MORRISON ~ MORRISON - On Wednesday, April 10, 2026, the successful Artemis II Lunar Mission returned to Earth with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California at 6:07 PM MST. The mission, which lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on April 1st at 4:35 PM MST, was a major achievement for Colorado's aerospace industry and showcased the state's central role in America's return to the moon.

Governor Jared Polis and Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera were among the many Colorado aerospace companies who gathered to celebrate this historic moment. Over 250 Colorado companies contributed to the Artemis program, making it a true collaborative effort.

During the celebration at Red Rocks, Governor Polis expressed his pride in Colorado's aerospace companies and their contributions to getting back to the moon. He also joked with the astronauts backstage, saying "Sure, you've travelled to the moon and back, but now you can say you've played to a sold out audience at Red Rocks!"

Lt. Governor Primavera also spoke about Colorado's vital role in space innovation and exploration. She highlighted how over 250 Colorado-based companies were involved in the mission and how inspiring it was to see so many Coloradans become a part of the "Artemis generation."

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The Artemis II crew consisted of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. This mission marked several historic firsts as Victor Glover became the first person of color, Christina Koch became the first woman, and Jeremy Hansen became the first non-U.S. citizen to leave Earth's orbit on a lunar mission.

Colorado has long been a leader in aerospace innovation and this success only solidifies its position as a national and global leader in this field. With over 2,000 aerospace businesses employing more than 56,000 people directly and another 184,000 indirectly, Colorado's aerospace economy is thriving. In 2026 alone, the state brought in a record $46 billion in federal funding for aerospace and defense, including over $31 billion in federal contracts. This success also extends to Colorado's military bases, which had an economic impact of $12.5 billion, and its federal labs, which received $3.4 billion.

Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Primavera's presence at the celebration was a testament to their support for Colorado's aerospace industry and their belief in its potential for continued growth and success. As the state continues to make strides in this field, it remains a national and global leader in aerospace innovation.

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