The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) said on Apr. 2 that its union members are supporting NASA’s Artemis II mission, which is sending four astronauts around the Moon for a fly-by mission to test lunar equipment.
The involvement of IAM union members is significant because their work underpins key components and operations essential to the success of Artemis II. The mission marks the first time in over half a century that humans are heading toward the Moon, using both proven technology from previous space programs and new collaborative efforts.
The Space Launch System (SLS), responsible for carrying the Orion space capsule and crew on their 250,000 mile journey, uses hardware originally developed for earlier missions. The SLS includes a core stage based on an enlarged version of the Space Shuttle external fuel tank and two solid rocket boosters similar to those used during the Shuttle era. Four RS-25D engines at its base were built by IAM Local 971 members in Florida.
Union workers across several locals play roles throughout various stages of Artemis II preparation. United Launch Alliance employees who are IAM Local 610 and Local 2061 members at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, as well as Local 971 in Jupiter, Florida, and Local 44 in Decatur, Alabama, contribute to manufacturing engines like L3 Harris’ RL10—vital for placing satellites into orbit—and handling Integrated Cryogenic Propulsion Stages (ICPS). After assembly in Alabama by Local 44 members, ICPS units are transported by barge to Port Canaveral where Local 610 assists with offloading before final processing and integration with SLS.
IAM Local 2061 handles tasks such as processing hardware for Artemis missions under contracts like COMET and BOSS at Kennedy Space Center. These responsibilities include transporting hardware using crawler transporters, maintaining ground support equipment—including emergency egress systems—and operating essential infrastructure such as electrical systems or fire suppression setups during launches. Members also provide life support services involving hazardous materials management through contracts like KPLSS II.
Additional IAM contributions come through Herndon Solutions Group/InoMedic Health Applications’ NEMCON contract providing medical and environmental services; Astrion’s LASSO II contract covering laboratory operations; and Amentum’s work supporting U.S. Space Force range activities along both Eastern and Western Ranges.
As NASA continues preparations for future lunar exploration through projects like Artemis II, union labor remains integral across engineering, maintenance, safety protocols, logistics support—and ultimately—in enabling complex spaceflight operations.
