Lucas Ye

Lucas Ye is an eight-year-old boy from Mountain View, California. He recently gained international attention because his small toy, named Rise, was selected to be included in the Artemis II mission. Lucas won an international contest with over 2,500 entries, earning Rise a spot on the Orion spacecraft. Rise's primary function during the 10-day mission is to act as an indicator of microgravity for the crew. As the spacecraft enters a weightless environment, Rise will float, visually confirming the condition for the astronauts. The Artemis II mission aims to make history by reaching the far side of the Moon, and Rise's presence, facilitated by Lucas's winning entry, adds a heartwarming and relatable element to the ambitious space endeavor. The inclusion of a plush toy as a zero-gravity indicator is also noted as a welcome change from older good-luck charms.