Krispy Kreme has unveiled a limited-edition “Artemis II Doughnut” inspired by NASA’s upcoming crewed deep-space mission, blending pop culture, space exploration and brand marketing ahead of one of the most anticipated launches of the decade.
The special release commemorates Artemis II, NASA’s first crewed mission around the Moon in more than 50 years and a crucial step toward establishing a long-term human presence beyond Earth. The doughnut will be available for a limited time at participating locations across the United States, aligning with the mission’s launch window.
According to company announcements reported by multiple media outlets, the Artemis II Doughnut is built on Krispy Kreme’s signature Original Glazed base and redesigned with visuals inspired by space exploration and NASA imagery.
The doughnut features:
- Blue vanilla-flavored icing symbolizing space,
- Oreo cookie crunch and white nonpareils,
- A cookies-and-cream buttercream topping,
- A red chevron detail referencing NASA’s logo.
The product will be sold individually or as part of a specialty dozen that combines six themed doughnuts with six classic Original Glazed options. Availability is limited to a short promotional window, designed to coincide with growing public attention around the mission.
Celebrating Artemis II and humanity’s return to deep space
NASA’s Artemis II mission will send four astronauts on a roughly 10-day journey around the Moon aboard the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. While the crew will not land on the lunar surface, the mission represents the first crewed lunar flight since the Apollo era and will test spacecraft systems before future lunar landings.
The flight is considered a critical milestone in NASA’s broader Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon and eventually support missions to Mars.
Krispy Kreme’s collaboration with space milestones is not new. The company has previously released themed products tied to major scientific events, including celebrations for the Apollo 11 launch, the Perseverance rover’s landing on Mars, and earlier Artemis missions.
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