The Artemis II Crew Chooses a Name that Reflects Their Mission
The crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission has chosen a name for their Orion spacecraft, which will take them on a historic journey to the Moon. The spacecraft, named "Integrity," is more than just a moniker; it reflects the values and principles that guide the astronauts as they prepare to embark on this extraordinary adventure.
The choice of name was not taken lightly by the crew, who sequestered themselves in a facility at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to brainstorm ideas. They wanted a name that would not only distinguish their spacecraft but also reflect the mission’s objectives and the team’s dynamics.
"We thought, as a crew, we need to name this spacecraft," said Reid Wiseman, commander of the Artemis II mission. "We need to have a name for the Orion spacecraft that we’re going to ride this magical mission on."
The process of selecting a name was collaborative and inclusive, with all four astronauts contributing their ideas. They drew inspiration from various sources, including phrases, mantras, geography, and even light-hearted monikers.
"We had all kinds of things," said Christina Koch, one of the mission specialists. "We had sentences, phrases, we had light-hearted [monikers], we had mantras. We had names, we had geography. Everything was on the table. We really wanted it to be a completely open forum."
The Meaning Behind Integrity
So, what does the name "Integrity" mean to the crew? For Victor Glover, pilot of the Artemis II mission, it’s about being whole.
"The Latin root means ‘whole,’" said Glover. "It’s a very simple concept, and it’s about being whole. This crew comes together as pieces—the four of us and our backups—but the six of us make up a whole team. The vehicle, the pieces come together and make up a whole spacecraft."
Integrity as a Core Value
The name "Integrity" resonates deeply with the crew, who understand its significance in both personal and professional contexts. It’s one of the tenets of the Astronaut Code of Professional Responsibility, which emphasizes the importance of integrity in all aspects of their work.
"We all strive to be in integrity all of the time, but integrity isn’t an absolute that you either have or don’t have," said Koch. "So this helps us give grace and build trust with each other."
Integrating Integrity into the Mission
The crew plans to use the name "Integrity" as their call sign during the mission. They’ll make it official by incorporating it into their communications with Mission Control.
"We waited to make sure the whole enterprise was ready for us to announce it before we even used it," said Glover. "I think we’ll start using it in sims: ‘Houston, Integrity. Integrity, Houston.’ That’s the plan."
The choice of name reflects the crew’s commitment to integrity, not just as a personal quality but also as a guiding principle for their mission.
"We need to hear more of that togetherness and wholeness," said Glover. "We hope that people hearing [the name] over the 10 days of the mission appreciate all of the different things that it means, from a whole ship, a whole crew, to a wholeness and wellness that I think humanity just needs."
The Artemis II mission is not just about reaching the Moon; it’s about the values and principles that guide us as we explore space.
Conclusion
The name "Integrity" may seem simple, but its meaning runs deep. It reflects the crew’s commitment to teamwork, trust, and accountability. As they embark on this historic journey, they’ll carry with them a name that inspires them to strive for excellence and embody the values of their profession.
As we watch the Artemis II mission unfold, let us remember the importance of integrity in all aspects of our lives.