Exciting Updates on the Artemis II Mission

Finalizing the Preproduction Copy Rulebook

The rulebook is the backbone of any board game, introducing new game mechanics. The finalized version of the preproduction copy rulebook reflects months of careful revisions, feedback, and testing.

Key improvements include:

• Clearer step-by-step instructions that reduce confusion.

• Consistent use of terminology with a structured table of contents.

• Background info to better understand game mechanic choices.

• Link to the Board Game Wizard app for rules assistance.

  
  

The goal was to create a document that anyone can pick up and understand without prior deep knowledge, while keeping you connected with the science and history behind the theme.

View on Rulebook | AstroNavigators

The Reference Book’s Role in Supporting the Rulebook

Alongside the rulebook, the reference book acts as a detailed companion. It contains info about the asymmetric rules of components such as cards, which are not necessarily always part of the game.

Some highlights of the reference book include:

• Character abilities

• Hidden Agendas

• Rocket abilities

• Overview of all the observation cards

• Iconography

  
  

Together, the rulebook and reference book form a comprehensive package that supports veterans and first-time players.

Also view on Rulebook | AstroNavigators

Showcasing the Functional Insert Boxes for Miniatures

One of the most tangible parts of this preproduction phase is the creation of the insert boxes designed to hold miniatures. These miniatures represent astronomers, instruments, and astronauts. The insert boxes are crafted to keep these pieces safe, organized, and ready for use during play sessions.

Insert box designed to securely hold miniatures for Astronomers, included in each set you ordered. (RPG Guild)

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These preproduction copies will come in navy blue, and the instrument miniatures will be yellow. The circle wells are for the colored base rings. The design focuses on:

• Durability to protect delicate pieces during transport, especially when painted.

• Ease of access so users can quickly retrieve miniatures.

• Compactness and the same size for each set.

  
  

The attention to detail in these boxes reflects the care taken throughout the entire preproduction process.

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Space Program Set

We also worked on a new set that was waiting to come. Tests with filament and resin printing showed us that the rocket yielded better results with filament printing, while the Command Service Module (CSM) and Lunar Module (LM) showed the best results in resin printing. Pictures by RPG Guild.

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For the CSM and LM miniatures, we needed to rethink the applied player colors since printing in seven colors is not efficient. I came up with a square ring for both the CSM and the LM descent stage legs. This way, we just need four module sets per game instead of seven.

Blender images of vehicle models by Jeff McDowell (Armillary Games)

The new set might be available during Spiel or scheduled for the end of the year. Included in the set:

• 8 base rockets (see reference book rocket cards)

• Promo rocket SLS

• 4 CSM and LM miniatures

• 14 squared bases in 7 colors

  
  

In the meantime, we are also thinking about the planets expansion and the planet minis to fit the same miniature storage system.

What Comes Next

With the rulebook and reference book finalized and the insert boxes ready, the focus now shifts to prepress printing for the board game production in China. Production of the miniatures and their boxes has already begun this week.

Earthset picture taken by the crew on 7 April 2026 (NASA)

For those following the Artemis II mission, this is a chance to witness exciting times. I want to leave you with an earthset picture taken by the crew on 7 April 2026. Soon, the service module will decouple from the command module, and then we hope Christina, Victor, Jeremy, and Reid land safely on our blue marble home.

Ad Astra!