Overview
On April 30, 2026, the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission—astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen—joined Nasdaq Chair and CEO Adena T. Friedman to ring the closing bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City. This ceremonial milestone celebrated the crew's successful lunar flyby mission earlier that April, which took them on a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. The event not only honored their achievements but also highlighted the intersection of space exploration and public engagement. This tutorial provides a behind-the-scenes look at the process and steps involved for a NASA crew to participate in such a high-profile ceremony, based on the actual events of the Artemis II crew.
Prerequisites
Before a crew can ring the Nasdaq closing bell, several prerequisites must be met:
- Mission Completion: The crew must have successfully completed a major space mission, such as the Artemis II lunar flyby, which included launching, orbiting the Moon, and returning safely.
- NASA Approval: The crew's participation in public events requires formal approval from NASA's Office of Communications and Astronaut Office, ensuring alignment with agency priorities.
- Invitation from Nasdaq: Nasdaq's corporate events team extends an invitation to the crew, often coordinated through NASA's public affairs office. For the Artemis II crew, CEO Adena Friedman personally invited them.
- Schedule Availability: The ceremony occurs at a fixed time (4:00 PM ET on a trading day), so the crew must be available and in New York City on that date.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Complete the Artemis II Mission
The foundation of this event is the mission itself. The crew must first execute their lunar journey—launching from Kennedy Space Center, orbiting the Moon, conducting experiments, and returning to Earth. Post-mission debriefing and medical checkouts are completed before any public appearances.
Step 2: Accept the Invitation
Once NASA and the crew agree to participate, an official invitation is accepted. The crew's schedule is adjusted to include travel to New York City and rehearsals. For the Artemis II crew, this invitation came from Nasdaq Chair and CEO Adena Friedman herself.
Step 3: Prepare Talking Points and Remarks
Each crew member prepares brief remarks about their mission, often focusing on the significance of Artemis II for lunar exploration and international collaboration (given Hansen's Canadian affiliation). These remarks are vetted by NASA Communications to ensure they align with agency messaging.
Step 4: Travel to Nasdaq MarketSite
The crew travels to Times Square in New York City, where the Nasdaq MarketSite is located. They arrive early to tour the studio, meet the Nasdaq team, and review the ceremony logistics.
Step 5: Participate in the Pre-Ceremony
Before the bell ringing, the crew often conducts interviews with financial news networks (e.g., CNBC, Bloomberg) that broadcast from the Nasdaq. This increases visibility for NASA's Artemis program. The crew may also sign autographs or pose for photos with Nasdaq staff.
Step 6: Ring the Closing Bell
At exactly 4:00 PM ET, the crew joins Nasdaq Chair Adena Friedman on the podium. They press the button that triggers the bell (or physically ring a handheld bell). The moment is broadcast live on Nasdaq's website and financial news channels. The crew typically smiles and waves as the bell sounds.
Step 7: Post-Ceremony Media
After the bell, the crew participates in a brief press conference or additional interviews, answering questions about their mission and future space exploration plans. The entire event lasts about 30 minutes.
Common Mistakes
- Being Late: The closing bell is scheduled precisely at 4:00 PM. Any delay can disrupt Nasdaq's end-of-day procedures. The crew must arrive at least 30 minutes early.
- Overly Technical Remarks: The audience includes financial professionals and the general public. Using too much jargon (e.g., “translunar injection”) can alienate viewers. Stick to accessible language.
- Forgetting Protocol: The crew should avoid making political statements or unofficial NASA announcements. All remarks should be pre-approved.
- Ignoring Safety: After returning from space, astronauts may still experience balance issues (fluid shift recovery). They should hold railings and avoid sudden movements.
Summary
The Artemis II crew's ringing of the Nasdaq closing bell was a celebratory capstone to their lunar flyby mission. By following these steps—completing the mission, coordinating with NASA and Nasdaq, preparing remarks, and executing the ceremony—astronauts can effectively share their achievements with a global audience. This event not only honored the crew but also inspired future generations to pursue careers in STEM and space exploration.