Sacramento, Calif. – Following the safe return of NASA’s Artemis II mission to Earth, the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is recognizing the critical role California manufacturers played in supporting this historic milestone in human spaceflight.
California manufacturers provided essential components to Artemis II, supporting more than 16,000 workers, and generating $4.7 billion in economic activity in the state. As the Artemis program returns humans to deep-space exploration for the first time in more than 50 years, California’s aerospace and advanced manufacturing ecosystem continues to be a crucial driver of mission success.
“Artemis II reflects the scale and capability of California’s manufacturing leadership,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. “From aerospace systems to advanced components and engineering expertise, California manufacturers amake complex missions possible.”
Several CMTA members were central to the mission’s success:
- Boeing (Huntington Beach, CA) served as a prime contractor for the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage, upper stage, and avionics suite.
- Lockheed Martin (Sunnyvale, CA) served as the prime contractor for the Orion spacecraft, designing, building, and testing the capsule that carried the astronauts.
- Northrop Grumman (Los Angeles County) provided the twin solid rocket boosters powering the SLS and key propulsion for Orion’s launch abort system.
- The Wing Group (Arcata, CA) supplied the watercraft used to recover astronauts upon landing, as well as life jackets, rescue suits, life rafts, and onboard safety equipment.
Beyond these major contributions, California manufacturers played a vital role across the supply chain, delivering specialized components, software, and safety systems.
“Artemis II is a powerful example of what American manufacturing can achieve, and California manufacturers are at the center of that success,” said Joe Ahn, of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® and Chair of CMTA’s Board of Directors. “From propulsion to spacecraft design, the innovation happening in California facilities is leading the next era of space exploration. I am proud to see CMTA members contributing to a mission of this magnitude.”
The Artemis II mission marks a significant step in NASA’s goal of returning humans to the Moon and preparing for future missions to Mars. California’s manufacturing sector will continue to play a key role in supporting these efforts, driving innovation and strengthening the nation’s aerospace capabilities.
###
About CMTA and ADAC
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) has advocated for pro-growth laws and regulations before the California legislature and administrative agencies since 1918. The total output from manufacturing in California is $382 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.2 million Californians paying wages more than $2,500 higher than other non-farm employers in the state.
The Aerospace and Defense Alliance of California (ADAC), formed by CMTA members, addresses state policy issues unique to the aerospace and defense industry. California is a global leader in aerospace, aviation, defense, space science R&D, and advanced manufacturing. ADAC brings together industry leaders to advocate for policies that strengthen California’s position as a global hub for aerospace innovation. Working alongside CMTA, ADAC promotes a competitive business climate, supports workforce development, and encourages continued investment in research, technology, and advanced manufacturing.