Airgas, part of Air Liquide, supplied high-pressure nitrogen from its Merritt Island, Florida facility for NASA’s Artemis II launch operations at the Kennedy Space Center, supporting ground systems during countdown and liftoff of the space launch system rocket. The mission, a 10-day crewed flight around the Moon, marks the first human return to lunar space in more than 50 years.
The nitrogen supply supported ground systems during final countdown and liftoff of the space launch system rocket, meeting required flow rates for launch conditions. Airgas used its infrastructure and technical operations at the Merritt Island site to manage delivery during the launch sequence.
Air Liquide and Airgas provide gases, cryogenic equipment, and supporting infrastructure for launch vehicles and satellites. Their operations include nitrogen pumping, pipeline delivery, onsite supply systems, and Air Separation Units (ASUs) that produce high-purity gases for rocket testing, launch operations, and propulsion systems.
Marcelo Fioranelli, chief executive officer of Airgas, stated: “The Artemis II mission is more than just a return to the Moon, it’s a testament to what we can achieve when we aim for the stars. At Air Liquide, we are honored to fuel this historic endeavor, knowing that our reliable supply of nitrogen plays a crucial role in enabling this monumental leap forward. This mission, much like our commitment to every customer, is about filling our potential – pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and achieving what was once unimaginable. We are proud to support NASA as they inspire the next generation of deep space explorers.”
Source: Air Liquide
About Air Liquide
Air Liquide supplies industrial and medical gases, equipment, and related services to customers in chemicals, energy, electronics, and healthcare. The company provides oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and specialty gases to manufacturers, hospitals, electronics producers, and energy companies. Air Liquide was founded in 1902. The company is headquartered in Paris, Île-de-France, France. It serves more than 4 million customers and patients worldwide and employs about 66,500 people.
About Airgas
Airgas is a U.S.-based supplier of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, along with welding equipment, safety products, and related tools. The company serves industries including manufacturing, construction, energy, chemicals, healthcare, food processing, and government. It distributes gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide, along with process chemicals and equipment, through a network of retail branches and distribution centers. Founded in 1982, Airgas is headquartered in Radnor, PA. The company operates as a subsidiary of Air Liquide and maintains a distribution network across North America. It serves more than one million customers globally and employs about 18,000 people worldwide.