NASA Dedicates Artemis Moon Tree at Mary W. Jackson Elementary

The loblolly pine sapling orbited the Moon in 2022 before being planted by students in Hampton, Virginia.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 9:18am

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NASA's Langley Research Center and the National Institute of Aerospace's Center for Integrative STEM Education (NIA-CISE) dedicated an Artemis Moon Tree at Mary W. Jackson Elementary School in Hampton, Virginia. The loblolly pine sapling orbited the Moon in 2022 as part of the Artemis I mission before being planted by students in November 2025. The tree honors the legacy of Mary W. Jackson, NASA's first Black female engineer, and serves as a living symbol of exploration and scientific discovery.

Why it matters

The Artemis Moon Tree represents the continued legacy of NASA's pioneering work in space exploration and the contributions of trailblazers like Mary W. Jackson. Its presence at the elementary school named after Jackson inspires the next generation of students to pursue STEM fields and continue the journey of discovery.

The details

The Artemis Moon Tree was planted by third- through fifth-grade students at Mary W. Jackson Elementary School in November 2025 after the seed orbited the Moon as part of the Artemis I mission in 2022. The tree was then nurtured by NASA eClips educators at the National Institute of Aerospace's Center for Integrative STEM Education (NIA-CISE) before being transported to Hampton. The planting site was chosen to honor the legacy of Mary W. Jackson, NASA's first Black female engineer, who worked at the nearby Langley Research Center.

  • The Artemis Moon Tree seed orbited the Moon in 2022 as part of the Artemis I mission.
  • The tree was planted by students at Mary W. Jackson Elementary School on November 21, 2025.
  • The tree was formally dedicated on March 18, 2026.

The players

Mary W. Jackson Elementary School

An elementary school in Hampton, Virginia, named after NASA's first Black female engineer, Mary W. Jackson.

NASA Langley Research Center

A NASA research center located in Hampton, Virginia, that was home to many pioneering mathematicians, engineers, and astronauts, including Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Christine Darden.

National Institute of Aerospace's Center for Integrative STEM Education (NIA-CISE)

An organization that applied for and received the Artemis Moon Tree through NASA's Office of STEM Engagement, and cared for the sapling before it was planted at the elementary school.

NASA eClips

A program within NASA's Science Activation Program that strives to deepen science literacy by engaging learners and educators in experiences and standards-aligned resources grounded in NASA science.

Caiden

A fifth-grade student at Mary W. Jackson Elementary School who helped plant the Artemis Moon Tree and shared his reflections on the experience.

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What they’re saying

“My job was putting soil around the tree, and at first, it seemed like a small task, but I realized it was actually one of the most important parts. The soil is what helps the tree stand strong and grow over time. It made me think about how, in life, the little things we do - like helping others, staying consistent, and doing our part - can make a big difference. Just like this tree came from a seed that traveled around the moon, we all have the potential to go far and do amazing things, but we need a strong foundation to grow...I'm proud that I helped give this tree its start, and I'll always remember that even small actions can lead to something big.”

— Caiden, Fifth-grade student

What’s next

The Artemis Moon Tree will continue to serve as a source of learning and inspiration for the students and staff at Mary W. Jackson Elementary School for years to come.

The takeaway

The Artemis Moon Tree stands as a living symbol of NASA's legacy of exploration and scientific discovery, honoring the contributions of trailblazers like Mary W. Jackson and inspiring the next generation of students to pursue their own dreams of space exploration and innovation.