WASHINGTON, May 13, 2025 – NASA is breaking new ground not only in space exploration but also in public engagement by hosting a live Twitch event today at 3 p.m. EDT to spotlight its Moon Mascot Challenge. This innovative contest invites creators worldwide, from young students to seasoned artists, to design a zero gravity indicator-a plush mascot that will fly aboard the Artemis II crewed mission, NASA’s first human flight around the Moon under the Artemis program.
The Artemis II mission, scheduled for early 2026, will send four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back, marking a crucial step in NASA’s long-term goal of establishing a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface and preparing for future missions to Mars. The crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
Zero gravity indicators are small, plush items carried aboard spacecraft that serve a unique and symbolic purpose: they provide astronauts with a visual cue that they have reached microgravity, or weightlessness, in space. These mascots, often stuffed animals or toys, float freely once the spacecraft enters orbit, signaling to the crew that they are officially in space. Past missions have featured iconic zero-g indicators such as Snoopy, a giraffe, and a monkey, each adding a human and playful element to the high-tech environment of spaceflight.
NASA’s Moon Mascot Challenge seeks to continue this tradition by inviting the public to design a new zero gravity indicator that will accompany the Artemis II astronauts on their historic lunar flyby. The plush mascot will not only serve as a zero-g indicator but also as a symbol of inspiration and connection between the astronauts and people on Earth.
Today’s live Twitch event, streaming on NASA’s official channel, offers a rare opportunity for viewers to participate directly in the creative process. During the event, NASA experts will discuss the significance of zero gravity indicators and the Artemis II mission, while a professional artist creates a sample zero gravity indicator based on real-time input from the online audience. Although this sample design will not be eligible for the contest, it will serve as a demonstration to inspire and guide participants in developing their own entries.
This interactive format highlights NASA’s commitment to engaging a broad audience, from space enthusiasts to students, by making the design process accessible and collaborative. The completed sample design will be shared on NASA Artemis social media accounts following the event, further amplifying the reach and excitement around the challenge.
The Moon Mascot Challenge is open globally to creators of all ages, including a dedicated division for K-12 students. This inclusive approach encourages young people to engage with space exploration creatively and educationally. Up to 25 finalists will be selected from the submissions, representing a diverse range of imaginative designs.
The final winner will be chosen by the Artemis II crew themselves, adding a personal touch to the selection process. NASA’s Thermal Blanket Lab will then fabricate the winning design to fly aboard the Orion spacecraft, making it part of a historic mission that will test critical human deep space exploration capabilities.
Artemis II is the first crewed test flight of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. The mission’s primary objective is to validate the spacecraft’s life support systems and other critical functions in the environment of deep space. The crew will orbit the Moon approximately 4,600 miles beyond its surface before returning safely to Earth after about 10 days.
This mission is a vital stepping stone toward NASA’s broader Artemis goals, which include landing astronauts on the lunar surface and establishing a sustainable presence to enable future exploration of Mars. Artemis II’s success will demonstrate NASA’s readiness for these ambitious objectives and pave the way for subsequent missions with increasing complexity and duration.
NASA’s decision to host the Moon Mascot Challenge and the accompanying Twitch event reflects a growing trend in space agencies to involve the public in the excitement and innovation of space exploration. By inviting people worldwide to contribute creatively, NASA fosters a sense of shared ownership and inspiration around its missions.
The zero gravity indicator, while a small item physically, carries significant symbolic weight. It connects astronauts to their human roots and reminds both crew and observers of the wonder and achievement of spaceflight. As astronaut Christina Koch has noted in the past, such mascots serve as a comforting and joyful link to Earth in the unfamiliar environment of space.
The live Twitch event is accessible to anyone interested in space, art, or science. Viewers can join the conversation, offer design suggestions, and witness firsthand how a zero gravity indicator might come to life. The event begins at 3 p.m. EDT on May 13, 2025, on NASA’s official Twitch channel.
For those unable to watch live, the event and the sample design will be available afterward on NASA Artemis social media platforms. Participants interested in submitting their designs to the Moon Mascot Challenge can find details and entry guidelines on NASA’s official website.
NASA’s live Twitch event and Moon Mascot Challenge represent a novel fusion of space exploration and community creativity. As Artemis II prepares to carry astronauts on a groundbreaking journey around the Moon, this initiative invites the world to join in the adventure by designing a mascot that will symbolize humanity’s reach for the stars.
This engagement not only enriches the mission but also inspires the next generation of explorers, artists, and scientists, making space exploration a truly collective human endeavor.
