Top Highlights
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NASA has narrowed down to 25 finalists for the Artemis II zero gravity indicator, a plush mascot that will accompany the crew on their lunar mission next year.
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The selected design will be chosen by astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen from over 2,600 global submissions representing 10 countries.
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This zero gravity indicator will serve as a friendly reminder of the human element in space, providing visual proof of reaching microgravity once the main engines cut off.
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Artemis II is crucial for future lunar exploration and serves as a foundation for human missions to Mars, emphasizing NASA’s commitment to scientific discovery and economic benefits.
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NASA Shares Final Contenders for Artemis II Moon Mascot Design Contest
NASA has narrowed the competition for the Artemis II zero gravity indicator down to 25 finalists. This unique item will fly with the crew around the Moon next year.
Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen will choose one design to accompany them in the Orion spacecraft. “The Artemis II zero gravity indicator will be special for the crew,” Wiseman noted. “It highlights the human element essential to our exploration.”
A zero gravity indicator is typically a small plush item. It visually shows when the crew has entered space. For the first eight minutes after launch, the crew experiences intense gravity. However, once the main engines cut off, gravity’s hold releases. The floating indicator confirms that the crew has arrived in space.
This mission marks the first time the public influences the crew’s mascot. The designs came from more than 2,600 submissions across 50 countries, including many from K-12 students. Finalists represent 10 different nations, showcasing a diverse range of creativity.
NASA initially announced the design contest in March, aiming for submissions that reflect the mission’s significance and the spirit of exploration. Freelancers managed the contest through the NASA Tournament Lab, part of the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate.
After selecting a final design, NASA’s Thermal Blanket Lab will create the zero gravity indicator for flight. The mascot will stay tethered inside Orion before launch.
The Artemis II mission is a vital step toward lunar exploration and future missions to Mars. Through this initiative, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon, fostering scientific discovery and laying groundwork for human exploration beyond.
Lee esta historia en español aquí.
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