Lunar Legacy: Artemis II Astronauts Propose Emotional Names for Moon Craters

Thu Apr 09 2026 10:12:06 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a heartfelt gesture, the Artemis II crew has proposed naming two moon craters after significant aspects of their mission, highlighting a more emotional chapter in space exploration.

The Artemis II astronauts have made a poignant request to name two lunar craters after their spacecraft and the late wife of Commander Reid Wiseman. This emotional act parallels past lunar missions, showcasing the human connections that accompany space exploration. As the crew prepares to submit their proposal to the International Astronomical Union, their actions mark a departure from the more stoic nature of early Apollo missions.

HOUSTON (AP) — The Artemis II astronauts are making significant strides not only in space exploration but also in creating a lasting legacy with heartfelt proposals for naming features on the moon.

As they return home from their historic mission, Commander Reid Wiseman and his crew have requested to name a pair of lunar craters after their spacecraft, Integrity, and in honor of Wiseman's late wife, Carroll, who passed away in 2020. The emotional moment unfolded just before the crew's lunar flyby this past Monday when Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen spoke on behalf of the team, asking permission for the names.

Carroll Wiseman, a dedicated neonatal nurse, has been remembered through this heartfelt gesture, similar to the way astronaut Jim Lovell honored his wife during the Apollo 8 mission by naming Mount Marilyn on the moon. The Artemis II crew are pioneering a new chapter in human space exploration, instead of the more detached professionalism seen in the Apollo era.

The proposed Carroll Crater, located on the boundary of the moon's near and far sides, is shallow and approximately 3 miles across. In contrast, the Integrity crater is situated entirely on the lunar far side. During their mission, the astronauts experienced an emotional group embrace upon surpassing the previous Apollo 13 distance record for deep-space travelers.

Mission Control reacted with profound silence before confirming the acceptance of the names. NASA scientists noted the overwhelming emotions felt by the team, with no one left dry-eyed by the proposals. This scene of shared vulnerability exemplifies a modern, more human aspect of space missions compared to its predecessors.

After returning to Earth, the team will submit their proposal to the International Astronomical Union, which typically decides on names within a month. With existing astronaut-named lunar features including those from previous Apollo missions, the proposed names of Integrity and Carroll could soon join this esteemed list.

The journey of Artemis II not only showcases advancements in space exploration but also serves as a reminder of the personal stories interwoven with scientific achievements and the enduring impact of loved ones in epic exploratory missions.