The campaign is open to anyone, free of cost, and comes with a personalized digital boarding pass as a keepsake. According to NASA, the move aims to engage the public in space exploration and inspire interest in science and technology.
How to Participate
Participants can register on NASA’s official “Send Your Name” portal. After entering their names, registrants create a four-digit PIN to access their digital boarding pass, which can be saved, printed, or shared. NASA has emphasized that the names travel symbolically and are not linked to actual space travel. The registration campaign will remain open until January 21, 2026.
Artemis II Mission Overview
Artemis II marks the first crewed mission of NASA’s Artemis program. Four astronauts will test the Orion spacecraft’s systems under deep space conditions while orbiting the Moon. The mission is critical for preparing future lunar landings and advancing NASA’s long-term goal of sending humans to Mars.
Significance of Public Participation
NASA officials stated that including public names fosters a sense of global participation and excitement for space science. The memory card will remain part of NASA’s archives after the mission, serving as a symbolic link between the public and one of the most ambitious space endeavors of the decade.
Public Response
The campaign has already attracted over 948,000 registrants, with numbers steadily rising. NASA encourages individuals, students, and science enthusiasts to join, highlighting that even symbolic participation helps cultivate curiosity and support for future space missions.
This initiative combines public engagement with cutting-edge exploration, allowing individuals worldwide to connect personally with humanity’s next steps into deep space.
