Back to the Moon – with tank components from MT Aerospace AG

Augsburg, 29. August 2022. NASA's almost 100-metre-high SLS (Space Launch System) lunar rocket is ready for the first launch, which is scheduled for today, 29 August 2022.

SLS mission Artemis 1: First step towards the next lunar landing

The first flight of the SLS will be launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA, carrying an uncrewed Orion space capsule into lunar orbit. The capsule will then orbit the moon for several weeks before being put on course back to Earth and eventually steered into the Pacific Ocean. Artemis 1 is the first mission of the US government-funded Artemis programme and is spearheading humanity's return to the Moon. In 2024, the programme is expected to land astronauts in the region of the lunar south pole.

MT Aerospace and Boeing have been partners in the SLS programme since 2013

Boeing has ordered tank components made of a special aluminium alloy from MT Aerospace AG for the main stage of the first SLS rocket: for the two dome caps that close off the 742,000-litre liquid oxygen tank and the two dome caps that close off the 2 million-litre liquid hydrogen tank. In the future, the company will also supply high-performance tank components for the rocket's Exploration Upper Stage (EUS), which will enable crewed exploration missions in space.
"We are very proud that components from Augsburg contribute to mankind's journey back to the Moon. The Artemis programme with its powerful SLS rocket also represents a central element for future missions to explore our solar system," says Ulrich Scheib, Member of the Board of MT Aerospace AG. "The fact that we at MT Aerospace are a sought-after partner in a major NASA programme with our products and solid technology 'Made in Bavaria' is confirmation of our international competitiveness – and we are particularly proud of this."
"Having MT Aerospace as a strong German partner in the SLS programme is an important indicator for our global growth strategy," said Dr. Michael Haidinger, president, Boeing Germany. "Our partnership with MT Aerospace is an excellent example of how we are adding industrial value and engaging European industry in key aerospace programs across the Atlantic."

About SLS
NASA’s Space Launch System is the most powerful rocket ever built, capable of carrying astronauts and cargo on the agency’s Artemis missions to the moon and beyond to Mars. Around 3,800 suppliers in all 50 U.S. states and across Europe contribute to the rocket, the Orion spacecraft it will launch, and the Exploration Ground Systems program that is modernizing Kennedy Space Center ahead of first flight. Boeing is responsible for the rocket’s cryogenic core stage, in-space upper stage and avionics suite.

About Boeing
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more: www.boeing.com.
Press contact:
Roger Gilles        
Boeing Communications     
+49 30 77 3 77 106     
roger.gilles@boeing.com

About MT Aerospace
MT Aerospace AG is an aerospace company with around 600 employees at its sites in Augsburg, Cagliari (Italy), Santiago de Chile and Kourou, French Guiana. MT Aerospace develops and produces key components for the European launcher Ariane, the Airbus aircraft fleet, spacecraft and satellites. MT Aerospace is a technology leader in lightweight structures using metal and composite materials. With an order volume of ten percent, MT Aerospace is the largest supplier for the Ariane program outside France.
Learn more: https://www.mt-aerospace.de/en