NASA's Artemis II mission, the first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years, will carry a collection of flags and artifacts representing milestones in aviation, space exploration, and American history. The items, part of the mission's Official Flight Kit (OFK), continue a tradition from the Apollo program of bringing symbolic objects on spaceflights.

The OFK for Artemis II contains over 2,300 items, including several relics chosen to commemorate the flight and honor the individuals involved in past achievements. According to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, the mission aims to "bring together pieces of our earliest achievements in aviation, defining moments from human spaceflight and symbols of where we’re headed next." He added that the artifacts reflect the history of American exploration and the generations of innovators who have contributed to space travel.

The Artemis II mission is significant as it marks the return of humans to lunar orbit. The mission will build upon the legacy of the Apollo program, which first landed humans on the Moon. The inclusion of historical artifacts in the OFK serves as a tribute to these earlier missions and the people who made them possible.

The practice of including OFKs dates back to the Apollo era, when astronauts carried small items to the Moon as mementos and symbols of national pride. These items were often presented to individuals and organizations that contributed to the success of the missions. The Artemis II OFK will continue this tradition, recognizing the contributions of those who have paved the way for future lunar exploration.

The Artemis II mission is currently scheduled to launch in the near future, with the crew undergoing extensive training in preparation for the journey. The mission will serve as a crucial step toward establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon and eventually sending astronauts to Mars.