Memphis innovation just made it all the way to the moon—literally.
During their historic mission, the crew of Artemis II carried a piece of Shelby County with them: eclipse glasses manufactured right here in the Mid-South.
The astronauts experienced a rare solar eclipse while flying past the moon, and the glasses they used to safely view it were made by American Paper Optics, a Bartlett-based company known for producing millions of eclipse viewers distributed across the globe.
It’s a full-circle moment for a company that has long played a role in how people experience celestial events, and is now extending that reach beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Memphis-Made, Mission-Ready
Located in Bartlett, American Paper Optics has built a reputation for precision manufacturing and large-scale production of safe solar viewing glasses. Their products have been used in major eclipse events for years, but this mission marks a new milestone: being part of a spaceflight itself.
As astronauts orbited the moon and witnessed the eclipse from a vantage point few humans have ever experienced, Memphis-made technology was right there with them ensuring a safe and unforgettable view.
A Proud Moment for the Mid-South
Back on Earth, the City of Bartlett celebrated the moment with a bit of hometown pride, posting: “The B has reached the dark side of the moon.”
And honestly, it has.
From global distribution to now outer space, this milestone is another reminder that Memphis’ impact stretches far beyond city limits. Whether it’s music, culture, or innovation, the soul of this city has a way of showing up in some unexpected—and extraordinary—places.
