Our industrial gases play critical roles during engine testing and launch phases. Launch vehicles use cryogenic propellants - liquefied gases stored at low temperatures - that serve as fuels and oxidizing agents. Liquid oxygen (LOX) is the most common oxidizer. Liquid hydrogen (LH2) is a popular fuel gas choice. In hybrid rockets, nitrous oxide (N2O) is frequently paired with solid fuels as a non-cryogenic oxidizer.
Looking beyond fuels and oxidizers, gases are also required for cooling, purging and pressurizing. Liquid nitrogen (LIN) is used to supercool liquid oxygen to increase its density and loading efficiency. Helium (He) is needed to maintain tank pressures, and safe purging processes rely on nitrogen and helium.
When it comes to gas supply for launch and testing operations, reliability and flexibility - particularly when mission timelines change at the last minute - are key success factors. As the world's leading producer and supplier of industrial gases, we have the supply network and operational flexibility to support the most challenging of missions.
Click on the links below to find out how we are supporting leading and emerging space players at the engine testing and launch stages of their operations.
Let us support your ground tests with a smooth, reliable supply of launch fuels and oxidizers that adapts dynamically to your needs.
Increase the density of your liquid oxygen assets by supercooling with liquid nitrogen for greater storage capacity and lower boil-off losses.
Find out whether nitrogen or helium is a better fit to purge your spacecraft lines and tanks before and after propellant loading.
Keep the pressure on - with reliable supplies of helium gas to main fuel flow as the level drops in your spacecraft fuel tank.
One of our experts would be delighted to discuss your engine testing and launch requirements and see how we can support with flexible delivery services.