NASA is getting closer to launching the Artemis II mission, which will send four astronauts around the Moon—and the spacecraft is carrying a piece of West Virginia with it.
After a wet dress rehearsal Sunday, the launch date was pushed to early March. When the rocket lifts off for its ten-day mission, much of its exterior will be made from aluminum produced in Ravenswood, West Virginia.
NASA officials say the aluminum must meet strict aerospace standards to withstand extreme speeds and pressure. The material was manufactured at the Constellium plant.
Company leaders say local employees take pride in knowing their work is headed to space. If successful, Artemis II could pave the way for future missions to the Moon and eventually Mars.