After capturing the hearts of space enthusiasts worldwide, the Artemis II mission mascot, “Rise,” has officially arrived at the NASA Exchange online shop. Fans can now pre-order the diminutive plushie, which gained internet fame during the crew’s historic lunar flyby.
From Space to Your Shelf
The plushie is currently available for pre-order at $24.99 (plus shipping). Alongside Rise, the NASA shop has released a variety of mission-themed merchandise, including:
– Stickers and magnets
– Hoodies
– Other Artemis-related accessories
Collectors should note that due to extended production timelines, NASA has advised that shipping may take up to eight weeks.
The Tradition of Zero-Gravity Indicators
While “Rise” may look like a simple toy, it serves a long-standing tradition in space exploration. Since the 1960s, astronauts and cosmonauts have brought zero-gravity indicators —typically stuffed animals or lightweight objects—into orbit.
These objects serve a symbolic purpose rather than a technical one; they act as visual markers for the crew, signaling their transition from Earth’s gravity into the weightlessness of space. While some missions feature iconic characters—such as Snoopy, who accompanied the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022—Rise represents a new era of community-driven mission symbols.
A Global Design for a Lunar Mission
The story of Rise is one of grassroots creativity. The character was designed by Lucas Ye, a second-grade student from Mountain View, California. His design was selected from over 2,500 submissions sent in from more than 50 countries during NASA’s “Moon Mascot” contest.
The name and concept of “Rise” pay homage to one of the most significant images in space history: the 1968 “Earthrise” photograph taken during the Apollo 8 mission. During the Artemis II mission, Rise became a viral sensation alongside other “moon joy” moments, such as a floating jar of Nutella, eventually being safely retrieved by Commander Reid Wiseman following the mission’s splashdown.
Supporting NASA Personnel
Purchasing these items serves a dual purpose. According to the NASA Exchange, all proceeds from the sale of the plushie and other merchandise are directed toward the morale, welfare, and recreation of NASA employees, supporting the community that makes these complex missions possible.
The availability of Rise marks a bridge between high-level space exploration and public engagement, turning a viral moment into a tangible piece of mission history.
In summary, the release of the Rise plushie allows the public to own a piece of the Artemis II legacy, celebrating a mascot born from a global contest and a long tradition of spaceflight symbols.
