Meet the creator of the plushie floating around Artemis II, a California second grader

CBS News
April 10, 2026
2 min read

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A California second-grader designed a zero-gravity indicator for the Artemis II crew.

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California second-grader Lukas Ye designed the plushie currently serving as a zero-gravity indicator for the Artemis II crew. Ye's creation is flying aboard the Artemis II mission, which is part of NASA's program to return humans to the Moon. This highlights a unique connection between a young student's creativity and a major space exploration endeavor. Lukas Ye and his mother are discussing the project with CBS News.

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NASA's Artemis II Moon Mission Launch Preparations

NASA is finalizing preparations for the Artemis II crewed moon mission, targeting an early April launch. This mission will be the first crewed test flight around the Moon as part of the broader Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface.

NASA's Artemis II Moon Mission Launch Preparations

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The Artemis II mission astronauts are on a historic flyby around the Moon, marking the first time humans have journeyed this far in over half a century. The crew has been sharing breathtaking views and is set to break Apollo 13's distance record.

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Artemis II Moon Flyby Mission

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Artemis II Lunar Flyby Mission

The Artemis II mission, carrying a crew of four, is currently on a historic journey around the Moon. Astronauts are preparing for a lunar flyby, capturing breathtaking views and marking a significant milestone in human space exploration.

NASA's Artemis II Lunar Flyby Mission

NASA's Artemis II mission is progressing with its crew preparing for a historic lunar flyby. The mission marks a significant step in humanity's return to the Moon, with astronauts observing breathtaking views and breaking distance records.

Artemis II Lunar Mission

The Artemis II mission is progressing, with its crew of four astronauts nearing a historic lunar flyby. This mission marks a significant step in humanity's return to the Moon, with the crew preparing for a lunar loop and observing breathtaking sights.

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Artemis II Lunar Flyby Mission Progress

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Artemis II Mission: Lunar Flyby and Distance Record

The Artemis II crew has successfully broken the record for the farthest distance traveled from Earth by humans, surpassing Apollo 13's record. The mission involves a historic lunar flyby, looping around the far side of the Moon as a critical step towards future lunar landings.

Artemis II Mission: Record-Breaking Lunar Flyby

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The Artemis II mission successfully completed its trip around the far side of the moon, with its four astronauts breaking the record for the farthest human travel from Earth. The crew also experienced a planned communications blackout and named a lunar crater after a commander's late wife.

Artemis II Mission Breaks Distance Record

The Artemis II mission successfully looped around the far side of the moon, with its four-astronaut crew breaking the record for the farthest human travel from Earth. The crew experienced a planned communications blackout and named a lunar crater after a commander's late wife, marking significant milestones as they return to Earth.

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The Artemis II mission has successfully completed its journey around the far side of the moon, with its four-astronaut crew breaking the record for the farthest human travel from Earth. The crew also experienced a planned communications blackout and named a moon crater in honor of a commander's late wife.

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The Artemis II mission successfully completed its journey around the far side of the moon, with its four astronauts breaking the record for the farthest human travel from Earth. The crew also experienced a planned communications blackout and named a lunar crater after a commander's late wife, marking significant milestones before their return to Earth.

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Artemis II Mission Returns to Earth

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