Get ready for a mission unlike any other! As Artemis 2 gears up for its lunar journey next year, a special companion is about to join the astronauts on their adventure—one of 25 charming plush toys recently selected as finalists in an exhilarating NASA contest!

The Moon Mascot Challenge: A Stellar Selection Process

On August 15, NASA teamed up with Freelancer to unveil the finalists of the "Moon Mascot: NASA Artemis II ZGI Design Challenge," which ran from March to June. This unique initiative invited creative minds from around the globe to design a plush toy that would serve as the mission's zero-gravity indicator (ZGI). Now, NASA will choose one lucky design from the impressive finalists.

From Imagination to Inflight: The Journey of the Zero-G Indicator

The contenders include a dazzling array of designs—think anthropomorphized animals, mythical beings, and ingenious nods to humanity's inspiring space exploration journey. Details about each winning submission can be found at collectSPACE.com.

Matt Barrie, CEO of Freelancer, praised the finalists, stating, "These finalists have proven they indeed have 'the right stuff.'" The chosen plush doll will be suspended within the Artemis 2 Orion spacecraft, and as the crew enters the mesmerizing microgravity realm, it will start to float, signaling to astronauts that they have officially entered zero-g!

Global Participation: A Reflective Journey Across Borders

The contest attracted a remarkable 2,605 entries from budding designers around the globe. The 25 finalists hailed from diverse countries including Canada, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Peru, Singapore, the UK, and the USA. In the United States alone, entries came from states like California, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Nebraska, Texas, and Virginia.

Creativity Meets Space Exploration: The Challenge Unveiled

Contestants were tasked with reimagining what a plush toy representing "humanity, exploration, and the spirit of the Artemis campaign" might look like. They had specific guidelines, using materials from NASA's Thermal Blanket Lab, to help craft a real-life ZGI that will accompany astronauts on their remarkable voyage.

Expressing admiration for the participants, Barrie emphasized, "The creativity shown by the finalists is incredible—they should be proud to have their efforts recognized on such a stage and be part of humanity's ongoing quest to understand the cosmos!"

Stay Tuned: The Countdown to a Cosmic Adventure!

Buckle up, space enthusiasts! The adventure to the moon is not just about astronauts—it’s about dreams, innovation, and a little plush friend soaring among the stars. Who will be selected as the ultimate ZGI? Only time will tell!