NASA Invites Public to Send Names on Artemis II Moon Mission

NASA has announced an exciting opportunity for the public to have their names sent around the moon on the upcoming Artemis II mission, scheduled for April 2026. This initiative, part of the larger Artemis program, allows individuals to participate in a historic journey even if they cannot travel to space themselves.

The Artemis II mission will see a crew of four astronauts, including representatives from NASA and the Canadian Space Agency, embark on a flyby of the moon. This mission follows the successful uncrewed Artemis I flight, which tested the Orion spacecraft and provided valuable data about conditions in space. The crew for Artemis II will consist of Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, along with NASA’s Christina Koch, Reid Wiseman, and Victor Glover.

NASA’s Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon as a stepping stone for future exploration, including potential missions to Mars. The Artemis initiative is structured in a four-part plan, with Artemis I already completed and Artemis II set to build on its findings. According to Lori Glaze, NASA’s acting associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, this mission serves not only to further human exploration but also to inspire global audiences.

As part of the “Send Your Name with Artemis II” campaign, interested individuals can submit their names to be included on a special SD card aboard the Orion spacecraft. As of now, over 490,450 names have already been claimed. This initiative allows participants to receive a “boarding pass,” which serves as a memento of their involvement in this significant event.

To participate, individuals must visit NASA’s Artemis II Sign Up page before January 21, 2026. The process is straightforward: simply input your first and last names along with a chosen PIN code. Participants are advised to keep their PIN secure, as recovery options are unavailable. After signing up, users can check their boarding pass status through the Look Up Boarding Pass page.

The Artemis II mission is expected to cover approximately 685,000 miles, showcasing NASA’s ongoing commitment to advancing space exploration through innovative technology. The Artemis program represents a significant leap toward not only returning humans to the moon but also preparing for future endeavors deeper into space, including potential habitation on Mars.

As humanity continues to look beyond Earth, initiatives like “Send Your Name with Artemis II” allow everyone to be part of this journey, fostering a sense of shared exploration and discovery.