Statements on Artemis II

Being able to witness the Artemis II voyage to the Moon, led by the exemplary Artemis II crew (including mission specialist Christina Koch, who began her career at NASA Goddard) was an awe-inspiring and for many, life-defining event. The mission captured the world’s attention, not only because of the technical and scientific feats NASA was able to accomplish in returning humans to orbit and observe the Moon, but because of the rare human and cosmic perspectives the mission brought to us. The journey was a very timely reminder of the importance of NASA’s role in space exploration and space science for the US and the entire world. We can all feel pride in belonging to such a NASA team. On the occasion of the Artemis II launch, IFPTE leadership and GESTA’s President spoke on the historic journey, and emphasized the role of NASA’s federal workforce in making the mission possible.

GESTA President, Trysh Moton noted that, “As Artemis II launches, it highlights decades of dedication by NASA workers and union members who helped design and build the spacecraft for the first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit since 1972. The mission is a source of pride, featuring a historic crew that includes the first person of color, first woman, and first Canadian to circle the Moon. It represents a major achievement made possible by thousands of NASA employees and partners, marking an important milestone for NASA, the nation, and the world.”

IFPTE President Matt Biggs said "We extend our congratulations to the thousands of IFPTE members at NASA whose quiet dedication and world-leading expertise contributed to today's launch of Artemis II. From the laboratory to ground control to the Orion capsule, the women and men who made today's historic moment possible are bound by one important fact: they are all civil servants.  We wish the crew a productive journey and safe return to Earth, and we look forward to more historic victories for scientific advancement and the federal workforce. While some seem to believe that our best interest as a nation lies in undermining science, stripping NASA’s talented and dedicated workforce of their worker’s rights, and outsourcing NASA's important work, we know that America's place as a global leader in innovation will only be realized by redoubling our commitment to space exploration and the people who make it possible.”