Air Liquide on Board
the International Space Station
(19 June 2007) MELFI (Minus Eighty
Degrees Laboratory Freezer for the ISS) is a cryo-refrigerator for use on board
the International Space Station (ISS) for freezing and storing biological
samples and other research specimens at temperatures as low as - 95°C,
before they are brought back to Earth.
On behalf of the European
Space Agency, Air Liquide (Paris:AI) designed and manufactured a unique turbo
machine for production of cold, which constitutes the active cooling part of
MELFI. Since July 2006, when it was commissioned on board the ISS, astronauts
have used this cold producing system intensively; the rotating speed of the
turbo machine can reach 90,000 rpm, and it has already been in flawless service
for over 8,000 hours.
Experts from the Advanced Technology Division of
Air Liquide took up the challenge to adapt industrial equipment to manned space
flights conditions. Thanks to this achievement and the reliability and
performance of the system, NASA decided to extend the orbital lifetime of MELFI
by five years. It was initially planned for two years.
It is envisaged
that Air Liquide will also provide special equipment for the internal
purification of the cryo-refrigerator. To remove even the minutest trace of
humidity, the astronauts will have to vacuum the system each year and refill it
with nitrogen stored on board the ISS. Air Liquide will provide them with a
system to purify this gas and ensure all the pumping and filling
operations.
François Darchis, Senior Vice-President, responsible
for R&D, Technologies, Engineering and Construction, declared: "With this
new success on board the ISS, Air Liquide confirms its long term commitment to
space-related activities by providing its high level of technology and
innovation, a key growth driver for the Group."
Air Liquide takes part
in the International Paris Air Show in Le Bourget (France), June 18 to 24,
2007, where the Group will show the MELFI turbo machine. In 2007, the Advanced
Technologies Division of Air Liquide celebrates 20 years of designing and
manufacturing on-board gas production systems, thus contributing to safety in
air transportation. Today, the Group totals 15 major aeronautical programmes,
eight of which currently being developed, obtained over the five past
years.
Air Liquide and space
In Sassenage (France),
Advanced Technology Division (DTA) possesses unique know-how in developing
on-board cryogenic equipment for orbital systems (MELFI), space simulation
chambers and ground launch pads.
Cryospace, set up in Les Mureaux
(France), was founded in 1988 between Air Liquide (55%) and Astrium Space
Transportation (45%). It develops and manufactures the cryogenic tanks for the
European Ariane 5 launcher.
In Kourou (French Guiana), Air Liquide
Spatial Guyane produces and provides propelling fluids, on-site assistance and
launch services.
The International Space Station
(ISS)
Build and assembled in joint collaboration between 16
countries including France, the USA, Russia, Japan and Brazil, the ISS is
orbiting the Earth at an altitude of around 386 km. The first element was
launched in 1998, and the ISS should be complete by the end of
2010.
About Air Liquide
With nearly 37,000 employees in 72
countries, Air Liquide is a world leader in industrial and medical gases and
related services. The Group offers innovative solutions based on constantly
enhanced technologies and produces air gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare
gases…) and many other gases including hydrogen. The Group contributes to
the manufacturing of many everyday products: bubbles in sparkling beverages,
protective atmosphere for packed foods, oxygen for hospitals and homecare
patients, ultra-pure gases for the semiconductor industry, hydrogen to
desulphurise fuels…
Air Liquide is committed to sustainable
development and helps to protect life. Founded in 1902, Air Liquide has
successfully developed a long-term relationship with its shareholders built on
trust and transparency and guided by the principles of corporate governance.
Since the publication of its first consolidated financial statements in 1971,
Air Liquide has posted strong and steady earnings growth. Sales in 2006
totalled 10,949 million Euros, with sales outside France accounting for almost
80%.
(source: Air Liquide)