A crane returns NASA’s Artemis II Orion spacecraft to the Final Assembly and System Testing (FAST) cell inside the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, March 21, 2025, following installation of four solar array winds and adapter jettison fairings. Once complete, the Orion spacecraft will be transported to other facilities for fueling and integration with its launch abort system before arriving at the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be stacked atop the SLS (Space Launch System) by NASA’s Exploration Ground System team at the Vehicle Assembly Building in preparations for Artemis II launch operations.

NRV Company Supports Historic Artemis II Mission

Montgomery County, VA  – VPT, a Montgomery County-based company in Virginia’s New River Valley, recently announced that its technology supported the historic Artemis II mission, which took place April 1-11, 2026, and marked a major milestone in humanity’s return to space exploration.

As a leader in power conversion technology, VPT supplied DC-DC converters that provided reliable power throughout the Artemis II mission. The mission carried a four-person crew on a journey around the Moon, marking the first crewed deep-space flight in more than 50 years. Artemis II also pushed the boundaries of human exploration, taking astronauts farther from Earth than any crew had traveled before.

VPT’s role in the mission highlights the impact New River Valley companies are making on projects that reach far beyond the region. From advanced manufacturing and aerospace technologies to research and engineering, local businesses are developing innovative solutions that reach markets around the globe and even beyond Earth. Achievements like Artemis II showcase the strength of the region’s workforce and reinforce the New River Valley’s reputation as a place where innovation thrives and groundbreaking work takes shape.

Read VPT’s press release here.

Image Credit: NASA/Glenn Benson

###
Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world-class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Share this content