Nasa launches global challenge to design Artemis II Moon mascot

Nasa has kicked off a new international design competition, giving artists, engineers, students, and dreamers from around the world a chance to contribute to its upcoming Artemis II mission. The space agency is asking the public to create a “Zero Gravity Indicator” (ZGI)—a small mascot that will float inside the Orion spacecraft to signal the moment it enters microgravity on its journey around the Moon.
This unique opportunity combines creativity with spaceflight, offering participants the rare honor of having their design join four astronauts aboard the first crewed Artemis mission.
What Nasa is looking for
The challenge is about more than just creating something cute. The mascot must be original, meaningful, and ready for space. It needs to reflect the spirit of Artemis II while being safe and functional in a zero-gravity environment.
Nasa has laid out specific technical requirements. The design must fit in a 6-inch cube and weigh no more than 0.75 pounds. Only a limited list of space-safe materials is allowed—such as cotton, polyester, faux fur, Kevlar, and Beta Cloth. Designs must steer clear of any country-specific flags or logos, and cannot include Nasa’s own branding.
This mission is about unity and exploration, so the mascot should represent the global significance of space travel, not any single nation or commercial interest.
Who can participate
The challenge is open to anyone—individuals, teams, classrooms, artists, and designers—so long as they are based in countries approved by Nasa’s guidelines. Students are welcome too, as long as a parent, teacher, or adult serves as their team lead.
Finalists will be selected later this summer, with winners receiving cash prizes and recognition from Nasa. More importantly, the chosen mascot will travel nearly 240,000 miles from Earth, circling the Moon and returning as a part of history.
A mission that marks a new era
Artemis II is a critical step in Nasa’s long-term goal of returning humans to the Moon. It will be the first crewed flight of the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft, carrying four astronauts—including the first woman and first person of color assigned to a lunar mission—on a 10-day voyage around the Moon.
This mission sets the stage for Artemis III, which aims to land astronauts on the lunar surface in 2027. But before that happens, Nasa wants a small, floating mascot to join the ride, adding a human touch to this high-stakes mission.
How to join
Submissions are open now and close on May 27, 2025. Along with design templates and material guides, the contest provides support for both professional designers and first-time creators.
For those who’ve ever dreamed of having a part in space exploration—or simply want to see their creativity reach new heights—this is a rare chance to be part of something extraordinary.