Illinois-made NASA Device Named Coolest Thing Made in Illinois

Recognition highlights manufacturing strength, including past years' contributions from Normal, Decatur and Peoria.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:07pm

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A bold, highly structured abstract painting in muted tones of blue, green, and gray, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise mechanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex technical design and manufacturing processes behind the award-winning NASA device.An abstract illustration captures the intricate engineering and manufacturing prowess behind the NASA Standard Initiator, the 'Coolest Thing Made in Illinois'.Springfield Today

A device used in a recent NASA mission, the NASA Standard Initiator produced by Chemring Energetic Devices in Downers Grove, has been named the 'Coolest Thing Made in Illinois' in the 2026 Makers Madness competition organized by the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. The award shines a spotlight on Illinois' manufacturing industry, including its impact in east-central parts of the state.

Why it matters

The award recognizes the innovation and strength of Illinois' manufacturing sector, which remains the largest contributor to the state's gross domestic product and supports nearly one-third of jobs statewide. Communities like Normal, Decatur and Peoria have all been represented among finalists in the contest, highlighting the manufacturing prowess across central Illinois.

The details

The NASA Standard Initiator is an electrically activated component used in space missions and played a role in the recent Artemis II/Orion launch. The device was produced by Chemring Energetic Devices, a company based in Downers Grove, Illinois. Governor JB Pritzker announced the winner of the 'Coolest Thing Made in Illinois' contest, praising the innovation behind the product and the broader manufacturing sector across the state.

  • The 2026 Makers Madness competition was organized by the Illinois Manufacturers' Association.
  • Governor JB Pritzker announced the winner on Wednesday at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield.

The players

Chemring Energetic Devices

A company based in Downers Grove, Illinois that produced the NASA Standard Initiator, the device named the 'Coolest Thing Made in Illinois'.

Illinois Manufacturers' Association

The organization that organized the 2026 Makers Madness competition to recognize the 'Coolest Thing Made in Illinois'.

Governor JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who announced the winner of the 'Coolest Thing Made in Illinois' contest at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield.

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What they’re saying

“Recognition highlights manufacturing strength, including past years' contributions from Normal, Decatur and Peoria.”

— Governor JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

The takeaway

This award showcases Illinois' continued leadership in manufacturing, particularly in the areas of aerospace, transportation, and industrial production. The recognition of an Illinois-made NASA device as the 'Coolest Thing Made in Illinois' underscores the state's ability to innovate and contribute to cutting-edge technologies.