NASA’s Final Call: Design a Mascot to Orbit the Moon with Artemis II
June 16, 2025 — NASA has issued an exciting reminder for creatives, space lovers, and dreamers across the globe: there’s just one day left to submit entries for its unique Moon Mascot Design Challenge. The winning mascot won’t just be admired on Earth—it will accompany astronauts around the Moon on the historic Artemis II mission.
What’s the Mission All About?
Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed flight around the Moon in over five decades. As a key part of the Artemis program, this mission will test critical systems and pave the way for future landings on the lunar surface. While serious scientific work will be underway, the mission will also carry a touch of joy—a small floating mascot designed by a member of the public.
Your Design Could Go to the Moon
NASA is inviting people to come up with a mascot that will travel aboard the spacecraft. This mascot will serve as a weightlessness indicator, showing when the crew has reached space by freely floating in the cabin. This symbolic item is meant to be both visually appealing and meaningful, representing the human spirit of exploration and imagination.
It’s not just a decoration—it’s a personal contribution to a space mission, offering a rare chance to make history.
Last Day to Submit Your Ideas
The contest is hosted through freelancer.com/moon-mascot, and June 17 marks the final deadline for submissions. Designers can submit any idea—from fun and playful characters to bold, futuristic concepts. The only requirement is that the object must be safe, compact, and symbolic enough to capture the essence of this lunar journey.
NASA’s official X (Twitter) account shared this update early in the morning on June 16. Alongside the post, they included a video clip from the International Space Station, where a similar mascot is seen floating, highlighting how such objects become instant favorites among astronauts and the public alike.
The tweet has already gone viral, gaining over 400,000 views, along with thousands of likes and shares.
A Fusion of Science and Art
While Artemis II focuses on space travel and technology, this challenge is about public participation. It reflects NASA’s effort to make space exploration more inclusive and creative. Art and design are playing an increasing role in how we interact with scientific missions, and this initiative is a great example of how STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) can come together.
Why It Matters
Sending a mascot designed by a member of the public adds a personal and symbolic touch to a high-stakes scientific mission. It connects people on Earth with astronauts in space, showing that exploration is not just for scientists and engineers—it’s for everyone.
In Summary
Time is running out to be part of this once-in-a-generation opportunity. Submit your idea today, and your design could orbit the Moon with Artemis II, making you a part of humanity’s return to deep space.
