IntroducingIntegrity: Artemis II astronauts name their Orion ride to the Moon

In a significant announcement, the Artemis II astronauts have chosen the name 'Integrity' for their Orion spacecraft, marking the first crewed mission to the Moon in over half a century. This revelation took place during a press briefing at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, where mission commander Reid Wiseman emphasized the importance of naming the vehicle for their extraordinary journey. Wiseman stated, "As a crew, we felt it was essential to have a name for the Orion spacecraft that reflects this magical mission we are about to embark on." The tradition of naming spacecraft dates back to the Apollo program, where crews would select titles for their command modules and lunar landers to differentiate between them during their missions. As NASA's spacecraft evolved, including the reusable space shuttle orbiters, naming conventions became a way to engage the public and add a unique personality to each vehicle. With Artemis II, Wiseman wanted a name that would embody both their mission's spirit and their collective achievements. "We're uniting people from around the globe and collaborating with an incredible workforce to create something remarkable," he remarked. The crew engaged in a creative brainstorming session while in quarantine ahead of their projected launch in early 2026. Alongside Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, as well as their backups, Andre Douglas and Jenny Gibbons, explored a wide range of naming possibilities. Koch shared, "We had an open forum with various ideas—phrases, names, even light-hearted nicknames. Everything was considered." Wiseman added, "There were names I was particularly fond of, and Christina had her favorites as well. Everyone contributed their unique suggestions, making it a collaborative effort." The name 'Integrity' ultimately encapsulates the essence of their mission and the unity of their diverse team, setting the tone for a historic journey to the Moon.