donny

Artemis II SLS departing the VAB and at LC-39B.

An interesting thing I recently learned today, the flag intended to be carried and planted on the Moon by Apollo 18, will be carried on Artemis II.

"A sign hung on a glass exhibit case at NASA Headquarters in Washington reads that the Apollo 18 lunar surface flag that had been on display was 'removed for flight to the moon' as part of the Official Flight Kit (OFK) for the Artemis II mission."

This flag is one of these items NASA has listed as 'legacy keepsakes' that the astronauts will bring with them on their journey around the Moon and back. Some of the other items are a fabric piece from the Wright Flyer, various tree seeds, a flag carried by STS-1 & STS-135, postcard signed by Orion employees, a SD card with names from "Send your name to Space" campaign, several different country's flags who supported the Artemis programs, and a copy of JPL Ranger Program Lunar Photo negative.

First image of the Moon obtained by a US spacecraft: Ranger 7 on July 31, 1964.

Date: January 17, 2026