Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
A plush Shiba Inu named "Asteroid" is the zero-gravity indicator on the Polaris Dawn mission. The toy floats when the crew reaches zero gravity, signalling that they are in space.
Credit: SpaceX
"Asteroid" was designed by Liv Perroto, a young cancer survivor, who was invited by the Polaris Dawn crew to create the plush toy. Liv, who spells her name as "L!√", explained that the zero-g indicator’s purpose is to float and reveal itself once the spacecraft enters microgravity.
Credit: SpaceX
Liv became involved with the Polaris Dawn mission after meeting Hayley Arceneaux, a member of the 2021 Inspiration4 crew and former patient of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Her involvement grew after she expressed her desire to be the first child in space.
The Polaris Dawn mission, aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon "Resilience," aims to achieve several space milestones, including the first commercial spacewalk. The crew consists of commander Jared Isaacman, pilot Scott Poteet, and mission specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon.
Liv's design for "Asteroid" was inspired by Elon Musk’s Shiba Inu dog, Floki. Liv had a fondness for Shiba dogs, which led her to model the plush zero-g indicator after Musk's pet.
Credit: SpaceX
SpaceX is selling duplicates of "Asteroid" for $25, with all proceeds going to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This initiative, led by Liv, aims to support other children undergoing cancer treatment.
Liv hopes that "Asteroid" will inspire children to pursue their dreams, just as she aspires to one day become the first child in space. She also emphasizes her passion for helping St. Jude's patients, hoping "Asteroid" serves as a symbol of hope and possibility.