EAST AURORA, N.Y. — The progression of NASA’s Artemis program is reaching new heights, and the heartbeat of this lunar ambition is pulsing right here in Western New York. At Moog Inc.’s expanded Elma facility, local engineers and technicians are securing the region’s legacy in aerospace by manufacturing the critical hardware necessary for the planned 2028 Moon landing and beyond.
Currently, over one thousand Moog employees are dedicated to the design, development, and qualification of components for the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion capsule. This massive local effort underscores the vital role our community plays in the nation’s most ambitious space exploration endeavors. For more updates on regional industrial growth, visit our Business section.
A Legacy of Precision: From Apollo to Artemis
Moog’s involvement in space exploration is not a new chapter for the East Aurora-based company. Their advanced technology was foundational to the Apollo-Saturn V missions of the 1960s and served as a cornerstone for the Space Shuttle program. Today, that expertise is being channeled into the next generation of discovery.
The expanded Elma facility serves as a centralized hub of innovation. Here, a collaborative environment of designers, machinists, and engineers work in tandem to produce aerospace technology that must perform flawlessly in the vacuum of space. This site is a testament to the manufacturing prowess found within the Western New York community.
Critical Systems: Steering the Future of SLS and Orion
Moog serves as a primary supplier for the systems that define the Artemis mission’s success. Specifically, the company produces high-performance actuators essential for the thrust vector control systems. These components are responsible for steering the massive rocket engines, ensuring the SLS maintains a precise trajectory during its ascent.
Inside the Orion crew capsule, Moog’s contributions are literally a matter of life and death. The company provides the life support systems that regulate oxygen delivery for astronauts. Additionally, they engineered the sophisticated side hatch mechanism—a device capable of seamlessly operating the 700-pound entry door, a component that was successfully utilized during the recent recovery of the Orion capsule.
| System/Component | Function | Mission Application |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust Vector Actuators | Precision steering and engine control | Space Launch System (SLS) |
| Life Support Mechanisms | Oxygen regulation and delivery | Orion Crew Capsule |
| Side Hatch Mechanism | Automated 700lb entry/exit door operation | Orion Crew Capsule |
| Fluid Control Hardware | Propulsion and fuel management | Artemis III, IV, & V |
Brittany Semrau, Moog Orion Program Manager, emphasizes the rigorous standards of these builds: “Many elements of the Moog hardware here are multiple fault tolerant, which means that in the event that something in the item breaks—it can actually recover itself without repair.” This focus on redundancy is a hallmark of the investigative precision Moog brings to the aerospace sector.
The Road to Mars and Local Opportunities
The work in Elma is already looking toward the horizon. Hardware for the Artemis III mission has been delivered and integrated into the Orion capsule currently stationed at the Kennedy Space Center. As NASA eyes missions IV and V, the demand for high-reliability components continues to grow.
Craig Owczarzak, Moog Program Manager for Space Fluid Control, noted the profound impact on the workforce: “We’re really excited to see how the mission progresses. Knowing our hardware is already there and ready is a source of immense pride for the team.”
With sustained growth on the horizon, Moog is actively looking to bolster its workforce. As the company expands its footprint in defense and aerospace, they are seeking talented individuals to join their Western New York operations. For those looking to contribute to the next giant leap for mankind, career opportunities are currently available via the Moog external career site.
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