Key Companies Behind NASA's Artemis 2 Rocket Revealed

The Space Launch System that carried the Artemis 2 crew around the moon was built by a team of aerospace firms across California.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:08pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, representing the complex systems and forces that propelled the Artemis 2 mission to the Moon and back.The collaborative engineering effort behind the Artemis 2 mission's successful launch and return to Earth showcases California's leadership in the new era of space exploration.Torrance Today

After the successful 10-day Artemis 2 mission around the moon, the key companies behind the construction of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket have been unveiled. The prime contractor for the Orion spacecraft was Lockheed Martin, while Airbus built the European Service Module that powered the ship. Other major contributors included Northrop Grumman, Precision Aerospace, Tecma, SpaceX, and several other California-based aerospace manufacturers.

Why it matters

The Artemis 2 mission marked the first crewed flight around the moon since the Apollo era, representing a major milestone in NASA's plans to return humans to the lunar surface. Understanding the diverse network of companies that came together to build the powerful SLS rocket highlights the collaborative effort required for such an ambitious spaceflight endeavor.

The details

The Artemis 2 mission launched on April 1, 2026, carrying astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day journey around the moon. Several California-based aerospace firms played key roles in constructing the SLS rocket that propelled the Orion spacecraft. Lockheed Martin was the prime contractor for the Orion capsule, while Airbus built the European Service Module that powered the ship. Other major contributors included Northrop Grumman, which provided the twin solid rocket boosters, and Precision Aerospace, Tecma, and SpaceX, which developed various engine components and systems.

  • The Artemis 2 mission launched on April 1, 2026.
  • The astronauts are set to return to Earth and splash down on April 10, 2026.

The players

Lockheed Martin

The prime contractor for the NASA Orion spacecraft used on the Artemis 2 mission, designing and building the spaceship.

Airbus

The French company that built the ESM-2 system in the Orion craft that powers the ship and supplies the astronauts with thermal control, air, and water during the mission.

Northrop Grumman

The California-based company that provided the Artemis 2 spacecraft with twin solid rocket boosters to assist in powering the SLS and key propulsion for Orion's launch abort system.

Precision Aerospace

The company that provided the RS-25 engine components for the SLS rocket.

SpaceX

The company that developed the human landing system for the Artemis 2 mission.

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What they’re saying

“One of the first press conferences, we were asked, 'What are we looking forward to?' And I said, 'splashdown.' And it's kind of humorous, but it's literal as well — that we have to get back. There's so much data that you've seen already, but all the good stuff is coming back with us. There's so many more pictures, so many more stories.”

— Victor Glover, Artemis 2 Astronaut

What’s next

The Artemis 2 spacecraft is set to reenter Earth's atmosphere on April 10, 2026, marking the most dangerous part of the mission as the spacecraft travels more than 30 times the speed of sound.

The takeaway

The successful Artemis 2 mission around the moon was made possible by the collaborative efforts of a diverse network of aerospace companies, particularly those based in California. This highlights the complex supply chain and engineering expertise required to develop the powerful Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft for NASA's ambitious plans to return humans to the lunar surface.