California's role in Artemis II launch includes parts production and recovery support.

Artemis II, a 10-day crewed lunar flyby, is scheduled to launch Wednesday at 6:24 p.m. ET; Sacramento-based Tecma made thousands of components used across the rocket and San Diego is tied to recovery efforts.

Artemis II, a 10-day crewed lunar flyby mission, is scheduled to launch Wednesday at 6:24 p.m. ET. California companies and institutions contributed hardware and recovery support to the mission. Sacramento-based Tecma manufactured thousands of parts used across the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. San Diego is tied to recovery efforts linked to the crew's return. Key facts: - The launch is scheduled for Wednesday at 6:24 p.m. ET; Artemis II is planned as a 10-day crewed lunar flyby. - Tecma, based in Sacramento, produced thousands of components integrated throughout the rocket, including parts for the Orion capsule, engines, and ignition system. - Tecma was founded in 1957 and supplied components used during the Apollo era, including parts that helped separate the Lunar Module's descent and ascent stages. - The Artemis II crew named in coverage are NASA Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen. - San Diego is connected to recovery operations, and NASA will livestream the launch while several watch parties are planned across California. Summary: The mission will test critical systems in deep space and represents the first human return to the moon's vicinity since 1972. California companies supplied hardware and local organizations are involved in recovery planning. The launch is scheduled for Wednesday evening and subsequent mission tests and recovery activities are expected as part of the mission timeline.