Rise, the fan-created, flown-to-the-moon plush toy that served as the Artemis II crew’s zero-g indicator and mascot, is now available as a NASA-approved collectible. Its sales will benefit 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,” reads the doll’s description on the NASA Exchange website.
Designed by Lucas Ye, a 9-year-old Californian who won NASA and Freelancer.com’s “Moon Mascot” online challenge, Rise is a tribute to “earthrise”—the iconic scene first seen in person by the Apollo 8 crew in 1968 and recently witnessed by the Artemis II crew. Rise wears a cap that resembles the Earth rising over the Moon.
