Deep Space Exploration

Artemis I

NASA’s Space Launch System is the most powerful rocket ever built and will launch the world’s only spacecraft designed to carry humans to deep space. The launch of Artemis l marks a powerful moment in NASA’s history, and we’re proud to be a part of it.

Artemis l will be the first integrated flight test of NASA's deep space exploration systems: the Orion spacecraft, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, and the supporting ground systems. The primary goal of Artemis l is to thoroughly test the integrated systems before sending crewed missions to space.

Our expertise in the aerospace industry and experience developing and delivering next-level precision solutions to produce critical components and assemblies made a partnership with NASA a natural fit. Our systems played a part in the Orion spacecraft, SLS Core Stage, Thermal Protection System (TPS), SLS Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter (LVSA), and Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB).

Take a closer look into our partnership with NASA.

Our systems played a part in making critical components and assemblies for the Artemis l mission. Here, eight individual pieces were welded together with tight tolerances to form one section of the core stage barrel.

I-STIR Friction stir welding technology was used to manufacture the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen tanks which hold 733,000 gallons of propellant.

When tested for joint strength the liquid hydrogen tank withstood more than 260% of expected flight loads.

An uncrewed Orion spacecraft will venture thousands of miles beyond the moon, paving the way for future flights with astronauts. Plug welds on Orion complete the FSW process.

Automated processes for thermal protection system (TPS, shown in the orange material) and foam machining from PAR increased quality and efficiency while reducing cost.

PAR Systems Friction Stir Welding Machine

Our advanced control system allows customers to take full advantage of the process benefits while allowing the ability to deploy technology for large, complex applications.

Insulation keeps the fuel tanks at the right temperature and pressure. Previously the foam was painted white, but not applying paint reduces the vehicle mass by 1,000 pounds.

Specialty crane with extra safety and monitoring lifting the Artemis SLS space launch vehicle during manufacturing

Cranes were used to rotate the SLS engine section from a vertical to a horizontal position to prepare it for joining the rest of the rocket's core stage.