NASA is inviting the public to become part of its next lunar mission by adding their names to the digital manifest for the upcoming Artemis II test flight. Individuals can secure their “spot” and receive a commemorative boarding pass by submitting their names online by January 21, 2026. The names will be stored on an SD card that will accompany the crew aboard the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, set to launch in April 2026.
The Artemis II mission will mark a significant milestone as the first crewed flight under NASA’s Artemis program. It is designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the spacecraft with actual astronauts, rather than test dummies, venturing into deep space. A notable feature of this mission is the opportunity for participants to download a digital boarding pass, available in both English and Spanish, as a keepsake.
Meet the Crew
The four-person crew for Artemis II includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Jeremy Hansen, an astronaut from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The team is preparing for a roughly ten-day mission that will test various systems aboard the Orion spacecraft.
Lori Glaze, the acting associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, emphasized the mission’s importance: “Artemis II is a key test flight in our effort to return humans to the Moon’s surface and build toward future missions to Mars. It’s also an opportunity to inspire people across the globe.”
This mission follows the successful uncrewed launch of Artemis I, which took place in November 2022 and concluded with a splashdown 25.5 days later. During Artemis II, the crew will assess the Orion spacecraft’s life support systems, which are crucial for maintaining breathable air while managing carbon dioxide and water vapor produced by the astronauts.
Public Engagement and Innovation
In addition to submitting names, the public is encouraged to contribute ideas for new lunar vehicle tires, expanding engagement beyond the mission itself. This initiative highlights NASA’s commitment to involving the community in space exploration.
As the agency prepares for the Artemis II launch, it aims to inspire interest in space and encourage global participation in human exploration beyond Earth. The opportunity to have one’s name travel to the Moon symbolizes a connection to this historic endeavor and the future of space travel.
For more details on how to add your name to the mission, visit NASA’s official Artemis website.
