July 22, 2024, Detroit, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, accompanied by Lakiesha Hawkins, Assistant Deputy Associate Administrator of the Moon to Mars Program Office, recently visited Futuramic in Detroit. Their visit highlighted the significant role Michigan’s thriving aerospace sector plays in bolstering American space exploration, economic competitiveness, and national security.
During their tour, Peters, Nelson, and Hawkins explored Futuramic’s state-of-the-art facilities, engaged with skilled workers, and observed the fabrication and machining of critical tools and flight hardware utilized by NASA. This visit underscored the vital contributions of Michigan’s aerospace industry to national initiatives.
Michigan Workers Excel
“Michigan workers excel at the kind of high-precision, advanced manufacturing needed to build technologies that can safely send Americans into space. This expertise has made us a hotbed for the aerospace industry,” said Senator Peters. “The space exploration systems that Futuramic and others in our state are helping to build will enable humans to travel farther into our solar system than ever before, and make unprecedented scientific discoveries about our universe that will translate to further innovation here at home. I was grateful to have the opportunity to witness this exciting work firsthand, and I’ll continue working to ensure NASA and its partners like Futuramic have the support they need to continue driving technological development and economic growth in our state.”
Michigan, A Key Part Of The Aerospace Industry
Administrator Bill Nelson added, “Michigan is a key part of the aerospace industry, and I was glad to visit Futuramic today with Senator Peters to see their work in action. Futuramic’s story is an American success story, transitioning from the automotive industry to the aerospace industry. Now, Futuramic and the other NASA suppliers in Michigan will help us return to the Moon and go even farther to Mars. I look forward to continuing to work with the growing aerospace industry in Michigan.”
Showcasing A Skilled Workforce
John Couch, Vice President of Futuramic Tool and Engineering, expressed his gratitude, stating, “It was an honor to have NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Senator Gary Peters, and Lakiesha Hawkins here today to see up close some of the advanced engineering and manufacturing operations at Futuramic. We can’t thank them enough for the opportunity to showcase our skilled workforce, while highlighting the importance of continued aerospace funding for small family-owned businesses like Futuramic.”
Fireside Chat
Following the tour, Senator Gary Peters and Bill Nelson sat down with Michigan partners, customers, and academics from the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Michigan State University for a “Fireside Chat.” This discussion focused on Michigan’s thriving aerospace sector, exploring opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth within the industry.
“Fireside Chat” with Senator Gary Peters and Bill Nelson.
Supporting Over 780 Jobs In Michigan
Michigan is home to over 600 aerospace-related companies and is ranked within the top 10 states in the nation for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness. In 2021 alone, NASA generated over $142 million in economic impact and supported over 780 jobs in Michigan.
Supplying NASA’s Artemis program
Futuramic continues to play a crucial role in NASA’s Artemis program, supplying parts for NASA’s new deep space rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), its Orion spacecraft, and its Exploration Ground Systems. Through the Artemis program, NASA aims to establish an American presence on the Moon and develop the capabilities needed to send astronauts to Mars, driving scientific discovery, economic growth, and national security.
Social Media
Michigan manufacturers are helping put Americans back on the moon!
It was great to visit @FuturamicTEC with my friend @SenBillNelson to see firsthand how our state’s manufacturing and innovation prowess will support @NASA‘s Artemis mission. pic.twitter.com/kQsq3KW8aa
— Senator Gary Peters (@SenGaryPeters) July 22, 2024
We are living in a golden era of space exploration fueled by American workers, innovation, and ingenuity.
Great to talk with @SenGaryPeters today about NASA’s partnerships with Michigan companies like @FuturamicTEC—and the good-paying jobs and opportunities our work creates. https://t.co/RN8Y5wQ38Q
— Bill Nelson (@SenBillNelson) July 22, 2024