The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) reported on Apr. 2 that its union members are playing a key role in NASA’s Artemis II mission, which is sending four astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over fifty years.
The involvement of IAM union members highlights the significance of skilled labor in space exploration projects. Their work spans manufacturing, processing, transportation, assembly, maintenance, and safety systems for critical spacecraft components.
According to the IAM, its Local 971 members in Florida built the RS-25D engines at the base of the Space Launch System (SLS), which propels Orion and its crew on their journey. The SLS itself uses hardware developed during previous programs such as Apollo and Space Shuttle missions. Union members from Locals 610 and 2061 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Local 971 in Jupiter, Florida, and Local 44 in Decatur, Alabama are involved throughout various stages—from engine manufacturing to loading core stages onto barges for transport.
Members also support ground operations through contracts with companies like Amentum & Astrion under NASA’s Consolidated Operations Management Engineering and Test contract. Their responsibilities include maintaining ground support equipment such as emergency egress systems for astronauts. Other roles include supporting facilities operations at Kennedy Space Center under different contracts that involve managing electrical systems, fire suppression infrastructure, water sound suppression systems used during launches, hazardous materials handling—including cryogenic fluids—and life support services.
Additional contributions come from IAM workers supporting laboratory operations through contracts like LASSO II by ensuring all gases and liquids meet required specifications before use with Artemis vehicles. They also participate in range operations for both Eastern and Western United States Space Force Ranges.
As Artemis II continues its journey around the Moon using technology maintained by these workers across multiple states and companies contracted by NASA or other agencies involved with spaceflight logistics and safety protocols, their collective efforts demonstrate how organized labor remains integral to America’s ongoing presence beyond Earth.
