The United Launch Alliance plant in Decatur played a major role in launching the Artemis II astronauts into space on Wednesday.
Workers at the 2.2 million-square foot facility – the largest rocket plant in the world – built the Space Launch System rocket’s upper stage called the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS). It was built in collaboration with Boeing.
“We are honored to be entrusted with the lives of our noble astronauts and play a critical role in enabling the next phase of human space exploration,” said John Elbon, ULA’s interim CEO in a news release. “Along with positioning the astronauts in orbit to head towards the Moon, our Ascent team in Denver supported key NASA decision makers monitoring the health and performance of ICPS during the Space Launch System’s (SLS) climb to space.”…