Artemis II Proposes Moon Feature Name "Carroll"

Why It Matters

Naming a lunar feature after a crew member’s loved one personalizes the Artemis program and demonstrates NASA’s commitment to public engagement and heritage preservation.

Key Takeaways

• Artemis II astronauts propose naming a bright lunar spot "Carroll"
• Feature lies on near‑side/far‑side boundary, visible from Earth occasionally
• Location identified near Glushko crater, same latitude as Mare
• Name honors Carol, spouse of Reed and mother of Katie, Ellie
• NASA will submit proposal to IAU for official lunar nomenclature

Summary

The Artemis II crew has put forward a personal tribute by proposing to name a small, bright feature on the Moon “Carroll.” The suggestion emerges from the mission’s close‑knit astronaut family, who wish to honor Carol—Reed’s spouse and mother of Katie and Ellie—who passed away while the program was in its early stages.

The proposed site sits just on the near‑side/far‑side boundary, northwest of the Glushko crater and at the same latitude as a nearby mare. Because of its position, the bright spot can be glimpsed from Earth during certain phases of the Moon’s orbit, making it a visible reminder of the dedication behind the Artemis program.

In the briefing, the crew described the feature as a “bright spot” and explained that naming it “Carroll” (spelled C‑A‑R‑R‑O‑L‑L) would serve both as a memorial and as a point of public interest. The proposal will be forwarded to the International Astronomical Union, which oversees official lunar nomenclature, following standard NASA procedures.

If approved, the name would embed a personal story into the lunar map, reinforcing NASA’s emphasis on human connection and outreach. It also highlights how astronaut families contribute to the cultural legacy of space exploration, potentially inspiring broader public engagement with the Artemis missions.

Original Description

In a moving moment during their lunar flyby, the Artemis II crew proposed naming two previously unnamed lunar surface features: One named “Integrity,” after their spacecraft, and another named “Carroll,” honoring the late wife of commander Reid Wiseman. 

Reid Wiseman lost his wife to cancer in 2020.

Credit: NASA