Launch Your Name Around the Moon in 2026 on NASA’s Artemis II Mission
Be part of the next era of lunar exploration. NASA’s Artemis II—the first crewed mission of the Artemis program—is targeted to fly astronauts around the Moon, and NASA often invites the public to “send your name” aboard select missions. Here’s what to know and how to prepare.
What is Artemis II?
Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed flight test of the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The mission will carry a crew of astronauts on a multi-day journey, testing life-support, navigation, and deep-space operations in preparation for future lunar landings. The flight profile is designed to send the crew on a trajectory around the Moon and return them safely to Earth.
As with all major spaceflight efforts, schedules can evolve. NASA has targeted Artemis II for the mid-2020s, and many public engagement opportunities are announced on NASA’s official website as mission milestones approach.
“Launch Your Name” — What It Means
NASA periodically runs Send Your Name campaigns that let the public submit names for inclusion aboard spacecraft. In past campaigns, names were:
- Etched on a microchip or included on a storage device mounted on the spacecraft.
- Accompanied by a digital “boarding pass” or flight certificate for participants to download and share.
- Collected worldwide at no cost as part of NASA’s STEM and public engagement efforts.
For Artemis II, NASA may offer a similar opportunity. Any official sign-up will be announced and hosted on a NASA.gov page. Always verify details on NASA’s website before submitting information.
How to Participate (When Available)
Watch NASA’s official channels for an announcement. If a “Launch Your Name” opportunity for Artemis II opens, the process typically looks like this:
- Visit NASA’s official site and find the campaign page.
- Start at the Artemis portal: nasa.gov/artemis.
- Use the site search for “Send Your Name Artemis II”.
- Enter your details.
- Provide your name (as you want it displayed on the certificate).
- Depending on the campaign, you may be asked for an email to receive your digital certificate or updates.
- Confirm and download your digital keepsake.
- Most campaigns offer a downloadable boarding pass or certificate you can print or share.
- Watch for deadlines.
- Campaigns close before launch to allow time for processing and spacecraft integration.
Note: NASA does not charge a fee for these public name campaigns. If you encounter a website requesting payment, it is not an official NASA page.
What Happens to My Name?
When NASA runs a name campaign, the submitted names are typically compiled and placed on a microchip or storage device. For a lunar flyby like Artemis II:
- Your name would be carried aboard the Orion spacecraft on its journey around the Moon.
- After splashdown, Orion and its flown hardware return to Earth, making your name part of the mission’s history.
Specifics—such as the exact storage method and location aboard the spacecraft—will be detailed on the official campaign page if the opportunity is offered.
Why Participate?
- Be part of human spaceflight history during the first crewed test of Artemis hardware.
- Engage students and classrooms with a real-world STEM connection.
- Collect a memorable, shareable digital certificate marking your symbolic trip around the Moon.
For Educators and Groups
NASA encourages classroom and community participation. If an Artemis II name campaign opens:
- Register as a class or group to create a shared experience.
- Incorporate Artemis lessons from NASA’s STEM portal, including spacecraft design, lunar science, and mission operations.
- Plan a launch-day watch party using NASA TV and official mission coverage.
Explore educational resources at nasa.gov/stem.
Privacy and Eligibility
- NASA posts a privacy statement for each campaign. Review it before submitting information.
- Past campaigns have been open globally; check the Artemis II campaign page for any regional or age-related guidelines.
- Parental or guardian consent may be required for minors, depending on the campaign’s terms.
Always confirm details on NASA.gov to ensure you are using the official submission form.
Timeline and Updates
Artemis II’s schedule is subject to change based on testing and readiness reviews. For the latest mission status and any public participation opportunities:
- Visit the Artemis portal: nasa.gov/artemis
- Follow NASA on social media: @NASA, Facebook, and Instagram
- Watch NASA TV for live coverage and briefings: nasa.gov/nasatv
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an official “Launch Your Name” page for Artemis II right now?
NASA announces official pages on NASA.gov and verified social channels. If a campaign is open, it will be clearly linked from NASA’s Artemis pages. Avoid third-party sites claiming to collect names for a fee.
Does it cost anything?
No. NASA’s public name submissions are free when offered. Printing your certificate at home is optional and at your own cost.
Will I get a physical item flown in space?
No. Participants typically receive a digital keepsake. Your name, not a physical memento, is included in the flown data or hardware.
What if the schedule changes?
Spaceflight schedules can shift based on safety and readiness. If dates change, NASA updates official pages and may adjust campaign timelines accordingly.
Get Ready to Ride Along—In Name
Artemis II will mark a major step in humanity’s return to the Moon. If NASA opens a “Launch Your Name” opportunity for this mission, it’s your chance to symbolically journey with the crew around the Moon and back. Keep an eye on the resources below and be among the first to sign up:
- Artemis Program Home: nasa.gov/artemis
- NASA Homepage: nasa.gov
- NASA TV: nasa.gov/nasatv
When the campaign opens, submit your name, grab your digital boarding pass, and share your lunar pride with the world.
