Art Toys That Have Traveled Beyond Earth

Space exploration isn't just for astronauts and satellites—some of the art toys have also made the journey beyond our planet. Two standout examples are KAWS’s iconic COMPANION and the imaginative YOOMOOTA figure Aspr1m.

KAWS: The COMPANION’s Stratospheric Journey

KAWS, the globally renowned contemporary artist, has a long history of pushing boundaries with his art toys. His COMPANION character, instantly recognizable for its crossed-out eyes and cartoonish features, has appeared in countless forms—from parade floats to monumental sculptures.

In 2018, KAWS took his creativity to the next level with the "Holiday: Space" project, sending an astronaut-themed COMPANION into the stratosphere via a sounding balloon. This figure is a direct nod to the MTV Moonman trophy, which KAWS had previously redesigned for the MTV Video Music Awards in 2013.

YOOMOOTA: Aspr1m’s Mission to the ISS

YOOMOOTA is an imaginative universe created by Russian artist Taras Zheltyshev, consisting of planets and characters that symbolize aspects of human nature and experience.

In August 2023, the Aspr1m sculpture made a remarkable journey to the International Space Station (ISS) and safely returned to Earth. This figure was not just a symbolic gesture—its spaceflight highlighted the intersection of art, science, and the human spirit of discovery.