The International Association of Machinists (IAM) union members are playing a key role in the Artemis II mission, which is sending four astronauts on a fly-by journey around the Moon. According to an April 2 announcement, this marks the first time in more than five decades that humans are traveling toward the Moon for a flight test of NASA’s lunar equipment.
The involvement of IAM union members is significant because they support various aspects of both rocket manufacturing and ground operations essential for Artemis II. Their work underpins not only this historic return to lunar exploration but also ensures that critical systems function as intended throughout each stage of the mission.
The Space Launch System (SLS), responsible for lifting the Orion space capsule and its crew on their 250,000-mile trip, relies heavily on proven rocket hardware from earlier Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. The SLS includes a core stage powered by four RS-25D engines originally built by IAM Local 971 members in Florida. Additionally, United Launch Alliance (ULA) workers who belong to IAM Locals 610, 2061, and others at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station have contributed to building components such as the RL10 engine used for satellite launches.
Union members across several locals handle logistics including processing stages upon arrival in Florida, transporting them to assembly facilities, and integrating them into final launch configurations. Members working under contracts with companies like Amentum provide services ranging from hardware transport and vehicle stacking to maintenance of ground support equipment—including emergency escape systems—and operation of life-support technologies vital during astronaut transport.
Further responsibilities include supporting medical services through NASA’s Environmental and Medical Contract (NEMCON), managing hazardous materials under KPLSS II contracts, ensuring proper laboratory testing via LASSO II contracts, and maintaining range operations for U.S. Space Force activities at both Eastern and Western Ranges.
As Artemis II continues its journey around the Moon with these collaborative efforts behind it, IAM union members remain integral not only to current success but also future advancements in U.S. space exploration.
