Artemis 2 Commander Reid Wiseman Rescues Beloved Moon Mascot Rise

In an emotional twist after the Artemis 2 mission, NASA’s commander Reid Wiseman took a unique approach regarding his plush moon mascot, Rise. Initially slated to leave the toy in the Integrity Orion spacecraft, Wiseman decided to bring Rise home instead. He shared his feelings on the matter via X, expressing a strong attachment to the mascot after their journey to the moon and back.

About Rise: The Zero-Gravity Indicator

Rise is no ordinary toy; it serves as a zero-gravity indicator created by Lucas Ye, a third grader from California. This mini-moon features an Earth-colored cap adorned with stars. Inside, it carries an SD card that holds over 5 million names submitted by people globally who wished to have their names sent to the moon.

Rise’s Role During the Mission

• Rise floated in front of the crew during their ascent on April 1, 2026.
• The crew included Wiseman, along with NASA astronauts Victor Glover and Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
• Throughout the mission, the toy became a talking point during live broadcasts and social media interactions.

Honoring a Lost Loved One

A poignant moment unfolded during the mission when the crew suggested naming a moon crater after Carroll, Wiseman’s wife who passed away in 2020. This heartfelt tribute was proposed during a livestream on April 6, 2026. As Wiseman’s crewmates shared memories of their astronaut family, tears were shed and solidarity was displayed through group hugs.

Return Journey and Final Mission Procedure

Upon successfully splashing down in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, Wiseman prepared to transport Rise safely out of the spacecraft. He cleverly secured the plush toy into a dry bag from the survival kit and hooked it onto his pressure suit.

This allowed Rise to accompany him on the next steps, where the crew was hoisted onto USS John P. Murtha via U.S. Navy helicopters.

Celebrating a Successful Mission

Wiseman and Rise reunited with the rest of the Artemis 2 crew at Naval Air Station North Island in California the day after landing. Wiseman shared a heartfelt moment with his daughters, showcasing Rise with a caption that celebrated their successful journey. The crew appeared on stage together in Houston, marking the end of their remarkable mission.

As for Rise’s future, NASA has not disclosed its next adventure. The fate of space-flown artifacts like Rise typically depends on agency policies and regulations. However, internet speculation has already dubbed the plush toy as a new member of Wiseman’s family, highlighting the emotional bond formed during their journey.