Illinois-Made NASA Device Wins 'Coolest Thing' Award

The NASA Standard Initiator, crucial for space travel, was named the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:54pm

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A highly textured, abstract painting in soft earth tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, conceptually representing the complex mechanisms and forces involved in space travel.An Illinois-made device that helps power space exploration is recognized for its innovative design and crucial role in enabling historic missions.Springfield Today

Chemring Energetic Devices, a Downers Grove-based company, won the 'Coolest Thing Made in Illinois' award for its NASA Standard Initiator (NSI) device. The NSI is a small pyrotechnic device that helps initiate propulsion and separation during space launches, including the recent Artemis II mission around the moon. The company has been providing the NSI to NASA since the Apollo missions in the 1970s.

Why it matters

The NSI's role in enabling successful space missions highlights Illinois' contributions to the aerospace industry. As the only provider of this NASA-qualified device, Chemring Energetic Devices showcases the state's manufacturing capabilities and innovation in supporting some of the most ambitious space exploration efforts.

The details

The NSI is a crucial component that helps maneuver, separate, and stage spacecraft during launch and flight. Chemring Energetic Devices, which has been working with NASA since the Apollo era, is the sole manufacturer of the NSI that is qualified by the space agency. The company's devices have been used in various space missions, including the recent Artemis II flight around the moon.

  • Chemring Energetic Devices has been providing the NSI to NASA since the 1970s.
  • The NSI was used in the recent Artemis II mission around the moon in 2026.

The players

Chemring Energetic Devices Inc.

A Downers Grove-based company that engineers and manufactures devices for NASA, including the NASA Standard Initiator (NSI).

Steven Hill

The president of Chemring Energetic Devices Inc.

Karen Kern

The principal contracts manager for Chemring Energetic Devices Inc.

JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who presented the 'Coolest Thing Made in Illinois' award to Chemring Energetic Devices.

Mark Denzler

The president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association, which hosts the annual 'Makers Madness' competition.

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What they’re saying

“Anytime you have a space launch, anytime you have a separation activity, particularly in space, you need something to push that away and get something to light that initiating event. And that's what that device does.”

— Steven Hill, President of Chemring Energetic Devices Inc.

“The NASA Standard Initiator helped make Artemis II's historic mission possible and literally took Illinois innovation to the moon.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

“As the only provider of NSI initiators to NASA, Chemring Energetic Devices is proud to contribute to humanity's most ambitious achievements.”

— Karen Kern, Principal Contracts Manager for Chemring Energetic Devices

“This year's winner is truly out of this world and represents the very best of Illinois manufacturing, embodying the creativity and innovation that is the hallmark of our incredible industry.”

— Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association

What’s next

Chemring Energetic Devices will continue to supply the NASA Standard Initiator for future space missions, including the upcoming Artemis III lunar landing.

The takeaway

Illinois' manufacturing prowess extends beyond earthly bounds, with a Downers Grove-based company playing a crucial role in enabling some of humanity's most ambitious space exploration efforts. The recognition of the NASA Standard Initiator as the 'Coolest Thing Made in Illinois' showcases the state's innovative spirit and commitment to advancing scientific frontiers.