NASA has unveiled the wake-up playlist for the Artemis II crew and introduced a plush mascot named Rise, marking key milestones in the historic moon mission.
Core Facts
The Artemis II crew, consisting of Commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, shared their eight-song wake-up playlist via Spotify. The list includes tracks like "Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie and "Good Morning" by Mandisa and TobyMac. Additionally, NASA introduced Rise, a plush moon mascot designed by a California student, Lucas Ye, which serves as the mission’s zero-gravity indicator. Rise was selected from over 2,600 submissions and carries a microSD card with names from NASA’s "Fly Your Name" program.
Deeper Dive & Context
The Wake-Up Playlist Tradition
The wake-up call tradition dates back to the Apollo missions, where music was used to rouse astronauts. The Artemis II crew’s selections reflect their personal tastes and continue this legacy. The playlist was shared on social media, with NASA noting that "Under Pressure" played on Wednesday.
Rise’s Role and Symbolism
Rise, the plush mascot, is not just a companion but a functional zero-gravity indicator. It floats freely when the Orion spacecraft reaches weightlessness, signaling the crew’s arrival in deep space. The mascot’s design is inspired by the "Earthrise" photograph from Apollo 8, symbolizing the mission’s connection to past lunar exploration. Rise also carries names from the public, symbolically taking millions of people to the moon.
Mission Highlights
The Artemis II crew launched on April 1, 2026, for a 10-day mission around the moon. They completed a lunar flyby, becoming the first astronauts in over 50 years to loop around the moon. The crew captured stunning images of Earth, the far side of the moon, and an eclipse in space. They also set a record for the farthest humans have traveled from Earth, reaching 252,756 miles.
Public and Media Response
NASA’s social media posts about the playlist and Rise garnered significant attention, with fans and space enthusiasts engaging with the content. The introduction of Rise was particularly highlighted, with NASA changing its profile picture to feature the plush mascot and sharing posts from Rise’s perspective.