NASA is inviting the public to participate in its upcoming Artemis II mission by submitting their names to be sent around the moon. Scheduled for April 2026, this mission will see a crew of four astronauts, including Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency and NASA’s Christina Koch, Reid Wiseman, and Victor Glover, embark on a journey that will mark a significant milestone in human space exploration.
This initiative is part of NASA’s broader Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface and eventually prepare for missions to Mars. The Artemis II flight will not land on the moon but will perform a flyby, providing valuable data and experience for future missions.
NASA has described the current era as a “Golden Age of innovation and exploration,” with Artemis II serving as a pivotal moment in this journey. The opportunity to include one’s name on a special SD card aboard the Orion spacecraft is an exciting prospect for many. Interested individuals can apply until January 21, 2026, to have their names included. As of now, over 490,450 names have already been submitted for inclusion.
The Artemis program has a four-part plan, starting with the successful uncrewed flight of the Orion spacecraft in late 2022. This mission tested various systems and gathered crucial data for future crewed flights. The Artemis II mission will build on that foundation, marking the first time astronauts will travel beyond low Earth orbit since the Apollo program ended in 1972.
Lori Glaze, NASA’s acting associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, emphasized the mission’s significance. “This flight is also an opportunity to inspire people across the globe and to give them an opportunity to follow along as we lead the way in human exploration deeper into space,” she stated.
The Artemis program is not just about lunar exploration; it is also a stepping stone for future missions to Mars. NASA estimates that a trip to Mars would take approximately three years, compared to just three days for a lunar mission. By establishing a sustainable human presence on the moon first, NASA hopes to learn essential lessons that will facilitate longer missions deeper into space.
To participate in the “Send Your Name with Artemis II” program, individuals can visit NASA’s Artemis II Sign Up page, where they will need to enter their first and last names along with a personal PIN. It’s important to keep this PIN safe, as there is no recovery option for it. Once registered, participants can view their boarding pass on the Look Up Boarding Pass page.
NASA’s ongoing commitment to innovation and exploration continues to inspire generations, and the Artemis II mission represents a unique opportunity for the public to engage with humanity’s journey into space. With each name added to the SD card, individuals are not just spectators but active participants in a historic venture that could redefine our understanding of the cosmos.
