Service
June 3, 2026
Union Pacific Railroad’s Newest Commemorative Locomotive No. 4547 Embarks on First Freight Mission Hauling Artemis III Rocket Parts
No. 4547 Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary and is the Third in Presidential Locomotive Series
Marking a milestone in innovation and collaboration, Union Pacific Railroad on Tuesday unveiled its newest commemorative locomotive with Northrop Grumman and Wabtec, as No. 4547 began its first mission hauling Space Launch System solid rocket motor segments for NASA’s Artemis III lunar exploration program.
Departing from a shipping facility near Corinne, Utah, the locomotive carried components supporting NASA’s effort to explore deep space and return humanity to the moon. It was joined by No. 1616, another special commemorative locomotive that honors President Abraham Lincoln and Union Pacific’s rich history. Lincoln founded Union Pacific in 1862 when he signed the Pacific Railway Act, approving construction of the transcontinental railroad.
Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena joined Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz, Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams, and leaders from Northrop Grumman, NASA and Wabtec for a ceremony marking the shipment and christening of No. 4547, a locomotive that honors President Donald J. Trump and commemorates America’s 250th anniversary.
“We are proud to honor President Donald J. Trump with this commemorative engine while helping advance the Artemis III mission,” Vena said. “As No. 4547 carries these rocket components, it represents the strength of our nation’s supply chain and our role in connecting the country – linking industries, communities and opportunity from our rail network to the surface of the moon.”
“From Northern Utah’s role in building the transcontinental railroad to powering exploration with our Space Launch System boosters, this partnership shows how American industries and innovation are building the future,” said Wendy Williams, vice president and general manager, launch and exploration, Northrop Grumman.
Artemis III is planned as NASA’s second crewed mission in its Artemis lunar exploration program. The mission will test integrated operations between the Orion spacecraft and commercial landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin to lay the groundwork for future missions, including a planned lunar landing as early as 2028.
Built by Wabtec, No. 4547 is the third in Union Pacific’s presidential locomotive series: No. 1616 honors President Abraham Lincoln, who founded Union Pacific in 1862, and No. 4141 recognizes President George H.W. Bush, a noted rail enthusiast.