NASA Device Manufactured in Illinois Wins 'Coolest Thing' Title in State Contest
The NASA Standard Initiator, a device produced by Chemring Energetic Devices in Downers Grove, Illinois, has been awarded the title of 'The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois' in the 2026 'Makers Madness' contest. This competition, organized by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and sponsored by Comcast Business, highlights the contributions of the manufacturing sector to the state's economy. The NASA Standard Initiator is an electrically activated pyrotechnic device that has been integral to NASA missions since the Apollo era, including the recent Artemis II/Orion mission. The device's recognition underscores its reliability and precision in supporting critical space exploration tasks. The contest saw nearly 167,000 votes cast over eight weeks, with the winner announced by Governor JB Pritzker at the Governor’s Mansion. 
