The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) reported on Apr. 2 that its union members have played a significant role in the Artemis II mission, which is sending four astronauts on a journey around the Moon. This marks the first time in over 50 years that humans are heading toward the Moon for a fly-by to test NASA’s lunar equipment.
The involvement of IAM union members is seen as crucial for the success of this historic mission. The Artemis II flight relies on proven rocket hardware and experienced workers from various IAM locals across Florida and Alabama.
According to the IAM, much of the Space Launch System (SLS)—the rocket responsible for launching Orion and its crew—uses components built by their members. The SLS includes a core stage with four RS-25D engines originally constructed by IAM Local 971 in Florida, as well as two solid rocket boosters similar to those used during the Space Shuttle era. United Launch Alliance (ULA) employees who are part of IAM Locals 610, 2061, and 44 have contributed to processing stages at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Decatur, Alabama.
IAM Local 971 has also been involved in manufacturing RL10 engines for L3 Harris, which have helped place satellites into Earth’s orbit. Other locals process hardware upon arrival in Florida, assist with transportation logistics, stack vehicles using crawler transporters, maintain ground support equipment such as emergency egress systems for astronauts, and operate essential facilities at Kennedy Space Center through contracts like COMET and BOSS.
Additional support comes from contracts covering hazardous material handling, life support services during launches, environmental health operations under NEMCON agreements with NASA partners Herndon Solutions Group/InoMedic Health Applications Inc., laboratory maintenance through Astrion’s LASSO II contract, and range operations supporting U.S. Space Force activities.
As Artemis II progresses toward its lunar destination with these collaborative efforts behind it, IAM union members continue to provide vital expertise across multiple aspects of NASA’s spaceflight infrastructure.
