If anyone had doubts that the searching beyond the reaches of our atmosphere doesn’t effect what goes on planetside, they need to think again. NASA’s phenomenal success with the Curiosity Rover showcases the superior innovation and quality control that US manufacturing still provides for the most demanding conditions possible. It is amazing to consider the design parameters and manufacturing tolerances required for such a complex mission. While this is heartening to see, it is drives the point home that if US manufacturers are to exist at all in the near future to help drive the development of products based upon space technologies, STEM educated workers must be available for them to hire. Many US Manufacturers’ expansion plans are constrained by this labor shortage, with needs ranging from CNC machinists to computer scientists. It is imperative that STEM educators continue to drive curriculum that is directly related to these high need areas, and most importantly that students see these connections so there is a light at the end of the educational tunnel. Some of the companies involved in the Curiosity mission, along with some likeminded editorial content are in this article. Read it, and see the connections between what STEM activities you do in your classroom that will help the US stay competitive for the next generation.