Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
NASA Invites Designers to Create Zero Gravity Indicator for Artemis II Mission
NASA has opened a unique opportunity for global designers to submit their ideas for a zero gravity indicator that will be used on the agency’s forthcoming Artemis II test flight. These indicators are small and often plush items carried on space missions, designed to visually signify when astronauts and their spacecraft have entered a zero-gravity environment.
With a submission deadline set for May 27, the agency is looking for innovative designs that reflect the spirit of NASA’s Artemis program, emphasizing themes of exploration and discovery. Participants must adhere to specific size and material requirements as part of their submissions.
“What better way to fly a mission around the Moon than to invite the public inside NASA’s Orion spacecraft with us and ask for help in designing our zero gravity indicator?” remarked Reid Wiseman, NASA astronaut and commander of the Artemis II mission, during an event at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. “The indicator will float alongside Victor, Christina, Jeremy, and me as we go around the far side of the Moon, serving as a reminder of everyone back on Earth.”
A maximum of 25 finalists will be chosen, including entries from a dedicated K-12 student category. The Artemis II crew will select one winning design, which NASA’s Thermal Blanket Lab will manufacture for space travel. Imagine seeing your creation drifting alongside astronauts as they orbit the Moon.
Detailed information about the contest can be found at:
http://www.freelancer.com/moon-mascot
The design challenge, known as Moon Mascot: NASA Artemis II ZGI Design Contest, is being managed by Freelancer in collaboration with NASA’s Tournament Lab, which operates under the Space Technology Mission Directorate.
NASA has a storied history of incorporating zero gravity indicators into human spaceflight missions. Many trips to the International Space Station have included plush companions, with a notable example being the plush Snoopy that accompanied the uncrewed Artemis I mission aboard Orion.
Artemis II marks the inaugural crewed test flight of the Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft, and associated ground support systems. The mission’s crew will consist of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, along with Jeremy Hansen, an astronaut from the Canadian Space Agency. This mission aims to circle the Moon and return, representing a significant milestone in the Artemis campaign as NASA prepares for lunar surface exploration and future human missions to Mars.
Currently, all essential components for Artemis II are being readied for launch. Engineers have successfully completed stacking the twin solid rocket boosters for the Space Launch System on their launch platform, with the integration of the SLS core stage expected in the near future. Additionally, solar array wings have been installed on the Orion spacecraft, set to carry the four astronauts on their lunar journey and safe return.
Through the Artemis initiative, NASA aims to send astronauts to the Moon to facilitate scientific discoveries, deliver economic advantages, and lay the groundwork for human exploration of Mars.
For further details on Artemis II, please visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/
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Source
www.nasa.gov