Why did Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman break protocol?

Commander Reid Wiseman broke protocol to ensure the crew's mascot, Rise, was not left behind on the Orion capsule after their mission concluded.

What was the purpose of the Artemis II mascot, Rise?

Rise served as a zero-gravity indicator, showing when the spacecraft achieved weightlessness, and also carried an SD card with over five million names.

What touching detail was hidden in the Rise mascot's design?

The mascot's design included the name 'Carroll,' a tribute to Commander Reid Wiseman's late wife.

Home / Science / Commander Swipes Mascot Before Splashdown

Commander Swipes Mascot Before Splashdown

14 Apr

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Summary

Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman broke protocol to keep the mission mascot.
The mascot, a stuffed moon named Rise, served as a zero-gravity indicator.
Rise carried an SD card with over five million names around the moon.

Commander Swipes Mascot Before Splashdown

Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman admitted to intentionally violating NASA protocol to ensure the crew's beloved mascot, a stuffed moon named Rise, did not get left behind after splashdown. Rise, designed by a third-grade student, was a constant companion throughout the mission, from pre-flight press tours to their journey around the moon.

Beyond its role as a morale booster, Rise functioned as a zero-gravity indicator, floating when the spacecraft achieved weightlessness. Inside the mascot was an SD card containing the names of over five million people.