MEDIA ALERT

Radnor, PA April 2, 2026
Click to Download PDF

Airgas Supplies Mission-Critical High-Pressure Nitrogen for NASA's Historic Artemis II Launch

The NASA Artemis II SLS rocket on the launchpad at night; Airgas provides the high-pressure nitrogen and ground support equipment critical for this mission's launch operations.

Image Credit: NASA/Jim Ross

Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is proud to announce its continued role in the advancement of American space exploration through the successful support of NASA's Artemis II mission. This 10-day journey, the first crewed flight of the Artemis program, sends 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.

As part of a long-standing Air Liquide collaboration with 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 delivered by the Airgas Merritt Island, Florida, facility.

The Airgas team leveraged its reliable infrastructure and technical expertise at the Merritt Island site to meet the 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 advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge welding techniques to the high-purity rare gases for satellite propulsion and specialized “zero air” crucial for satellite integrity, our comprehensive supply chain is the backbone of space exploration. Airgas provides vital high-flow nitrogen pumping and pipeline services for critical rocket tests and launches, complemented by dedicated onsite supplies, nitrogen pumping services, and Air Separation Units (ASUs) to enable the consistent, high-specification gas supply demanded by specialized space applications.

Marcelo Fioranelli, Airgas Chief Executive Officer, states, “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 Airgas, 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.

CONTACTS

Airgas Communications
Marysa Mazanek
610-230-3213
mediasupport@airgas.com



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.