The NASA Standard Initiator that powered Artemis II is named "Coolest Thing Made in Illinois"

The NASA Standard Initiator built by Chemring Energetic Devices in Downers Grove has claimed the title of “The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois” for 2026.

According to a press release, voters picked it from over 100 entries in the Makers Madness contest run by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. The win came after nearly 167,000 votes in an eight-week bracket battle. Gov. JB Pritzker announced the victory at the Governor’s Mansion.

Key role in space exploration

This electrically activated pyrotechnic device proved vital in the recent Artemis II/Orion mission, the press release confirmed. It helped launch the spacecraft, letting astronauts view the moon’s dark side. According to the announcement, the device has flown on every NASA mission since Apollo.

“The NASA Standard Initiator helped propel Artemis II and the Orion spacecraft further into space than ever before and allowed astronauts to see the dark side of the Moon and set the stage for a lunar landing,” said Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, per the announcement.

Gov. JB Pritzker added his excitement, stating in the press release: “I’m proud to congratulate the brilliant minds at Chemring Energetic Devices on their Makers Madness victory. The NASA Standard Initiator helped make Artemis II’s historic mission possible and literally took Illinois innovation to the moon.”

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As NASA’s sole NSI provider, Chemring supports key space feats. The title highlights Illinois manufacturing’s clout, which drives over $580 billion in the state economy yearly.

“We are honored to receive this recognition as ‘The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois’ for the NASA Standard Initiator (NSI),” said Karen Kern, principal contracts manager at Chemring Energetic Devices, Inc., as reported in the press release. “The NSI has become a symbol of reliability, ingenuity, and precision while supporting countless mission-critical moments—from staging and separation to maneuvers that carry exploration forward.”

Competition highlights

Finalists included the John Deere Combine from East Moline, Duck Skimmer by Elastec in Carmi, and Aerapy PPR HVAC UV System from St. Charles, according to the announcement. Last year’s winner was the Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill Pump by MTH Pumps in Plano. Past champs feature Rivian’s R1T truck, Komatsu mining truck, and Caterpillar’s 797F Mining Truck. 

The contest timeline ran from February nominations to the announcement in April. This win spotlights how Illinois makers continue to fuel global progress.