Stillwater Company Supplying Key Parts for Artemis II Moon Mission

Frontier Electronic Systems providing over 20 critical components for NASA's historic crewed lunar flight

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:53am

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft, flat colors depicting sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise mechanical spirals, conveying the technical complexity and engineering precision behind the Artemis II lunar mission.The intricate engineering and advanced technology powering NASA's historic Artemis II mission to the Moon.Stillwater Today

A company in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Frontier Electronic Systems, is supplying more than 20 key parts for the Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight around the Moon in over 50 years. The components built by Frontier's employees, including OSU graduate student Kaylin Isbell, will be used throughout the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission marks a major milestone in NASA's ambitious plan to return humans to the lunar surface. The contributions from the Stillwater-based Frontier Electronic Systems highlight the important role that regional aerospace manufacturers play in supporting America's space program and inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists.

The details

Frontier Electronic Systems is responsible for producing critical hardware for the Artemis II mission, including the actual hand controller that pilot Victor Glover will use to steer the Orion spacecraft, as well as the cursor and electronic switch panels inside the module. The company's parts can be found 'from the very tip of the launch abort system, all the way down to the thruster at the bottom of the SLS rocket'.

  • The Artemis II mission is currently targeted to launch on April 1, 2026 at 5:24pm.
  • This will mark the first crewed mission around the Moon since the Apollo 17 flight in 1972.

The players

Frontier Electronic Systems

An aerospace manufacturing company based in Stillwater, Oklahoma that is supplying over 20 critical components for the Artemis II mission to the Moon.

Kaylin Isbell

An OSU graduate student from Jenks, Oklahoma who is helping assemble parts for the Artemis II mission at Frontier Electronic Systems.

Victor Glover

The pilot who will be aboard the Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II mission, using the hand controller built by Frontier Electronic Systems to steer the vehicle.

Shawn Quinn

The Exploration Ground Systems manager at NASA who praised the vital contributions of the Stillwater-based engineers and technicians supporting the Artemis program.

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What they’re saying

“From the very tip of the launch abort system, all the way down to the thruster at the bottom of the SLS rocket, there's electronics all over it that we build here in Stillwater, Oklahoma.”

— Darryl Smith, Program Manager, Frontier Electronic Systems

“It's definitely really cool to be working on something that you can say you helped on a project (like this), especially assembling boards that you know are going...toward the moon.”

— Kaylin Isbell, OSU Graduate Student

“The contributions of those engineers and the technicians and the people that help make that equipment can't be overstated. They're a vital part of our space program. So for those folks that are in Oklahoma building those hand controllers, thank you.”

— Shawn Quinn, Exploration Ground Systems Manager, NASA

What’s next

The earliest the Artemis II mission can launch is April 1, 2026 at 5:24pm. Engineers and technicians from Frontier Electronic Systems in Stillwater will be closely watching the historic liftoff, knowing their hard work and dedication played a crucial role in making it possible.

The takeaway

The Artemis II mission showcases the vital role that regional aerospace manufacturers like Frontier Electronic Systems in Stillwater, Oklahoma play in supporting America's space program. Their contributions, from building critical hardware to inspiring the next generation of engineers, are essential to the success of ambitious lunar exploration efforts.