Rise

Rise is a small, round, smiling plush toy serving as a zero-gravity indicator aboard the Artemis 2 mission. Designed by a child and inspired by an iconic photo of Earth, Rise floats within the Orion spacecraft, signaling when the crew enters microgravity. Rise's presence is newsworthy due to its role in the Artemis 2 mission, which launched on April 1, 2026, and is en route to the Moon. As the mission progresses, Rise's movements are closely observed during astronaut communications, providing a visual cue for the transition to weightlessness. Rise represents humanity's journey to the Moon and adds a touch of whimsy to a high-tech space endeavor.