Get ready to witness a charming piece of innovation making its way to the Moon! A whimsical plush toy, crafted in Llanelli, Wales, is vying for a spot on NASA's groundbreaking Artemis II mission, aimed at unveiling the Moon's gravity.

Meet Courtney John, a 27-year-old graphic designer whose imaginative creation, "Past, Present, and Future," has made her one of 25 finalists in an extraordinary global design competition. Her design features three humanoid figures holding hands in a circle, symbolizing unity in space travel across generations.

"I've always been fascinated by space, and to think something I created could journey there is just phenomenal!" Courtney expressed with enthusiasm.

The purpose of her plush companions? They will serve as zero gravity indicators (ZGIs) on the spacecraft, visually signaling the moment when astronauts experience weightlessness in space. Plush toys are ideal for this role due to their soft and lightweight nature.

Each figure in Courtney's design carries a significant message: one nods to the past with an Apollo 17 spacesuit—an homage to the last time humans stepped on the Moon in 1972—while another represents the present with the Artemis II spacesuit. The third, a striking figure with a globe for a head, symbolizes the future, adorned with inspirational messages penned by the Artemis II crew.

Courtney notes, "For them to take this design into space would be a magnificent achievement. When they look back at Earth, they’ll grasp the magnitude of their journey."

The competition drew over 2,600 entries, all wanting to encapsulate themes of humanity, exploration, and the adventurous spirit of the Artemis campaign. The winner will be announced later this year.

NASA's Artemis program marks a pivotal leap in lunar exploration, aiming to set foot on the Moon again after more than half a century. Following the successful uncrewed Artemis I mission in late 2022, Artemis II will be manned by a diverse crew, including NASA astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Reid Wiseman, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, orbiting the Moon before making their return.

Plans to have astronauts dancing on the lunar surface by 2025 have faced several delays, making the excitement surrounding this mission all the more palpable.

Will Courtney's plush design become a beacon of hope for the future of space exploration? Stay tuned!