Subscribers to the PDCA e-newsletterA Pile of News may remember a feature in the May 2026 edition highlighting member companies that have contributed to NASA projects, including those connected to the successful Artemis II mission. At that time, PDCA also invited members involved in NASA-related work to reach out if their contributions had not yet been recognized.
One member company answered that call with an impressive addition to the story. Manson Construction shared details about its work modernizing Pier 8 at Naval Base San Diego, a project completed three years ago that ultimately played a role in the Artemis II mission. Following the crew's Pacific Ocean splashdown on April 10, 2026, the Artemis capsule arrived by ship at the Manson-built pier.
PDCA appreciates association member Kelly Blythe, PE, of Manson Construction for bringing this important connection to our attention. Blythe explained that NASA served as a stakeholder during the project because the pier design required specialized features capable of supporting capsule recovery operations.
To further document the connection, Blythe also shared a published article from the San Diego Business Journal by editor Brad Graves, which covered the capsule's arrival in San Diego. The story included a striking image of the Artemis capsule secured on Pier 8 following its transport from the ocean. Graves graciously granted PDCA permission to republish the photo featured with this story.
Manson Construction now joins a growing list of PDCA members connected to the historic Artemis II mission and other NASA initiatives. Previously recognized members include Orion Marine Group, which led construction of the NASA Causeway Bridge project supporting transportation access to Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where Artemis II launched. Additional members contributing products and services to the Causeway project included GRL Engineers, Inc., ASAP Group, International Construction Equipment, Inc., GeoQuip, UES, and Pile Dynamics, Inc.Bechtel also recently completed ground systems work at Kennedy Space Center, while Canal Barge Company transported the Artemis Space Launch System to the launch site ahead of the April 1 liftoff.
PDCA congratulates these members -- and potentially others still to be identified -- for contributing to a landmark achievement in modern space exploration.
