Nasa launches global challenge to design Artemis II Moon mascot

Nasa has kicked off a brand new worldwide design competitors, giving artists, engineers, college students, and dreamers from around the globe an opportunity to contribute to its upcoming Artemis II mission. The house company is asking the general public to create a “Zero Gravity Indicator” (ZGI)—a small mascot that can float contained in the Orion spacecraft to sign the second it enters microgravity on its journey across the Moon.
This distinctive alternative combines creativity with spaceflight, providing individuals the uncommon honor of getting their design be a part of 4 astronauts aboard the primary crewed Artemis mission.
What Nasa is in search of
The challenge is about extra than simply creating one thing cute. The mascot should be authentic, significant, and prepared for house. It wants to mirror the spirit of Artemis II whereas being protected and useful in a zero-gravity atmosphere.
Nasa has laid out particular technical necessities. The design should slot in a 6-inch dice and weigh not more than 0.75 kilos. Only a restricted listing of space-safe supplies is allowed—comparable to cotton, polyester, fake fur, Kevlar, and Beta Cloth. Designs should keep away from any country-specific flags or logos, and can’t embody Nasa’s personal branding.
This mission is about unity and exploration, so the mascot ought to signify the global significance of house journey, not any single nation or business curiosity.
Who can take part
The challenge is open to anybody—people, groups, lecture rooms, artists, and designers—as long as they’re based mostly in international locations authorised by Nasa’s tips. Students are welcome too, so long as a dad or mum, trainer, or grownup serves as their group lead.
Finalists will probably be chosen later this summer time, with winners receiving money prizes and recognition from Nasa. More importantly, the chosen mascot will journey practically 240,000 miles from Earth, circling the Moon and returning as part of historical past.
A mission that marks a brand new period
Artemis II is a vital step in Nasa’s long-term objective of returning people to the Moon. It would be the first crewed flight of the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft, carrying 4 astronauts—together with the primary lady and first individual of shade assigned to a lunar mission—on a 10-day voyage across the Moon.
This mission units the stage for Artemis III, which goals to land astronauts on the lunar floor in 2027. But earlier than that occurs, Nasa needs a small, floating mascot to be a part of the journey, including a human contact to this high-stakes mission.
How to be a part of
Submissions are open now and shut on May 27, 2025. Along with design templates and materials guides, the competition gives help for each skilled designers and first-time creators.
For those that’ve ever dreamed of getting an element in house exploration—or just need to see their creativity attain new heights—it is a uncommon likelihood to be a part of one thing extraordinary.