How to Join NASA’s Artemis II Lunar Mission by Sending Your Name to the Moon

NASA is opening the door for people worldwide to have their names journey around the Moon. For the upcoming Artemis II mission—the first crewed lunar expedition in over half a century—the agency will carry a digital keepsake storing millions of submitted names onboard the Orion spacecraft.

This initiative offers the public a chance to be part of a high-profile mission designed to evaluate vital systems for NASA’s sustained lunar presence. Submissions are welcomed globally and must be completed by January 21, 2026 via an official NASA webpage.

Taking Names on the Orion Spacecraft

As a component of NASA’s Artemis initiative aimed at reviving human lunar exploration, Artemis II will differ from its uncrewed predecessor, Artemis I, by carrying four astronauts into lunar orbit. The participation process is simple: anyone can submit their name through an online submission form offered in English and Spanish. According to NASA’s official announcement:

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“The collected names will be put on an SD card loaded aboard Orion before launch. In return, participants can download a boarding pass with their name on it as a collectable.”

This digital memory card will orbit the Moon alongside the astronaut crew—marking the first manned deep space mission since Apollo 17 in 1972. NASA’s goal is to foster a sense of involvement for the public without needing to leave Earth. Robert Pearlman, editor of collectSPACE, noted:

“This is one way for the public to feel like they’re a little closer to the mission than just being spectators.”

NASA’s Artemis II name submission page, set against a rocket launch backdrop. Credit: NASA

Accelerating Artemis Momentum

The Artemis program plays a pivotal role in NASA’s vision for space exploration. Artemis I, which launched in 2022, was a successful uncrewed test of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft. Artemis II will elevate this effort by sending astronauts on a voyage that tests life support, safety protocols, and operations in deep space ahead of the planned lunar landing on Artemis III.

Participants will receive boarding passes printed with their names for the Artemis II mission in 2026. Credit: NASA

Recently, NASA moved the fully assembled Artemis II spacecraft stack to the Kennedy Space Center launch pad. This mission symbolizes a significant milestone in the United States’ renewed lunar ambitions, with public name submissions symbolizing collective engagement.

Reinventing Public Participation

NASA has a history of inviting public involvement through name submissions on past missions, including sending names to Mars aboard the Perseverance rover. However, Artemis II stands out because of the mission’s visibility and the Moon’s emotional significance.

Those who participate receive a digital boarding pass as a fun, interactive souvenir, enhancing the experience. While simple, this gesture creates a sense of ownership and excitement for a mission most will witness only from Earth. The campaign’s accessibility and zero cost help NASA connect with new audiences beyond traditional science and engineering communities.