The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) announced on Apr. 2 that its union members are playing a key role in NASA’s Artemis II mission, which is sending four astronauts on a journey around the Moon. This marks the first time in more than fifty years that humans are traveling toward the Moon for a fly-by mission to test NASA’s lunar equipment.
The involvement of IAM union members is significant because they have contributed to nearly every stage of preparing and launching the Artemis II spacecraft. The Space Launch System (SLS), which powers the Orion space capsule carrying the astronauts, includes hardware built by IAM Local 971 members in Florida. These workers assembled the RS-25D engines originally used in Space Shuttle missions.
Members from several IAM locals, including Local 610, Local 2061 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Local 971 in Jupiter, Florida, and Local 44 in Decatur, Alabama, have participated throughout various stages of rocket assembly and processing. For example, IAM Local 971 members manufactured L3 Harris’ RL10 engine used for satellite launches. After manufacturing is complete in Decatur, Alabama, Local 44 members transport components such as the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) by barge to Port Canaveral.
Local 610 assists with offloading and transporting ICPS components for further processing before they are integrated into SLS at NASA facilities. Meanwhile, IAM Local 2061 processes hardware under multiple contracts supporting launch operations and ground support systems at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Their work includes maintaining escape systems for astronauts as well as managing electrical systems and fire suppression during launches.
Additional responsibilities handled by IAM members include hazardous materials management under KPLSS II Contract; medical support through NEMCON; laboratory services via LASSO II contract; environmental testing; cleaning vehicle components; sampling fuels; providing life support equipment for crew safety; and supporting United States Space Force range operations.
With their broad expertise across multiple contracts supporting both government agencies and private contractors at Florida spaceports, IAM union workers continue to play an essential role behind-the-scenes as Artemis II progresses toward its lunar destination.
