Constellium takes part in space exploration to Mars, providing AIRWARE® aerospace technology to NASA’s Orion spacecraft

Constellium N.V. announces its AIRWARE® technology was aboard Orion’s successful first flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1). Built by Lockheed Martin, NASA’s Orion spacecraft is designed for human exploration of deep space.

In 2010, after a two-year materials study by Lockheed Martin – AIRWARE® 2195 and 2050 low density alloys manufactured at Constellium’s facilities located in Ravenswood, West Virginia, USA and Montreuil-Juigné and Issoire, France, – were chosen as key structural materials of the Orion spacecraft based on their proven reliability and safety in space in the study.

The alloys’ inherent low density, high-specific stiffness, strength and excellent mechanical properties ensure material high-performance characteristics during demanding launch and landing phases, and at the same time, a lower density to facilitate the ascent to outer space, contributing to a successful EFT-1.

Constellium’s specific aerospace Al 2219-T87, in combination with AIRWARE® 2050, will also be used for the main primary structure of Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1), the second planned uncrewed test flight of the Orion spacecraft.

“The success of this first flight test acknowledges Constellium leading technology in aerospace with AIRWARE®. Constellium will keep working to support Lockheed Martin in each step on the journey to Mars,” said Laurent Musy, President of Constellium’s Aerospace and Transportation business unit.