Moonbound milestone: Artemis II crew names the Orion capsule
The four astronauts set to ride the first crewed Orion spacecraft have announced the capsule’s name at a high-profile Houston briefing. Commander Reid Wiseman, along with pilots and mission specialists, revealed a name for the minibus-sized capsule that will carry humans farther from Earth than any since the Apollo era. The moment underscores NASA’s shift from solo launches to a sustained human presence on and around the Moon.
What the naming moment means for Artemis II
Choosing a name is more than a branding exercise. It serves as a symbolic milestone for the Artemis II mission, which will test Orion’s life-support, communications, and propulsion systems in the crucible of deep space. Wiseman described the name as a reflection of teamwork, resilience, and the shared purpose of the crew and NASA staff who have trained for years to reach lunar orbit. The naming gesture also helps the public connect with the mission as it enters a new phase beyond testing and simulations.
A ritual that binds the crew
For the quartet—commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeanette Epps—naming the capsule is a rite of passage. It creates a common identity as they prepare to pilot Orion through a rigorous flight plan and into lunar vicinity. The ceremony, hosted in Houston, highlighted how the crew collaboration forged through years of drills, simulations, and long-duration training will be tested in the actual voyage that awaits them.
Meet the Artemis II crew
Artemis II brings together a seasoned team: commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeanette Epps. Each astronaut brings a distinct background in spaceflight, research, and life-support operations. Together, they will validate the systems that will enable future crews to live and work in deep space as NASA charts a path toward a sustainable lunar presence.
What’s next for Artemis II?
With the capsule named and the crew in place, NASA is moving ahead with integrated testing, emergency procedures, and mission simulations designed to stress-test Orion’s environmental control and life-support systems. The mission will provide critical data about deep-space navigation, thermal protection during re-entry, and crew safety protocols. Artemis II will also pave the way for subsequent crewed missions that aim to establish a long-term human foothold on the Moon and beyond.
Engaging the public and inspiring future explorers
Public engagement remains a cornerstone of the Artemis program. By sharing the naming moment in Houston, NASA reinforces its commitment to education and outreach while inviting students and enthusiasts to follow a real mission from launch to lunar vicinity. The capsule’s name becomes a beacon—an everyday touchpoint that connects classroom lessons, science fiction-inspired curiosity, and the tangible reality of human spaceflight as the country and its partners push toward ambitious exploration goals.
