November 22, 2022

The first test flight of NASA’s Artemis 1, a Space Launch System (SLS) moon orbiting mission, was conducted in late November from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida using the Orion spacecraft built with critical components processed by Imagineering Finishing Technologies (IFT).

IFT provides non-destructive testing, paint, and Chemical Conversion Coatings on rocket components, including the SLS fuel tanks and the Orion spacecraft, which will deliver astronauts deep into space for continued exploration of the moon and eventually travel to Mars.

“It is incredibly satisfying to watch a live launch of a spacecraft knowing that IFT processed some of the components being carried into space,” said Jim Hammer, CEO of IFT.

IFT has been a part of NASA's next-generation space program over the last 10 years. In 2012, IFT was contacted by a prime NASA contractor about processing one of the first components for the Orion spacecraft.

“With the successful prototyping processing of those initial components, we received a request from the contractor to establish a proprietary process to prototype an 18-foot dome cap for the fuel tank on the SLS rocket,” said Nick Hammer, IFT facilities manager. “This required us to make significant modifications to our Indianapolis plant layout and co-invest with them to build a permanent processing system to manage those parts.”

The uncrewed spacecraft was sent on a 42-day flight around the moon. The Artemis 1 Mission will enable astronauts to orbit the moon for the first time since 1972.