DECEMBER 10, 2024 – On Nov. 15, the U.S. Air Force Academy unveiled a plaque for its first Artemis Moon Tree — an American Sweetgum sapling grown from seeds that orbited the moon on NASA’s Artemis I mission. This historic event was made possible through a partnership between the Academy and Space Detachment 1 of Space Delta 13, under the Space Training and Readiness Command.
The Sweetgum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) symbolizes a connection between Earth and space, continuing the legacy of the original Apollo Moon Trees grown from seeds that orbited the moon on Apollo 14 in 1971. In tribute, NASA initiated the Artemis Moon Tree program, sending a new generation of seeds around the moon aboard Artemis I in late 2022. After their return, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service cultivated these seeds into seedlings, distributing them to select institutions nationwide as part of a STEM engagement (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and conservation education initiative.
A Collaborative Effort
Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre, the Academy’s dean of faculty, and Col. Marc Sands, Space Detachment 1 commander and senior Space Force liaison to the Academy, supported the application process led by Maj. Lucia White, an Academy instructor and Space Force officer with a master’s degree in botany. White submitted the proposal to NASA in August 2023, competing against over 1,000 applicants nationwide.
“Maj. White was the catalyst behind making this happen. Her vision and passion led her to the Detachment where we simply supported helping her achieve her goal: bring a Moon Tree to the Academy to further the connection between space, academics and the Space Force,” Sands said. “For generations to come, the community and members of the Academy will be able to see the results of her efforts – truly amazing the impact she has made.”
Approval arrived unexpectedly during the Academy’s 2024 graduation week, leaving a narrow window to plant the tree before winter. With support from the U.S. Air Force Academy Memorial Board, White successfully planted the tree near the Academy’s Planetarium June 14.
“It’s not every day you get a phone call from NASA, or news that you’ll be receiving a tree whose seed ventured into deep space. I was ecstatic when they told me we were selected and couldn’t wait to share with the cadets,” White said.
Inspiring the Next Generation
On Nov. 15, the Academy and the Detachment hosted a STEM engagement event with fifth-grade students from Pikes Peak School of Expeditionary Learning, followed by the plaque unveiling ceremony.
During the STEM engagement, students participated in hands-on activities observing gravitropism — how plants respond to gravity — using Wisconsin Fast Plants. These fast-growing plants are slated to be the first to flower on the lunar surface during NASA’s Artemis III mission, currently scheduled for no earlier than September 2026, providing a tangible link to the Moon Tree’s legacy.
The event was organized in collaboration with the Academy’s STEM Outreach Coordinator Stacey Lazzelle and biology researcher Melanie Grogger, who designed the activity. Cadets from the Academy’s i5 program also volunteered as mentors, bridging the gap between young learners and future STEM professionals.
Bridging Past and Future
Before the ceremony, retired Maj. Gen. Roy D. Bridges Jr., a distinguished Academy graduate and former NASA astronaut, shared his journey from growing up on a farm to piloting the Space Shuttle Challenger, encouraging students to think boldly about their futures and consider careers in science and exploration.
During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Letendre was joined by Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Academy Superintendent, where they unveiled a replica of the plaque with the students. The official plaque will be installed at the base of the Moon Tree next summer.
Addressing the young students in attendance, Letendre remarked, “Remember that this tree is also for you. Let it inspire you to ask questions, to dream boldly and to explore new horizons. Keep reaching for the stars, keep imagining and keep exploring.”
The ceremony concluded with group photos beside the Artemis Moon Tree.
Now rooted in the Academy’s grounds, the Artemis Moon Tree reflects the strong partnership between the Academy and STARCOM, underscoring their shared commitment to training and inspiring future generations of space leaders.
By Ethan Johnson
Space Training and Readiness Command Public Affairs