While only four elite astronauts will physically board the Orion spacecraft next month, NASA is inviting the rest of humanity to join them in spirit. In a final push for its global engagement campaign, the space agency is offering a 24-hour window for individuals to register their names to be carried around the Moon.
The Mission: Artemis II
Scheduled to launch as early as February 6, 2026, Artemis II marks a historic milestone as the first crewed mission to the lunar vicinity since Apollo 17 in 1972. The crew—NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen—will embark on a 10-day journey, testing life-support systems and deep-space navigation.
Tucked inside the Orion capsule alongside the crew will be a digital microchip or SD card containing millions of names from across the globe.
How to “Board” the Orion
The process is free and designed for viral sharing. Participants who sign up at NASA’s official portal receive a personalized digital boarding pass, complete with their name and mission details, resembling a futuristic airline ticket.
The Deadline: Submissions officially close tomorrow, January 21, 2026.
Beyond Symbolism
For NASA, this campaign is more than a public relations stunt. “Artemis II is an opportunity to inspire people across the globe and give them a chance to follow along as we lead the way in human exploration,” a NASA spokesperson stated. The mission serves as a critical stepping stone for Artemis III—the planned return of humans to the lunar surface—and the eventual exploration of Mars.
How to Join:
- Visit the NASA Send Your Name website.
- Enter your name and a custom PIN (to access your pass later).
- Download and share your boarding pass on social media.
As the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket stands ready on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, this remains the easiest way for space enthusiasts in Myanmar and beyond to claim their small place in the history of the “Artemis Generation.”
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