Industrial gases have played a key role at all stages of the Artemis II space mission – from the and round-the-clock operations to the far side of the moon, right up to the scheduled return to the Pacific Ocean on Friday evening (10 March).
Nitrogen and oxygen are both critical in the re-entry phase – often the most dangerous part of space flight – by maintaining a breathable atmosphere, regulating pressure, and supporting crew life systems within the Orion spacecraft.These stored gases, alongside potable water, are part of the consumable storage system that keeps crew members safe.
The Artemis II mission relied on a complex supply chain of cryogenic oxygen and hydrogen for liftoff, nitrogen for ground safety, and high-purity gases for space manoeuvres, with industrial gas producers ensuring the necessary purity and quantity for a safe flight.
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