Bartlett-Made Eclipse Glasses Travel to Moon with Artemis II

Shelby County manufacturer's product used by astronauts during rare in-space solar eclipse.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:04am

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A highly textured, abstract painting in earthy tones depicting the Artemis II spacecraft's trajectory around the Moon, with concentric circles, sweeping arcs, and precise botanical spirals representing the rare solar eclipse observed by the astronauts.Bartlett-made eclipse glasses accompany Artemis II astronauts on historic lunar flyby and solar eclipse observation.Memphis Today

The crew of NASA's Artemis II mission took a piece of Shelby County, Tennessee with them to the moon - a set of eclipse glasses manufactured by American Paper Optics, LLC in Bartlett. The astronauts used the locally-made glasses to safely view a rare in-space solar eclipse during their lunar flyby.

Why it matters

This marks the first time that products from the Mid-South region have traveled to the moon, highlighting the technological capabilities and global reach of local manufacturers. It also showcases how even small businesses can play a role in historic space exploration missions.

The details

American Paper Optics, a Bartlett-based company, produces specialized eclipse glasses and other optical products. Their eclipse glasses were selected by NASA to be used by the Artemis II astronauts during a rare solar eclipse that occurred while the spacecraft was in orbit around the moon. This allowed the crew to safely observe the celestial event.

  • The Artemis II mission launched in April 2026.
  • The crew performed the lunar flyby and observed the solar eclipse in late April 2026.

The players

American Paper Optics, LLC

A Bartlett, Tennessee-based manufacturer of eclipse glasses and other optical products. Their eclipse glasses were used by the Artemis II astronauts during a rare in-space solar eclipse.

Artemis II

NASA's second crewed mission to the Moon as part of the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface.

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What they’re saying

“The B has reached the dark side of the moon.”

— City of Bartlett

What’s next

The Artemis II crew is scheduled to return to Earth in late April 2026 after completing their lunar flyby mission. NASA will continue working towards the Artemis III mission, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon's surface.

The takeaway

This mission highlights how even small businesses in the Mid-South can play a role in historic space exploration efforts. The fact that Bartlett-made eclipse glasses traveled to the Moon showcases the global reach and technological capabilities of local manufacturers.