Frontgrade Recognized by NASA, Lockheed Martin for Its Contribution to Historic Artemis II Spaceflight

Earlier this year, four astronauts traveled around the Moon and back aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft on Artemis II. It was the first crewed journey to the Moon in more than 50 years, and it was the first time Orion carried astronauts. The mission marked a major step toward future Artemis flights, with crew safety at the center of every phase. 

Over nearly 10 days, the crew traveled 695,081 miles, reaching a record-breaking distance of 252,756 miles from Earth—4,111 miles beyond Apollo 13’s record—and passing approximately 4,067 miles above the lunar surface at their closest approach. Orion returned at a reentry speed of 24,664 mph, entered Earth’s atmosphere within 192 feet of its targeted entry point, and splashed down just 0.59 miles from the predicted landing site.

Supporting that level of performance means planning for both the mission ahead and the possibility that it cannot proceed as intended. That responsibility began at launch. If an emergency were to occur, Orion’s launch abort system was designed to pull the crew module clear of the rocket. But, separation is only the beginning: the capsule must remain on a controlled path and reorient for parachute deployment. Frontgrade’s work supports this part of Orion’s launch abort system, helping provide astronauts a way to return safely if the launch cannot continue.

On Thursday, October 15, representatives from NASA and Lockheed Martin visited Frontgrade’s Colorado Springs facility to recognize the team’s contributions and commitment to the success of Artemis II. Tim Straube, NASA’s Avionics, Power, Software (APS) Manager for the Orion program, and Kirk Shireman, Lockheed Martin’s VP of Human Spaceflight & Orion Program Manager presented a recognition award to Ryan Walters, a Frontgrade process engineer on the program. Also in attendance were Timothy Norick, Lockheed Martin’s Orion Program Hardware Director, and Scott Schmidt, Lockheed Martin’s Orion Subcontract Program Manager.

The recognition reflects the diligent work by more than 30 Frontgrade team members. Their contribution is one part of a larger effort across NASA and industry to carry out the Artemis missions while protecting the people aboard Orion.

“Protecting the crew is fundamental to every mission NASA sends beyond Earth. Our team’s work supports that responsibility during one of the most demanding moments of the journey: launch. It’s an honor to contribute to Artemis II, and being recognized by NASA and Lockheed Martin makes this moment especially meaningful for the Frontgrade team members who have dedicated years to the program,” said David Meyouhas, president of Microelectronics at Frontgrade.

Frontgrade’s work supporting Orion builds on decades of experience supplying electronics for space missions. Across spacecraft power, processing, communications and motion control, Frontgrade technologies help mission teams operate in demanding environments. The Artemis II contribution carries that heritage into modern human spaceflight, where reliability has a direct connection to crew safety. This recognition honors years of work on a crew safety system that had to be ready to perform when every moment mattered.