NASA Opens Global Invitation for Artemis II Moon Mission Participation
NASA has launched a remarkable public invitation for its upcoming Artemis II mission. The space agency is making it simple for people worldwide to participate in this historic journey. Anyone can submit their name to travel aboard the Orion spacecraft as it orbits the Moon.
The names will be stored on a digital memory card placed inside Orion before launch. NASA has set the submission deadline for January 21, 2026. The entire process happens through NASA's official website.
Artemis II: First Crewed Moon Mission in Over 50 Years
Artemis II represents a monumental milestone in space exploration. This mission will mark the first time humans travel to the Moon in more than five decades. Four astronauts will journey into lunar orbit, venturing beyond low Earth orbit for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972.
NASA designed the name submission initiative to involve the public directly in this historic flight. The mission primarily focuses on testing spacecraft systems and deep-space operations. Every participant receives a digital boarding pass as commemorative proof of their involvement.
The space agency manages all information related to this project, including submission guidelines and eligibility requirements. Participation carries no cost, and the program welcomes everyone globally. NASA has conducted similar campaigns before, such as sending names to Mars. However, Artemis II stands apart as a crewed mission orbiting the Moon.
Understanding the Artemis II Mission's Significance
The Artemis II mission serves as the second major flight in NASA's ambitious Artemis program. This program aims to return humans to the Moon and establish sustainable lunar presence. Artemis I, which flew in 2022, tested the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft without crew.
Artemis II builds upon that foundation by adding a human crew and evaluating systems essential for long-term human spaceflight. NASA will test critical components including life support systems, crew operations, navigation, communications, and safety procedures in deep space.
The mission will send Orion on a trajectory that circles the Moon before returning to Earth. Data collected during this flight will prepare NASA for Artemis III, which plans to achieve crewed lunar landing.
NASA continues assembling and testing the Artemis II launch vehicle and spacecraft at Kennedy Space Center. These activities demonstrate steady mission progress while public engagement initiatives run concurrently.
How the Name Submission Program Works
Participants can submit their names through NASA's Artemis II name submission program. These names will be stored on a digital storage device that flies aboard Orion. NASA confirms the names will be written to an SD card remaining inside the spacecraft throughout the lunar journey.
After submitting their name, participants receive a digital boarding pass featuring their name and Artemis II mission branding. NASA clarifies this serves as a commemorative item rather than an official travel document. The boarding pass does not grant access to facilities or events, nor does it imply any operational role in the mission.
NASA emphasizes that name submissions do not affect the mission's scientific or technical objectives. The Orion spacecraft will conduct all planned tests regardless of how many names get submitted.
Step-by-Step Guide to Participate
NASA has outlined clear participation steps through its official website:
- Visit NASA's official "Send Your Name" Artemis II webpage
- Select the Artemis II mission from available options
- Enter your first and last name in the online form
- Provide a valid email address for confirmation
- Choose your preferred language (currently English or Spanish)
- Submit the form by January 21, 2026
- Download and save your digital boarding pass after submission
NASA specifies that registration occurs exclusively through the official site. The space agency does not permit third-party websites to collect names on its behalf.
NASA's History of Public Engagement Through Space Missions
NASA has conducted public engagement programs connected to major missions for many years. Mars missions, including the Perseverance rover, featured similar name submission campaigns. NASA states these efforts help people connect with significant exploration milestones using accessible tools.
For Artemis II, the campaign aligns with a mission combining human spaceflight with symbolic public participation. Names will orbit the Moon alongside the crew while Orion collects crucial data for future missions.
NASA views the name submission as a digital payload that doesn't alter the spacecraft's mass, balance, or operations. The project operates separately from mission planning and astronaut training activities.
