Artemis 2 commander Reid Wiseman broke NASA protocol to save the mission’s moon mascot: ‘It’s hard not to love this little guy. I can’t let Rise out of my sight’

NASA's Artemis 2 Commander Defies Protocol for Moon Mascot with a Heartfelt Connection

In a heartwarming tale from space, Artemis 2 Commander Reid Wiseman took an unexpected stand for a plush toy moon mascot named Rise—ultimately revealing a poignant personal tribute.

The Breaking Point

When faced with the routine procedure to leave Rise, the Artemis 2 moon mascot, behind on the spacecraft, Wiseman made a personal decision to deviate from NASA's checklist. After a historic journey to the moon and back, he couldn't bear to part with the miniature moon, inscribed with over 5 million earthly names on an SD card.

Beneath the Surface

What makes this narrative truly compelling is the deeper emotional connection: "Carroll," inscribed on Rise, commemorates Wiseman's late wife, lost to cancer in 2020. During a live lunar flyby event, the crew touched hearts by suggesting a crater be named in her honor.

The Ripple Effect

Rise isn't just a toy; it symbolizes the blend of scientific quest and deep personal sentiment, echoing throughout their voyage and touching spectators globally. Returned to Earth attached to Wiseman's pressure suit, Rise now sits under Wiseman's watchful eye, celebrated as more than just a mission souvenir.

Rise's journey alongside Artemis 2 becomes a powerful reminder of the human stories that accompany our celestial explorations.