Reid Wiseman promotes Artemis II at Ravens vs. Saints game

NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, the commander of the agency’s Artemis II crewed lunar mission, took a selfie with fans at the Baltimore Ravens’ home game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at M&T Bank Stadium. Wiseman, a Baltimore native, was there as part of NASA’s “Inspiration Tour,” a series of public‑engagement events that pair astronauts with high‑profile cultural moments to spark interest in the agency’s return to the Moon.

The appearance comes as NASA ramps up its outreach ahead of Artemis II’s planned launch in late 2026. After a decade of delays and budget reshuffles, the mission now has a firm timeline to send the first crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit since 1972. NASA has been courting large‑audience venues—sports stadiums, music festivals, and college campuses—to translate the technical milestones into relatable stories for everyday Americans. Partnering with the NFL, the nation’s most‑watched sport, gives the agency a platform that reaches millions of viewers both in‑stadium and on broadcast.

Fans cheered as Wiseman posed with a signed football and answered questions about life aboard the Orion spacecraft. He explained that the Artemis II crew will spend about ten days orbiting the Moon, testing systems that will later carry astronauts to the lunar surface. The astronaut also highlighted NASA’s education grants for Baltimore schools, which will fund STEM programs tied to the Artemis program. Local officials praised the event, noting that the astronaut’s presence underscores Baltimore’s growing role in aerospace, with nearby research facilities and the upcoming launch site at Kennedy Space Center.

NASA plans to follow the Ravens game with a series of town‑hall meetings across the Midwest and a live webcast from the Kennedy Space Center as the Artemis II launch window approaches. The agency hopes the visibility will translate into public support for the $86 billion Artemis budget and inspire a new generation of engineers and scientists. By linking space exploration to a beloved American pastime, NASA aims to keep the excitement alive as the nation prepares for its next steps on the Moon.