Artemis II Astronaut Reveals He Was Supposed to Leave Plushie Behind After Moon Mission but Stuffed It in His Bag Instead

**Child’s Plushie Becomes Symbol of Historic Moon Mission**

Reid Wiseman, the commander of the Artemis II mission, has shared a touching story about a plush toy that accompanied the astronaut on his recent journey to the Moon. The toy, known as Rise, was designed by eight-year-old Lucas Ye from Mountain View, California, after being selected from over 2,600 submissions worldwide in a NASA-sponsored design challenge.

The mission, which concluded with a safe splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego on April 10, 2023, marked a significant milestone as it was the first time astronauts had ventured towards the Moon since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Wiseman, however, found it hard to part with the now-cherished plushie, which served the vital role of a zero-gravity indicator during the mission.

Initially, Wiseman had planned to leave Rise behind in the Integrity Orion space capsule upon returning to Earth, but he ultimately decided against it. In a post shared the following day on social media platform X, Wiseman recounted, “But that was not something I was going to do. I stuffed that little guy in a dry bag we had in our survival kit and hooked the bag onto my pressure suit.” The astronaut’s affection for the plush toy was evident as he added, “I can’t let Rise out of my sight… currently tethered to my water bottle.”

NASA describes a zero-gravity indicator as a small item that helps crew members visually ascertain when they are in space. Rise, though adorable in appearance, served this crucial function during Artemis II, providing a comforting presence in the otherwise unfamiliar environment of space.

Rise’s design was inspired by the iconic Earthrise photograph taken during the Apollo 8 mission. The cuddly figure features a round white body resembling the Moon and bears a footprint on its back as a tribute to Neil Armstrong’s historic first steps on lunar soil in 1969. Lucas Ye’s design was one of five finalists selected by the Artemis II crew, highlighting not only creativity but also a significant connection to the history of space exploration.

The Artemis II journey achieved an impressive milestone, breaking the previous record for the farthest distance that humans have ever travelled from Earth. This mission took the crew further than the Apollo 13 expedition in 1970, covering a staggering distance that revived humanity’s bold ambitions to return to the Moon.

The trip also included a poignant moment for Wiseman, who dedicated a newly discovered moon crater to his late wife, Carroll. She passed away from cancer in 2020, and naming the crater after her served as a heartfelt tribute. This emotional element added a layer of personal significance to a mission that, while focused on advancing human exploration, also deeply connected to Wiseman’s journey.

Despite the operational aspects of the mission, it was undoubtedly the warmth of a child’s imagination embodied in Rise that stole the show, bringing a heartwarming sparkle to an otherwise scientifically driven expedition. The Artemis II crew’s adventure is just the beginning, paving the way for a planned human landing on the Moon’s surface in 2028, which will further solidify humanity’s presence beyond Earth.

In conclusion, the story of Reid Wiseman and the plushie Rise is a touching reminder of the human spirit. It intertwines space exploration with relatable themes of affection, remembrance, and creativity, illustrating how even the smallest tokens can leave a lasting impact on monumental achievements in humanity’s journey beyond our planet.