NASA Welders Build Rockets That Fly to the Moon

Imagine welding the very spacecraft that will carry humans to the Moon and beyond. That's exactly what NASA welders do every day, using their hands and skills to make space exploration possible.

NASA welders work on everything from rocket components to massive fuel tanks and launch pads. At the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, technicians recently finished welding the Orion spacecraft that will carry astronauts on the Artemis II mission to the Moon. These skilled craftspeople use cutting-edge techniques like laser welding for delicate parts and ultrasonic welding that uses sound waves to bond metal layers.

The career offers multiple entry paths after high school. Students can pursue a two-year associate's degree at a community college or earn a certificate from a trade school. Most programs lead to apprenticeships where new welders gain real-world experience alongside professionals.

Michelle Bahnsen, a research laboratory mechanic and welder at NASA's Armstrong Test Facility, discovered her passion through hands-on experience. "Once I tried it, I really, really enjoyed it," she says. "There's just something about creating something with your hands. It gives you a sense of accomplishment."

High schoolers interested in the field can start preparing right now. Many schools offer welding classes where students can discover if they enjoy the work. Taking math and science courses helps too, since welders need to understand measurements, geometry, and how different materials behave.

Why This Inspires

This isn't just about learning a trade. NASA welders are solving problems and creating solutions that push the boundaries of human achievement. Every weld they make brings humanity closer to exploring deep space and eventually reaching Mars.

Spencer Wells, an engineering technician at Kennedy Space Center, emphasizes that welding combines technical skill with creativity. Enrique Lee, a tool and die apprentice at Glenn Research Center, notes that vocational training paired with internship experience creates the strongest foundation for success.

The work requires precision, patience, and pride in craftsmanship. These welders know that astronauts' lives depend on the quality of every joint they create, making each day's work meaningful beyond measure.

For students who love working with their hands and want to be part of something bigger than themselves, welding offers a direct path to building humanity's future among the stars.