U.S. Space & Rocket Center has officially introduced its new astronaut mascots, Apollo and Artemis, after more than 2,000 people participated in a public naming contest.

The mascots were unveiled Tuesday at the Davidson Center for Space Exploration, where Rocket Center leaders announced the winning names selected through a social media vote.

Officials said the pair is designed to strengthen community outreach and create a recognizable new presence for educational programs and public events.

The names connect directly to two of America’s most significant lunar programs: Apollo program, which first carried astronauts to the moon, and Artemis program, NASA’s current effort to return humans to the lunar surface.

Rocket Center officials said the mascots will serve as ambassadors for the museum and its educational mission, appearing at community events, student programs and special public gatherings throughout the year.

The idea grew from a practical need as the center looked for a more flexible outreach tool than its previous inflatable mascot, which had become difficult to transport and use during off-site appearances.

The new mascots, designed as walk-around astronaut characters, are expected to make appearances both inside the museum and across North Alabama.

The Rocket Center launched the naming contest earlier this month, offering the public several possible name combinations before Apollo and Artemis emerged as the winning choice.

Located in Huntsville, the Rocket Center serves as the official visitor center for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and remains one of Alabama’s most visited attractions.

Officials say Apollo and Artemis are intended to help the center connect a new generation of visitors with Huntsville’s space legacy while reflecting both the city’s historic role in lunar exploration and its continuing connection to NASA’s future missions.

Jacob Burnett is the Digital Media and Community Coordinator for 256 Today.