Message in a Bottle

• Why are you hosting this opportunity?

  There’s a lot of excitement surrounding NASA’s Europa Clipper mission, which will launch in October 2024. The Europa Clipper mission has an important goal: to determine whether Jupiter’s icy moon Europa has the conditions suitable for life.

  Asking big questions is a part of the human experience. This opportunity celebrates the similarities between art and science. Both poetry and planetary science ask big questions about the universe, and our place within it.

• Will my name fly on the Europa Clipper spacecraft?

  Yes, all submitted names are reviewed, and approved names are etched onto microchips. The microchips will be mounted on the Europa Clipper spacecraft, which will orbit Jupiter and make multiple flybys of Jupiter’s icy moon Europa.

• When does this opportunity close?

  This opportunity will close in December 2023. After the opportunity closes, participants’ names will be etched onto microchips, and those microchips will be mounted on the Europa Clipper spacecraft.

• Why is this opportunity called Message in a Bottle?

  The notion of placing a message into a sealed bottle and setting it adrift on the sea is familiar across the world. After its launch in October 2024, the Europa Clipper spacecraft will travel for over six years to reach the Jupiter system. As it voyages from one water world to another, across a vast ocean of space, the Message in a Bottle symbolically carries the hopes and aspirations of all of us on Earth. It's a message about seeking connection and understanding in mysteries large and small.

• What does submitting my name do?

  All submitted names are reviewed, and approved names are etched onto microchips. The microchips will be mounted on the Europa Clipper spacecraft, which will orbit Jupiter and make multiple flybys of Jupiter’s icy moon Europa.

• How do I get my Message in a Bottle customized artwork?

  You can retrieve and share your customized artwork on the check in page.

• Why can't I find my name?

  When searching for your name, you must type your name exactly as you submitted it (first name, last name) and use the same email with that name combination. Try variations on your name. Some people include a middle initial.

• How do I print my Message in a Bottle customized artwork?

  From your artwork page, click the print icon. If you have trouble printing, consider trying another browser (i.e. Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome, etc.)

• I submitted my name but my name and email address are not recognized. What should I do?

  When searching for your name, there must be an exact match with the name you originally input. Try variations on your name. Some people included a middle initial, or used an initial for their first name. For additional assistance, please contact us.

• Why isn't my location on the map?

  We are using a popular map listing which we believe is fairly comprehensive, but it is possible that some countries, regions or territories are missing. If you are aware of this situation please let us know and we will work to improve the listing. You can contact us here.

• My name was rejected. What should I do?

  If a problem was found in your submission, you will receive a notification. If you believe this is an error, please let us know and we can work to examine what may have caused the issue.

• I accidentally wrote my name wrong. What should I do?

  The quickest solution is to resubmit your name with the correction. We can work to correct submissions if you’d like to use the feedback form, but due to the volume of submissions, corrections can take some time to accommodate.

• Where can I see a list of names being sent on the Europa Clipper spacecraft?

  For privacy reasons, we do not publish the final list of names.

• I submitted my name on a previous NASA mission, like Mars missions and the Artemis mission. Are these campaigns connected?

  The Message in a Bottle opportunity is separate from Mars and Artemis “send your name” opportunities. The campaigns are unique to each mission.

• Who sees my name?

  All names are reviewed by a team of people at NASA.

• How is my email address used?

  Your email is only used to allow you to track your participation, and to receive notifications related to “Message in a Bottle” and mission events, such as launch and Jupiter orbit insertion. See our Privacy Policy Statement for more information.