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Updated · Ars Technica · Apr 29Rise plush toy becomes NASA-approved Artemis II collectible supporting employee morale
12 articles · Updated · Ars Technica · Apr 29
- Designed by 9-year-old Lucas Ye, Rise was the Artemis II crew’s zero-g indicator and mascot, now sold via NASA Exchange.
- Proceeds from the plush benefit NASA’s employee morale activities and the toy features a cap inspired by the iconic earthrise photo.
- Rise’s design nods to the Orion spacecraft and Artemis II mission, aiming to inspire future explorers and celebrate the mission’s ethos.
What made a 9-year-old's design beat thousands of others for the Artemis II mascot? Does turning the 'earthrise' view into a plush toy cheapen its powerful message? Could merchandise become a major funding stream for future NASA employee programs? How did seeing Earth from the Moon personally change the Artemis II astronauts? After a critical audit, how will NASA ensure plush profits truly boost employee morale? What is the future for the 5.6 million names that flew to the Moon?