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Artemis II Moon Plush Rise Inspires Cute Space Toy Trend
The adorable zero-gravity indicator on the Artemis II mission has sparked a new wave of space-themed plushies for kids and adults.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:27pm
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A whimsical space-themed plush toy captures the public's imagination and inspires a new trend of adorable celestial companions for kids and adults alike.Mountain View TodayThe Artemis II mission featured a special 'zero-gravity indicator' in the form of a smiling moon-shaped plush toy named Rise. While Rise was meant to stay on the spacecraft, the astronauts couldn't resist bringing the cute plush back to Earth. This has inspired a new trend of space-themed plushies, including full moons, crescents, planets, and other celestial bodies that capture the same whimsical and adorable spirit as Rise.
Why it matters
The popularity of the Rise plush highlights the public's fascination with space exploration and the ability for space-themed toys to capture the imagination of both kids and adults. As the Artemis program continues, these types of playful and relatable space-themed products can help generate excitement and interest in the mission.
The details
Rise, the Artemis II mission's zero-gravity indicator, was a smiling moon-shaped plush toy designed by a second-grader in California. It served the practical purpose of visually showing the astronauts that the spacecraft had left Earth's gravity, but it also contained an SD card with the names of over 5 million people who wanted to take the trip around the moon. While Rise was supposed to stay on the spacecraft, the astronauts couldn't resist bringing the cute plush back home with them. This has sparked a new trend of space-themed plushies, including full moons, crescents, planets, and other celestial bodies that capture the same whimsical and adorable spirit as Rise.
- Rise was designed by Lucas Ye, a second-grader in Mountain View, California.
- The Artemis II mission took place in 2026.
- When the Artemis II returned to Earth, the astronauts brought Rise back with them instead of leaving it on the spacecraft.
The players
Rise
A smiling moon-shaped plush toy that served as the zero-gravity indicator on the Artemis II mission.
Lucas Ye
A second-grader in Mountain View, California who designed the Rise plush.
Reid Wiseman
The commander of the Artemis II mission, who couldn't resist bringing the Rise plush back to Earth instead of leaving it on the spacecraft.
What they’re saying
“I was supposed to leave Rise in Integrity....but that was not something I was going to do. I stuffed that little guy in a dry bag we had in our survival kit and hooked the bag onto my pressure suit.”
— Reid Wiseman, Artemis II Commander
“It's hard not to love this little guy. I can't let Rise out of my sight...currently tethered to my water bottle.”
— Reid Wiseman, Artemis II Commander
What’s next
As the Artemis program continues, NASA and commercial space companies may look to capitalize on the popularity of the Rise plush by creating more space-themed toys and merchandise to engage the public's interest in space exploration.
The takeaway
The Rise plush from the Artemis II mission has sparked a new trend of adorable and whimsical space-themed plushies that can help capture the imagination of both kids and adults when it comes to the excitement of space travel and exploration.
