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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 27, 2026 |
Everyday the Maine Turnpike carries the traffic helping to keep the state’s economy moving. But every now and then, something extraordinary travels this roadway.
That happened when specialized components for the Artemis II mission began their journey to NASA via the Turnpike. Using components built by two Maine manufacturers, these parts contributed to one of the most ambitious human spaceflight programs of our time.
• Spirit AeroSystems in Biddeford produced propulsion components for the Orion Launch Abort System.
• Elmet Technologies in Lewiston supplied precision‑machined tungsten parts built to withstand the extreme conditions of crewed spaceflight.
Our role at the Maine Turnpike Authority is simple: provide a safe roadway so shipments like these can reach their next destination. Supply chain timing and reliability matters. It’s the same work we do for freight carriers every day. We don’t claim any role in Artemis II—but knowing a piece of this mission began on this interstate is a point of pride. Moments like this remind us that Maine's Turnpike supports more than daily travel. It keeps industries moving and occasionally helps send Maine‑made innovation toward the Moon. We’re proud to serve Maine—and the journeys that start here—moving forward.