Jean Schulz Receives NASA Achievement Medal For Sending Snoopy To The Moon

Key Highlights

• Jean Schulz was awarded the NASA Exceptional Public Achievement medal for contributing to the agency’s mission through the Peanuts partnership, including sending Snoopy to the moon.
• Renewed NASA-Peanuts partnership inspires a new generation of explorers and scientists through STEM education initiatives and various collaborations, including a giant Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon and an animated series on Apple TV+.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson recently presented Jean Schulz, the widow of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, with the NASA Exceptional Public Achievement Medal in recognition of her significant contribution to NASA’s mission. Jean Schulz’s support for NASA and her initiative of sending Snoopy to the moon has made her a prominent advocate and inspiration to millions of people globally.

The award recognizes Schulz’s role in extending her late husband’s legacy by building on the partnership between Peanuts Worldwide and NASA, keeping the spirit of space exploration alive with Artemis.

Schulz’s Contribution To NASA’s Mission Through The Peanuts Partnership

During a recent visit to NASA Headquarters, Schulz and Melissa Menta, Executive Vice President at Peanuts Worldwide, showed Nelson the custom-made Snoopy that flew on board the uncrewed Artemis 1 mission in late 2022. The plush “zero-gravity indicator” continued Snoopy’s association with NASA which began more than 50 years ago.

Snoopy has served as a safety mascot at NASA and was the namesake for the Apollo 10 lunar module. Snoopy has even become an award himself. NASA’s Silver Snoopy pin is presented to space program workers whose significant contributions have kept astronauts safe and led to mission success.

Renewed Peanuts Partnership and Its Impact on STEM Education

Peanuts Worldwide signed a new agreement with NASA in 2018 to extend Snoopy’s use by the agency to engage students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and deep space missions. The renewed partnership has led to: 

1. McDonald’s Happy Meal toys
2. A new Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade giant balloon
3. An animated series on Apple TV+

Jean Schulz’s support through the NASA-Peanuts partnership has helped many recognize the value of and she is helping NASA inspire a new generation of explorers and scientists. 

With the latest moon mission over, the Artemis 1-flown Snoopy is heading to its final home for display at the Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California. Jean Schulz is president of the board of directors for the museum. Snoopy’s “backup” is now on display at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida as part of the new Peanuts stage show, “All Systems Are Go.”