How Artemis 2 commander Reid Wiseman saved the mission's moon mascot: 'It's hard not to love this little guy. I can't let Rise out of my sight'

image via Space.com

April 13, 2026, 5:04 PM

• •Wiseman chose to keep the 'Rise' moon toy, a zero-gravity indicator.
• •Rise was dedicated to Wiseman's late wife, Carroll.
• •Rise accompanied the crew throughout the mission, even during splashdown and the journey back.
• •Rise is currently still with Wiseman.

Reid Wiseman, the NASA Artemis 2 commander, decided to keep the 'Rise' moon toy, created by a third grader, instead of leaving it in the spacecraft as per procedure. Rise became a symbol of the mission, and the crew members played with it during live streams. Wiseman dedicated the toy to his late wife, Carroll, whose name was inscribed on the toy, leading to an emotional moment during the mission. Wiseman secured Rise in a dry bag and attached it to his pressure suit, ensuring Rise returned home with the crew and is still with Wiseman.

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