Introduction
On April 30, 2026, the Artemis II crew—NASA astronauts Victor Glover, Christina Koch, Reid Wiseman, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen—marked a historic moment by ringing the Nasdaq closing bell. This honor followed their nearly ten-day journey around the Moon earlier that month, making them the first lunar crew in over half a century to symbolically close a trading day. This guide breaks down the steps they took to participate in this iconic Wall Street tradition, from preparation to post-ceremony activities. Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a finance professional, or simply curious about how such events unfold, this step-by-step breakdown offers an insider’s look at the process.
What You Need
- Invitation from Nasdaq – Typically extended to notable individuals, companies, or organizations celebrating significant achievements.
- Official agreement with Nasdaq – Involving scheduling, event logistics, and compliance with financial market protocols.
- Coordination team – Public affairs officers from NASA and the Canadian Space Agency communicate with Nasdaq’s events team to align expectations.
- Appropriate attire – Business formal or ceremonial attire (e.g., flight suits with mission patches, as the crew wore).
- Transportation – To and from Nasdaq’s MarketSite in Times Square, New York.
- Briefing materials – Including the sequence of bell-ringing, key talking points, and safety procedures (ringing the bell is physically simple but symbolically significant).
- Photography and video clearance – For official NASA and Nasdaq documentation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Ringing the Nasdaq Closing Bell
Step 1: Receive and Confirm the Invitation
The journey began when Nasdaq reached out to NASA and the Canadian Space Agency, inviting the entire Artemis II crew to participate in the closing bell ceremony. This often happens after a major achievement like a lunar mission. The invitation typically arrives weeks in advance, detailing the date (April 30, 2026), time (4:00 PM Eastern, the market close), and location. The crew’s public affairs team responds, accepting the invitation and coordinating logistics. Back to top
Step 2: Coordinate Schedules and Logistics
With the date set, the crew’s support staff works with Nasdaq’s events manager to finalize timing. Because the crew had just returned from a 10-day lunar mission earlier in April, their schedule was tight, involving medical checkups, debriefings, and media appearances. A detailed itinerary is created: arrival at Nasdaq, a brief rehearsal (though the crew already knows the basics), and time for photos. Travel arrangements are made—the crew likely flew from Houston or other NASA centers to New York. Back to top
Step 3: Prepare for the Ceremony
On the day of the event, the crew assembled at Nasdaq’s MarketSite in Times Square. They donned their official NASA flight suits, each adorned with mission patches reflecting Artemis II. During a brief pre-ceremony meeting, a Nasdaq representative explained the exact procedure: they would gather at the podium, press the bell button at precisely 4:00 PM, hold it for a few seconds until the closing bell sound fades, and then release. The crew also rehearsed standing in the correct order (often with the most senior or mission commander in the center) and coordinating their hand placement on the button.
Step 4: Arrive at the MarketSite and Greet Officials
The crew arrived at Nasdaq’s iconic glass tower, where they were welcomed by Nasdaq Chair and CEO Adena T. Friedman. They posed for official photographs with her on the podium. This step is both ceremonial and practical—it allows media to capture the meeting of space and finance. The crew then moved to the designated bell-ringing platform, which is positioned in front of a large screen displaying live market data and the Nasdaq logo.
Step 5: Understand the Timing and Signal
At 3:59 PM, the crew received a countdown from the Nasdaq technical crew. The closing bell is not a physical bell but a digital button that triggers an audio and visual signal across trading platforms worldwide. The crew learned that they needed to press the button firmly and simultaneously until the closing sound ends (about 10 seconds). A single press would not suffice; they had to maintain pressure. This moment is critical because the bell marks the official end of the trading day, and any delay could cause confusion.
Step 6: Ring the Bell
At exactly 4:00 PM, with cameras rolling, the crew—Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Jeremy Hansen—placed their hands over the large red button and pressed down together. The sound of the Nasdaq closing bell echoed through the studio and was broadcast live on financial news networks. The crew smiled and exchanged glances as they completed the gesture, symbolizing the culmination of their lunar achievement. The bell rang for about 10 seconds, after which they released and the screen showed “Market Closed.”
Step 7: Pose for Official Photos
Immediately after the bell, the crew remained on the podium for a series of official photographs. In the original image captured by NASA photographer Bill Ingalls, CEO Adena T. Friedman stands on the left, while the four crew members stand to the right, all smiling. These photos are used for press releases, social media, and historical archives. The crew also took photos with Nasdaq staff and each other, often holding commemorative plaques or baseball caps.
Step 8: Participate in Post-Ceremony Interviews
After the photos, the crew gave brief interviews to financial news channels such as CNBC and Bloomberg. They discussed their mission, the importance of public-private partnerships in space exploration, and their gratitude for the honor. These interviews typically last 5–10 minutes and are livestreamed to global audiences. The crew emphasized how the Artemis II mission paves the way for future lunar landings and Mars exploration.
Step 9: Wrap Up and Depart
Once interviews concluded, the crew thanked Nasdaq officials and departed the MarketSite. They returned to their temporary accommodations or directly to NASA facilities. The entire event lasted about 60–90 minutes from arrival to departure. Nasdaq later released the official footage and photos, which were shared widely across NASA and social media platforms.
Tips for a Successful Nasdaq Closing Bell Event
- Arrive early – Allow at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time for check-in, rehearsal, and unexpected delays.
- Coordinate with your team – Have a single point of contact for all communications with Nasdaq to avoid confusion.
- Dress appropriately – Business attire or symbolic uniforms (like flight suits) work best; avoid overly casual clothing.
- Practice the bell press – The button may require more pressure than expected; ensure all participants press together.
- Smile and look at the cameras – Multiple cameras capture the moment from different angles; maintain a professional and celebratory demeanor.
- Prepare talking points – Have a short, compelling message ready for interviews that ties your achievement to the market or public interest.
- Stay after the bell – Enjoy a few minutes of networking with Nasdaq executives; it can lead to future collaborations.