Here’s a chance to send your best idea to the moon!
NASA announced today that they are calling on innovators worldwide to contribute to the historic Artemis II mission by designing a Zero Gravity Indicator (ZGI). Zero Gravity Indicators are small, often plush items that float freely in spacecraft, signaling the onset of microgravity. The winning design will accompany astronauts on their journey around the Moon. Here’s a unique opportunity for individuals to have their creations become part of a significant spaceflight.
The official “Moon Mascot: NASA Artemis II ZGI Design Challenge,” seeks original designs that embody the spirit of the Artemis program, space exploration, or discovery. Participants are encouraged to submit concepts that are not only creative but also adhere to specific material and size guidelines suitable for space travel. The deadline for submissions is May 27, 2025, and finalists will be announced on or before July 31st.
The Challenge is open to the following categories: Adults: Individuals, Teams, and Entities
- Adults: Individuals, Teams, and Entities 13 prizes of US$1,225 each
- K-5 and 6-8 Classrooms 2 K-5 Classroom winners of US$1,225, 2 6-8 Classroom winners of US$1,225
- K-8 Individuals 2 K-5 Individual winners of a Artemis prize pack, 2 6-8 Individual winners of a Artemis prize pack
- 9-12 Grades Classrooms and Individuals 2 9-12 Classrooms winners of US$1225, 2 9-12 individual winners of an Artemis prize pack
The competition will identify up to 25 finalists, including entries from K-12 students. The Artemis II crew will select one winning design, which NASA’s Thermal Blanket Lab will fabricate for the mission. This means the creator’s design will float in microgravity alongside the astronauts during the entire Artemis II, symbolizing a tangible connection for both the crew and observers here on the ground between Earth and space.
NASA astronaut and mission commander Reid Wiseman said of the contest, “What better way to fly a mission around the Moon than to invite the public inside NASA’s Orion spacecraft with us and ask for help in designing our zero gravity indicator? The indicator will float alongside Victor, Christina, Jeremy, and me as we go around the far side of the Moon and remind us of all of you back on Earth.”
Artemis II marks NASA’s first crewed test flight of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, building on the successes of 2023’s Artemis I. The mission aims to send astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a journey around the Moon and back. This flight represents a critical step toward establishing a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface and preparing for future missions to Mars.
Crowdsourcing company Freelancer is hosting the ZGI Design Challenge challenge on behalf of the agency through the NASA Tournament Lab, managed by the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate.
For complete contest details, visit http://www.freelancer.com/moon-mascot
You can learn more about the Artemis II mission at https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/
Seize this chance to be part of the Artemis II mission and let your creativity reach for the stars!
