Airgas, an Air Liquide company, supplies mission-critical high-pressure nitrogen for NASA’s historic Artemis II launch

Airgas, an Air Liquide company, supplies mission-critical high-pressure nitrogen for NASA’s historic Artemis II launch

Air Liquide is proud to announce Airgas’ continued role in the advancement of American space exploration through the successful support of NASA’s Artemis II mission. As the first crewed flight of the Artemis program, this 10-day journey has sent a four-person crew around the Moon, marking the first human travel to lunar space in over 50 years and paving the way for a permanent lunar presence. The space sector is one of the multiple areas of development for the Group, which is ideally positioned thanks to its historical footprint in the United States.

As part of a long-standing collaboration between Air Liquide and NASA that spans more than 50 years, Airgas supplied the critical high-pressure nitrogen required for launch operations at the Kennedy Space Center. This nitrogen gas supply was managed and delivered by the Airgas facility in Merritt Island, Florida.

The Airgas team leveraged its reliable infrastructure and technical expertise at the Merritt Island site to meet the rigorous demands of the Artemis II launch, achieving the highest flow rates to support the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket during its final countdown and liftoff.

From the provision of essential ground-based infrastructure, cryogenic equipment and systems for launch vehicles and satellites, to the supply of cryogenic fluids and high-purity rare gases for propulsion, the Group is a key enabler in the comprehensive supply chain of space exploration. Airgas provides vital high-flow nitrogen pumping and pipeline services for critical rocket tests and launches, complemented by dedicated onsite supplies and Air Separation Units (ASUs) to enable the consistent, high-specification gas supply demanded by specialized space applications.

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.”

Airgas, Inc.

Airgas®, an Air Liquide company, is a leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases, as well as hardgoods and related products; one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products; and a leading U.S. supplier of ammonia products and process chemicals.

Airgas helps its more than 1 million customers advance their business performance and reach their full potential with reliable products, services and expertise used to create, build, care, serve and sustain. With nearly 18,000 associates, over 1,400 locations, a robust eBusiness platform, and Airgas Total Access® telesales channel, Airgas is ready to help customers fill their potential, every day.

As an Air Liquide company, a world leader in gases, technology and services for Industry and Health, Airgas offers customers an unrivaled global footprint and industry-leading technology and innovations.

For more information, please visit www.airgas.com

About Air Liquide’s Space activities

With over 60 years of expertise, Air Liquide is a main global partner of the space industry, participating in the largest international projects in the field of space transportation, Earth observation and science missions. On the ground, Air Liquide operates on the entire launchers value chain, from the design and recurring production of onboard cryogenic and gas management equipment to the production and management of all propellants and fluids used for the rocket propulsion; to operational support and services provided to the launch pad.

For satellites, Air Liquide supplies rare gases like xenon, krypton and argon for electric propulsion and provides cryocoolers which allow the mechanical and thermal stability of on-board instruments. Looking toward the future of space exploration, Air Liquide is also pioneering technologies such as regenerative fuel cell systems to enable a sustainable, long-term human presence in space.

For more information, please visit https://advancedtech.airliquide.com/markets-solutions/deep-tech/space

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Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and many other essential small molecules are the invisible pillars of our world and our lives. They have been at the core of the Group’s activities since its creation in 1902.

A world leader in gases, technologies and services for industry and healthcare, Air Liquide acts as the backbone of numerous economic sectors, serving 4.3 million customers and patients across 59 countries with approximately 65,000 employees. With revenues close to 27 billion euros in 2025, Air Liquide combines strong performance and useful growth.

The Group is a leader with a diversified, resilient business model and a strong local footprint across the globe. Through deep engineering expertise and technological innovation, Air Liquide provides scalable solutions that enhance industrial efficiency, accelerate decarbonization, and strengthen value chains. Strategically exposed to growth markets and megatrends, the Group accompanies major industrial and societal transformations to create long term added value and build a sustainable future.

Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (compartment A) and belongs to the CAC 40, CAC 40 ESG, EURO STOXX 50, FTSE4Good, and Dow Jones Best-in-Class Europe Index indexes.

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