NASA Invites Global Community to Design Zero Gravity Indicator for Artemis II Mission

In March 2025, NASA announced the "Moon Mascot: NASA Artemis II ZGI Design Challenge," inviting individuals worldwide to design a zero gravity indicator (ZGI) for the upcoming Artemis II mission. A ZGI is a small, plush item carried aboard spacecraft to provide a visual cue when the vessel reaches the microgravity environment of space. For instance, a plush Snoopy doll served as the ZGI during the uncrewed Artemis I mission.

The challenge seeks original designs that embody the spirit of the Artemis program and space exploration. Submissions must adhere to specific material and size requirements, including fitting within a 6-inch square and weighing no more than 0.75 pounds. The contest is open to individuals and teams worldwide, with a submission deadline of May 27, 2025. Up to 25 finalists will be selected, with the winning design fabricated by NASA's Thermal Blanket Lab to accompany the Artemis II crew on their mission around the Moon.

NASA astronaut and Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "What better way to fly a mission around the Moon than to invite the public inside NASA’s Orion spacecraft with us and ask for help in designing our zero gravity indicator?"

This contest offers a unique opportunity for public engagement in space exploration, allowing individuals to contribute creatively to a historic mission.

Artemis II is a planned mission under the NASA-led Artemis program, set to be the second launch of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the first crewed flight of the Orion spacecraft. Scheduled to launch in April 2026, the mission will carry four astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. This mission will be the first crewed mission to venture beyond low Earth orbit and travel to the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.

The tradition of flying zero gravity indicators began in the former Soviet Union with the world's first human spaceflight. In 1961, cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin carried a small doll with him aboard his Vostok capsule to see it float. Since then, many cosmonauts have flown toys and stuffed dolls as talismans and ZGIs, often at the suggestion of their children.

This contest offers a unique opportunity for public engagement in space exploration, allowing individuals to contribute creatively to a historic mission. By involving the global community in the design of the ZGI, NASA fosters a sense of shared ownership and participation in the Artemis program. This initiative also serves to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields among diverse populations.