NASA's first astronauts to fly to the moon in more than 50 years will pay tribute to the lunar and space exploration missions that preceded them, as well as aviation and American history, by taking with them artifacts and mementos representing those past accomplishments.
NASA on Wednesday (Jan. 21) revealed the contents of the Artemis II mission's Official Flight Kit (OFK), continuing a tradition dating back to the Apollo program of packing a duffel bag-size pouch of symbolic and celebratory items to celebrate the flight and recognize the people behind it. The kit includes more than 2,300 items, including a handful of relics.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56534 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-23-2026 10:55 AM
The Artemis II rubber stamp listed in the Official Flight Kit manifest was made for NASA by Simply Stamps of Jacksonville, Florida.
This stamp wasn't built for a desk. It was built to meet mission requirements.
Under one ounce.
Removable handle.
Clean, consistent impressions.
When NASA asked for a custom stamp for Artemis II, we didn't adjust a template. We engineered a solution. From everyday paperwork to a mission beyond Earth, this is what it means to stand behind every mark we make.
SpaceAholic Member
Posts: 5565 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-23-2026 03:31 PM
The stamp reads:
This Artemis stamp orbited the moon
The stamp should read "flew around" the moon.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56534 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-02-2026 04:41 PM
In addition to the OFK, the astronauts each have their own Personal Preference Kit (PPK) ... Hansen has four moon pendants that he is taking for his wife and three children.
Here are the pendants:
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56534 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-09-2026 08:27 AM
The Artemis crew shared the Apollo 18 flag on Flight Day 8:
SkyMan1958 Member
Posts: 1445 From: CA. Registered: Jan 2011
posted 04-09-2026 04:35 PM
Does anyone know what the items inside Hansen's pendants represent? I see two silvery globes, which might represent the Earth and the Moon, as well as five stones, which might represent his family. On the other hand, the structure might represent some sort of molecular chain.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56534 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-15-2026 09:48 PM
The only detail about the pendants I heard Jeremy Hansen say (and can find being reported) is that each features their intended recipient's birthstone.
In other news, Christina Koch shared an item from her personal preference kit:
Going to the Moon may have been my Super Bowl, but I sure loved watching yours. (I watch Eagles games on Earth, too.)
My husband introduced me to this team and city — gritty, hard working and embodying the underdog mentality. Now I'm all in. As a surprise for him, I flew confetti from Super Bowl LIX around the Moon.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56534 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-17-2026 08:38 PM
Jeremy Hansen's wedding ring floating aboard Orion.
Launching on April 1st meant I got back in time to celebrate my 23rd wedding anniversary with Catherine today [April 12]! Grateful to be able to share this zero g photo of my wedding ring in person over dinner tonight... as well as some cuddle time on Earth.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56534 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-13-2026 11:05 AM
Jeremy Hansen presented the Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney with a Canadian flag patch that was flown on the Artemis II mission. The patch was mounted on a photo of Earth taken from the far side of the moon, with each Artemis II astronaut's signature on it.
According to the OFK manifest, there were six of these flag patches carried on Artemis II.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56534 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-17-2026 06:38 PM
quote:Originally posted by SpaceAholic: The stamp should read "flew around" the moon.
Simply Stamps is now selling a $34.99 replica of the flown ink device with the surrounding words edited (but still containing the error): "Official Replica Of The Artemis II Stamp That Orbited The Moon — April 2026".
posted 01-22-2026 01:00 AM
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