NASA selects children-designed plush toy finalists to float in orion as Artemis 2 Mascot

NASA Unveils 25 Finalists for Artemis 2 Plush Toy to Fly to the Moon (Representational Image: Canva)

When astronauts fly to the moon next year, they won’t be alone. A small plush toy will drift alongside them, serving as both companion and zero-gravity indicator.

NASA names 25 mascot finalists
NASA and Freelancer announced on 15 August the 25 finalists in the “Moon Mascot: Artemis II ZGI Design Challenge.” The toy chosen will float inside Orion once microgravity begins. Designs included animals, mythical creatures and tributes to NASA’s past and future missions. Matt Barrie, chief executive of Freelancer, said the finalists had shown “the right stuff” through their creative efforts.

Global entries highlight Artemis spirit
The 25 winners were selected from 2,605 entries. They came from countries including Canada, Finland, Japan, Peru, Singapore and the United Kingdom. U.S. entries arrived from states such as California, Texas and Virginia. The contest had three categories: schoolchildren, classrooms and adults. Younger winners received Artemis prize packs, while adults received $1,225.

Contestants were required to design toys symbolising humanity and exploration, using materials approved by NASA’s Thermal Blanket Lab. The winning design will be built and flown on Artemis 2. The mission, scheduled for 2025, will carry astronauts around the moon before returning to Earth. It will be the first crewed lunar voyage since Apollo 17 in 1972.