NASA’s Artemis 2 mission recently saw Commander Reid Wiseman make an unexpected choice regarding a beloved mascot named Rise. Initially intended to be left behind in the spacecraft post-splashdown, Wiseman decided to bring the zero-gravity indicator back with him after ten days in space.
Who is Rise?
Rise is a plush toy that serves as a zero-gravity indicator. Designed by third grader Lucas Ye from California, this mini-moon features an Earth-colored cap adorned with stars. Inside the toy, over 5 million names submitted by individuals worldwide are stored on an SD card, symbolizing the collective hopes of those wishing to journey to the moon.
The Significance of Rise
- Rise became a star during livestreamed conversations between the crew and Earth.
- It symbolized a historic lunar flyby mission, the first human visit to the moon in 54 years.
- Wiseman, Glover, Koch, and Hansen shared emotional moments involving Rise, including discussions about naming a moon crater.
During a touching April 6 livestream, the crew mentioned the name “Carroll,” referring to Wiseman’s late wife. This heartfelt moment led to a suggestion for naming a moon crater in her honor, which will be submitted to the International Astronomical Union.
Bringing Rise Home
As the crew’s mission concluded, Wiseman prepared to ensure Rise’s safe return. He cleverly packed the toy in a dry bag, secured to his pressure suit, allowing Rise to share the final moments of the mission. After splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, 2026, Rise was lifted aboard a U.S. Navy helicopter along with Wiseman and Jeremy Hansen, while Glover and Koch traveled in a separate helicopter.
Mission Completion
The team landed at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, where Rise remained with Wiseman. On April 11, the crew celebrated their successful mission at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas. During this event, Rise appeared again, symbolizing the end of their journey.
While the future adventures of Rise are still uncertain, it is clear that the toy has become an integral part of Wiseman’s story. Astronauts and fans alike have humorously regarded Rise as part of Wiseman’s family, showcasing the emotional bonds formed during this historic mission.
