Reid Wiseman, the commander of NASA’s Artemis 2 mission, made a memorable decision upon his spacecraft’s splashdown. Departing from the standard post-mission protocol, he chose not to leave behind the plush toy mascot, Rise.
Wiseman’s Defiance of Protocol
After ten days of space travel, Wiseman felt a connection to the toy, which was intended to be a zero-gravity indicator. Originally designed by Lucas Ye, a third-grader from California, Rise represents over five million names submitted by people worldwide. Each name adorns an SD card tucked inside the toy.
Wiseman expressed his sentiment on X, stating, “I was supposed to leave Rise in Integrity … but that was not something I was going to do.” The mascot gained extra significance during the mission, which marked humanity’s return to the moon after nearly 54 years.
A Symbol of Remembrance
During the mission, the crew engaged with Rise, sharing lighthearted moments over livestream with audiences on Earth. Interestingly, social media users noted that Rise had been inscribed with the name “Carroll.” This name belongs to Wiseman’s late wife, who passed away from cancer in 2020.
- The crew suggested naming a moon crater after Carroll.
- This proposal will be submitted to the International Astronomical Union for consideration.
Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen highlighted the emotional context behind the name during a livestream, stating, “We lost a loved one. Her name was Carroll.” This heartfelt tribute prompted emotional reactions among the crew, culminated in a group hug on camera.
Bringing Rise Home
Post-mission, Wiseman devised a personal plan to secure Rise for the return trip. He placed the toy in a dry bag from their survival kit and attached it to his pressure suit. Upon splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, Rise also became part of the recovery operation.
The U.S. Navy helicopter retrieved the crew, ensuring Rise was kept close by during the process. Wiseman later shared that Rise remained at his side, stating, “I can’t let Rise out of my sight.”
A Culmination of Mission Success
On April 11, 2026, the Artemis 2 crew celebrated the end of their mission at Naval Air Station North Island in California. They also reunited with NASA officials and the astronaut corps in Houston, where Rise made an appearance.
Though it’s unclear what’s next for Rise, the toy continues to symbolize the bond formed during the mission. Social media has humorously dubbed it “Reid’s new child,” highlighting the unique attachment Wiseman has to the mascot as a cherished part of his family.
