What does it mean to send your name to the Moon
Sending your name to the Moon with NASA is a public engagement initiative that lets you submit your name to join lunar missions. The initiative is not a commercial service, does not guarantee a physical keepsake, and has no scientific experiment attached to your submission. Names are collected digitally and stored aboard spacecraft heading to the Moon, creating a shared human presence on future robotic explorers. This program is periodically run as part of NASA’s Artemis campaign and other lunar efforts, emphasizing broad participation and education rather than priority access or mission influence.
How the NASA name submission program works
NASA periodically opens online sign-ups for specific missions, typically through a simple web form where you provide your name and basic details. After the submission window closes, names are compiled into a counter that travels aboard spacecraft bound for the Moon. Your name does not occupy physical space in the traditional sense; it is stored electronically, often etched onto microchips or included in an online registry. There is no fee, no priority for celebrities or donors, and no change to mission timelines. The program is designed to be inclusive and global whenever possible, though technical and programmatic constraints can affect reach and timing.
Notable missions that carried names to the Moon
Lunar missions and name storage details
Several recent and planned lunar missions have included public-name collections, ranging from small CubeSats to large science orbiters. Participation varies by mission, and not all missions carry a public list or make names publicly accessible after flight. The table below summarizes verified mission attributes where available and highlights how names were handled.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Mission | Artemis I (uncrewed flight test) | NASA official mission summary |
| Names carried | Over 100,000 names submitted via public campaign | NASA public outreach page |
| Storage method | Names stored on a commemorative chip aboard the Orion spacecraft | NASA mission documentation |
| Timing | Submission window closed before launch; names etched before integration | NASA campaign timeline |
| Mission | CAPSTONE | Mission public affairs release |
| Names carried | d>Names of partner institutions and selected participantsProgram documentation | |
| Storage method | Digital list used for tracking and acknowledgments | Program records |
| Mission | Lunar Flashlight | NASA payload fact sheet |
| Names carried | No public-name campaign associated | N/A |
| Notes | Scientific CubeSat focused on technology demonstration | Program documentation |
These examples illustrate that carrying names is not guaranteed on every lunar mission and depends on payload capacity, program goals, and timing. When campaigns are run, NASA provides clear instructions on how names are stored and whether they will be publicly accessible after flight.
Eligibility, timing, and practical considerations
Most name-submission opportunities are open to anyone aged 13 and older; younger participants may require guardian consent. Campaigns run only when a mission is scheduled and when NASA determines that onboard storage and public-interest goals align. There is no guarantee your specific entry will be included if a campaign reaches capacity, and some initiatives may limit submissions by region or partner channel. Participation does not affect mission priority, safety, or scientific objectives, and names are not returned as physical artifacts unless a dedicated outreach component is announced.
How to check for current name-to-Moon opportunities
To see whether NASA is currently accepting names for a lunar mission, visit the official NASA website and look for campaigns under the Artemis program, Moon to Mars efforts, or specific mission pages. Subpages for missions such as Orion, Gateway elements, or scientific orbiters may list active sign-ups. Check submission deadlines, geographic eligibility, and whether a mission includes a public list or private registry. Avoid third-party sites that charge fees for what NASA offers for free; legitimate submissions are managed directly by NASA or its official education and outreach partners.
What happens to your name after submission
After a campaign closes, names are compiled into a digital file and transferred to spacecraft teams for integration into commemorative hardware or tracking systems. If hardware space is limited, NASA may choose to include only a subset of names or use a digital-only approach for later missions. Once integrated, names typically remain on the spacecraft for the duration of the mission and may be referenced in post-flight reports or public summaries. After the mission, information about which names flew and how they were stored is usually published on NASA’s outreach channels, though detailed manifests are not always released.
Common questions and limitations
- There is no scientific experiment tied to your name; it is stored for archival and educational purposes.
- Submission does not provide boarding passes, seating, or influence on mission planning.
- Not every lunar mission includes a name-collection campaign; availability is tied to program timing and objectives.
- Names are generally not returned as physical mementos, though some missions provide digital confirmation or commemorative materials.
- If a mission is delayed or canceled, name submission windows may be extended or re-run depending on program status.
Bottom line on sending your name to the Moon
Sending your name to the Moon with NASA is a free, periodically available public engagement activity tied to specific lunar missions. It offers a way to be part of the story without affecting mission design, timelines, or science. Participation is open to a broad audience when campaigns run, and details about storage, access, and availability are clearly outlined during each submission window. Check official NASA channels for current opportunities, and treat any third-party fees with caution, since NASA does not charge to include your name on lunar missions.