Astronauts Immortalize Loved Ones in Lunar Craters

Artemis II astronauts are following in the footsteps of their Apollo predecessors, proposing personal names for lunar craters to honor loved ones and their historic mission. This poignant gesture continues a tradition that began with Apollo 8 in 1968.

The Artemis II crew, currently on their journey home from the moon, have requested permission to name one crater after their command module Integrity, and another after a cherished family member. This intimate act of lunar commemoration echoes the Apollo 8 astronauts, who named features on the far side of the moon after their wives.

"Naming these lunar landmarks is a deeply meaningful way for the Artemis II crew to leave their mark on the moon," said NASA spokesperson Emily Carney. "It connects their mission to the rich history and personal stories of past moonwalkers, forging a lasting bond between the astronauts and the surface of our celestial companion."

The process for officially naming lunar features is managed by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), which must approve all proposed monikers. NASA expects the Artemis II requests to be swiftly granted, given the precedent set by Apollo 8 and the personal significance of the chosen names.

"Establishing these personal connections to the moon is incredibly important, both for the astronauts themselves and for inspiring the next generation of explorers," said space historian Dr. Samantha Rolfe. "It transforms the cold, distant lunar surface into a place imbued with human meaning and emotion."

The Artemis II mission, scheduled to launch in 2024, will see the first woman and first person of color orbit the moon. For the crew, the opportunity to leave their mark on the lunar landscape is a profound honor, solidifying their place in the annals of spaceflight history.

"These crater namings are a touching reminder that the moon belongs to all of humanity," added Carney. "As we continue our bold journey of lunar exploration, the personal stories of our astronauts will become an integral part of the moon's storied past."