Norfolk Southern locomotive carrying Northrop Grumman rocket components for the Artemis II: Mission to the Moon through Atlanta, Georgia.

Introduction:

Norfolk Southern recently transported essential space rocket components for NASA's highly anticipated Artemis II Mission to the Moon.

Scheduled for next year, Artemis II is poised to be a milestone in human space exploration. Four astronauts will embark on a remarkable voyage around the Moon, marking the first crewed mission on NASA's path towards establishing a sustained lunar presence.

This 10-day mission will not only test NASA's pioneering deep space exploration technologies, but it will also lay the foundation for future lunar surface missions. This mission aims to achieve historic milestones, including landing the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon.

Norfolk Southern's pivotal role in Artemis II:

Norfolk Southern carried the rockets on behalf of our valued customer and leader in solving the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, and defense, Northrop Grumman.

The cross-country journey spanned approximately 6 days, commencing on September 19 from Corinne, Utah and concluding on September 25 at Jay-Jay Siding in Mims, Florida. With the help of three railroads, the train traveled through 11 states total – Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.

Norfolk Southern picked up the precious cargo in Memphis, Tennessee. When the cargo transitioned to Norfolk Southern, we dedicated a special engine to carry on the Mission to the Moon. The NS6920 Veterans Engine honors the brave men and women that put everything on the line to protect our freedom and enable us to chase our dreams in space.

“The arrival of the SLS solid rocket booster motor segments is an important turning point as NASA and our Artemis partners begin readying for stacking and launch preparations for Artemis II,” said Amit Kshatriya, Deputy Associate Administrator for the Moon to Mars Program Office at NASA Headquarters. “Fully stacked, these boosters for NASA’s SLS rocket are the largest, most powerful ever built for spaceflight and will help send the first astronauts around the Moon in more than 50 years.”

Norfolk Southern carrying Northrop Grumman rocket components for the Artemis II: Mission to the Moon through Georgia.

“We appreciate Northrop Grumman and NASA for trusting us with their business, and we look forward to continuing to provide safe, reliable transportation solutions for our customers and our country,” said Norfolk Southern Chief Marketing Officer Ed Elkins.

“Norfolk Southern is proud to play a role in advancing scientific knowledge and propelling humankind into outer space,” said Norfolk Southern VP Industrial Products Leggett Kitchin. “The advance work done by the entire Norfolk Southern team in conjunction with our valued partners can’t be overstated.”

“Our team remained aligned, focused, and efficient throughout to successfully get this important cargo to its destination,” said Norfolk Southern Market Manager Industrial Products Metals & Construction Marketing Michael Johnson.

Conclusion:

"This safe and successful trip is a testament to the incredible dedication and meticulous planning that went into making it a reality,” said Norfolk Southern Chief Operating Officer Paul Duncan. “Over the past nine months, the synergy between Northrop Grumman, Norfolk Southern's Marketing, Transportation, and Operations, and both Union Pacific and the Florida East Coast Railway has been nothing short of extraordinary. It showcases the power of collaboration and precision in logistics.”

To stay updated on the progress of the Artemis II mission, click here. To review additional pictures, captions, and b-roll from the transport, please check here.