to demonstrate critical deep space exploration capabilities, including the validation of life support systems essential for human survival beyond Earth's orbit. The mission's success is a crucial step toward establishing a sustained human presence on the Moon and preparing for future astronaut missions to Mars.
As of September 9, 2025, the mission remains on track for its April 2026 launch, with NASA progressing through preparations. Submitting a name is more than a digital signature; it's becoming an integral part of this exciting chapter in space exploration, reflecting a growing value in public engagement in scientific endeavors.