Rise, the fan-created plush toy that served as the zero-gravity indicator and mascot for NASA’s Artemis II crew, is now available as an official NASA-approved collectible. Proceeds from its sales will support the agency’s employee morale activities.
"Perfect for display, gifting, or inspiring the next generation of explorers, the Official Rise Plush is a fun addition to any space enthusiast's collection," states the product description on the NASA Exchange website.
Meet 'Rise': The Moon-Bound Mascot of Artemis II
Designed by Lucas Ye, a 9-year-old from California, Rise won the NASA and Freelancer.com "Moon Mascot" online challenge. The plush toy pays tribute to the iconic Earthrise scene, first witnessed by the Apollo 8 crew in 1968 and later seen by the Artemis II crew during their lunar flyby.
Rise features a distinctive cap designed to resemble the Earth rising over the Moon, symbolizing humanity’s connection to our home planet.
How to Get Your Own Rise Plush Toy
The Official Rise Plush is now available for purchase on the NASA Exchange website. Each sale contributes to NASA’s employee morale and engagement initiatives, making it a meaningful collectible for space enthusiasts and supporters of the agency.