NASA is once again capturing the public’s imagination with its Artemis program — a bold return to the Moon, supported by cutting-edge technology and an exciting opportunity for space enthusiasts around the globe. One of the most captivating elements of this historic mission? You can now send your name to the Moon—digitally—for free. Yes, your name, digitally etched onto a physical medium, carried aboard NASA’s Artemis spacecraft, joining millions of others in this lunar legacy.
People of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds can be part of this new moonshot-era record, reflecting the global support and excitement for interplanetary exploration. Whether you’re a student dreaming of becoming an astronaut or just someone fascinated by the stars, this opportunity lets you carve your name into space history—literally. Join the growing list of Earthlings who will symbolically set foot on the Moon by participating in an inspiring, meaningful, and incredibly easy initiative launched by NASA.
Quick overview of the Artemis name campaign
| Campaign Name | Send Your Name to the Moon – NASA Artemis Mission |
| Organizer | NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) |
| Deadline | Ongoing (subject to mission launch schedule) |
| Eligibility | Open to all individuals globally |
| Participation Cost | Free |
| Included Perks | Digital boarding pass, official participation certificate |
Why NASA is collecting names for Artemis missions
Back in the Apollo days, only astronauts made the journey to the Moon. But with Artemis, NASA is aiming for something bigger: **an inclusive journey** that invites public participation. By allowing anyone to submit their name, NASA not only raises awareness about its lunar ambitions but also nurtures space curiosity across generations.
This initiative expands far beyond symbolism. Public engagement in space missions plays a crucial role in funding, education, and inspiring future explorers. Names submitted via NASA’s secure portal are saved on a flash drive that will travel on the Artemis spacecraft. This data payload becomes part of the mission’s archive — a digital hall of fame resting on lunar soil millions of miles from home.
“Part of the excitement in exploration is sharing the journey with the world. This campaign makes everyone a part of this next giant leap.”
— Dr. Sarah Williams, NASA Outreach Director
What makes the Artemis missions so significant
Artemis is more than another Moon voyage. Named after the twin sister of Apollo, the program represents a new era of sustainable and diverse lunar exploration. Artemis I, the mission carrying these names, is the first integrated test of NASA’s powerful Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft. It marks the beginning of a larger vision — setting the stage for Artemis II (the first crewed flight) and Artemis III (which will land astronauts on the Moon, including the first woman and person of color).
This long-term vision includes establishing a lunar basecamp and creating permanent fixtures for science, technology development, and possibly commercial operations. Participation in such a world-shaping moment, even through a symbolic gesture like adding your name, holds meaning and pride that lasts lifetimes.
How to add your name to NASA’s digital Moon vault
Submitting your name is **simple, fast, and entirely free**. NASA has streamlined the process to ensure that anyone with internet access can sign up in minutes. Here’s how you do it:
- Visit NASA’s official platform page for the Artemis name campaign.
- Fill in your full name and country of origin. An email address is typically required.
- Agree to participation terms and privacy policy.
- Customize and download your unique **digital boarding pass** to commemorate your lunar participation.
That’s it. Your name will now be encoded onto a memory device that will become part of Artemis I’s payload—destined to orbit the Moon in space.
Enhancing education and global outreach
The campaign isn’t just an exciting offer; it’s also a **powerful educational tool**. Educators around the world are incorporating this opportunity into classrooms, encouraging students to explore planetary science, astronomy, and STEM careers. NASA even recommends pairing the name submission with Artemis-themed learning modules and mission tracking tools provided freely to educators.
“It’s a unique way to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts. Every child deserves to feel like they’re part of the space journey.”
— Linda Han, STEM Curriculum Advisor
Many schools and educational institutions are encouraging entire classrooms to participate together, often hosting small ceremonies where students receive their boarding passes and learn more about lunar science and NASA history.
Virtual souvenirs and bragging rights
Beyond the cosmic honor, participants receive a **NASA-certified boarding pass**—a beautifully designed digital card personalized with their name, launch info, and official Artemis branding. This memento can be downloaded, printed, or shared online to build excitement for launch day.
Social media has seen a wave of users proudly posting their Artemis passes, creating a viral moment for space fans across the globe. This community of amateur astronauts and cosmic dreamers fosters connectivity and encourages long-term awareness about the Artemis program milestones.
How this opportunity compares to past campaigns
| Winners | Why |
|---|---|
| General Public | Can participate for free in space exploration and receive official memorabilia. |
| Students & Educators | Gain a new resource for lessons in science and technology; connects education with space-realism. |
| NASA Outreach | Expands visibility and public engagement for Artemis lunar programs. |
Looking ahead to Artemis II and III
The program doesn’t stop at Artemis I. Future missions — with real human crew members — are projected to continue the tradition of digital messages from Earth. Names submitted today may even be included on successive flash drives or digital media launched on later modules. NASA has not officially announced separate campaigns for Artemis II or III, but momentum suggests they will continue community engagement efforts.
Early submission might even grant participants early notices or priority alerts for upcoming mission features. For dedicated space followers, this creates an ongoing community campaign that stays relevant over the next decade of lunar exploration.
Final thoughts: A small name, a giant legacy
While your name won’t physically land on the Moon itself, its presence aboard an interplanetary mission is **no small gesture**. It’s a commitment to science, curiosity, and the belief that space is for everyone. NASA’s Artemis program isn’t just about stepping back on lunar dust—it’s about taking humanity with them, one name at a time.
“We’re building the future of space travel. Every name we carry is another stitch in this new space-era tapestry.”
— David Marshall, Mission Planner
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a deadline to submit my name?
There is no strict deadline currently, but it is recommended to submit early to ensure inclusion on the Artemis I mission.
Can I see where my name goes?
Yes, NASA typically shares mission visuals and locations of the onboard drives, and you can track the mission in real-time when launched.
Is it really free to participate?
Yes. There are absolutely no charges or hidden fees. NASA provides this initiative as a public service and outreach opportunity.
Will I receive physical confirmation of my name being sent?
No physical items are mailed, but you will receive a digital boarding pass that you may print or save.
Can children participate too?
Absolutely. People of all ages, including children, can submit names. Schools are especially encouraged to engage students in this way.
Will this opportunity repeat for future missions?
NASA has run similar programs in the past and is likely to continue for future Artemis missions; details are announced closer to launch.