As humanity reaches for the stars once more, NASA’s Artemis campaign is making history with its most ambitious step yet: Artemis II, the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon in over 50 years. This monumental journey isn’t just for astronauts, it’s for all of us.
And now, you can be a part of it literally.
Send Your Name Around the Moon
With over 230,164 boarding passes already claimed, thousands of people around the world have chosen to send their names into deep space aboard the Artemis II mission. You too can join this historic voyage by submitting your name and a personal PIN code on NASA’s official website. These names will be etched onto an SD card that will travel inside the Orion spacecraft during its 10 day lunar journey.
“Keep track of your pin. NASA is not able to recover a lost pin, so you’ll need to keep track if you want to look up your boarding pass in the future.”
It’s more than just a fun way to participate; it’s a symbolic gesture of unity, curiosity, and shared human aspiration. Imagine your name floating through the cosmos, orbiting the Moon alongside the brave crew who will make this mission possible.
The Crew: Who’s Flying With You?
Four extraordinary individuals will pilot the Artemis II mission:
- Reid Wiseman – Commander
- Victor Glover – Pilot
- Christina Koch – Mission Specialist
- Jeremy Hansen – Mission Specialist (CSA, Canadian Space Agency)
These astronauts represent a new era of international collaboration in space exploration. Together, they will test NASA’s deep-space capabilities, evaluate the performance of the Orion spacecraft, and pave the way for future lunar landings and Mars missions.
Each crew member brings decades of experience, from spacewalks to long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station. Their journey will begin at Launch Complex 39 at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, no later than April 2026.
What Is Artemis II?
Artemis II is not just a flight, it’s a proving ground for humanity’s return to the Moon and beyond. This mission will:
- Test the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft with humans onboard.
- Conduct a four-day outbound journey around the far side of the Moon in a figure-eight pattern.
- Travel over 230,000 miles from Earth further than any crewed mission has gone before.
- Reach a maximum distance of approximately 4,600 miles beyond the Moon.
- Evaluate spacecraft systems, human health in deep space, and radiation exposure.
- Return via high speed reentry through Earth’s atmosphere, splashing down safely in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego.
The data gathered during this mission will be critical for future Artemis III, which aims to land the first woman and person of color on the lunar surface.
The Technology Behind the Mission
Artemis II relies on cutting-edge engineering and innovation:
- ORION: The next-generation crew capsule designed for deep space travel. It features advanced life support, navigation, and thermal protection systems.
- SLS (Space Launch System): The most powerful rocket ever built, capable of carrying heavy payloads and crew beyond low Earth orbit.
- EGS (Exploration Ground Systems): The launch complex at Kennedy Space Center that supports assembly, testing, and liftoff of the SLS and Orion stack.
Together, these systems form the backbone of America’s return to the Moon and our path to Mars.
Why This Matters
NASA isn’t just sending astronauts to the Moon for science alone. The Artemis program seeks to unlock economic opportunities, inspire a new generation of explorers, and build sustainable infrastructure for long-term lunar presence.
But what makes Artemis II truly special is its inclusivity. By inviting millions to submit their names, NASA is creating a global connection to space exploration. Whether you’re a student, teacher, artist, or dreamer, your name could be among those traveling to the edge of our solar system.
How to Participate
It’s simple:
- Visit the official Artemis II website.
- Enter your first name, last name, and a PIN code (4–7 digits).
- Click Submit.
- Keep your PIN safe, you’ll need it to access your digital boarding pass.
Already signed up? Use the “Look Up Boarding Pass” feature to retrieve your details.
You can also stay updated by signing up for NASA’s newsletter at nasa.gov.
Final Thoughts
Artemis II is more than a mission; it’s a promise. A promise that humanity is ready to explore again, together. As we stand on the brink of returning to the Moon, we carry not only technology and courage but also the hopes and dreams of billions.
So ask yourself: Did you get your boarding pass?
Because when Orion lifts off, it won’t just carry four astronauts, it will carry the spirit of every person whose name flew along with it.
Let’s go to the Moon… and beyond.
Follow NASA’s Artemis program at nasa.gov/artemis
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