Industrial supplier Air Products has completed the fill of the world’s largest spherical liquid hydrogen tank located at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida. This logistical operation required the delivery of over 730,000 gallons—more than 50 tanker trucks—to support the agency’s upcoming Artemis missions.
The spherical tank stands 90 feet tall and measures 83 feet in diameter, making it the largest liquid hydrogen storage tank currently in operation. Used in combination with liquid oxygen, hydrogen serves as the primary fuel for the cryogenic engines employed in NASA rockets. The tank’s exceptional capacity is designed to meet the increased energy demands of future orbital and interplanetary launches.
Air Products: A Historic Partnership with NASA
The collaboration between Air Products and NASA dates back to 1957. From the early Mercury missions to Apollo, Orion, and the Space Shuttle programs, the company has consistently supplied liquid hydrogen and other essential industrial gases to the U.S. space program. The filling of the new tank continues this long-standing strategic cooperation.
This latest transfer also marks the largest hydrogen logistics operation Air Products has ever carried out for the agency. The company emphasized the strength of its supply chain, capable of safely handling industrial-scale volumes, which is crucial for the planning of long-term lunar missions.
Expanding Role in the Private Space Ecosystem
Beyond its historical role with NASA, Air Products is also active in supporting private space launches. Several independent companies involved in space exploration benefit from the company’s expertise in cryogenic gas supply—a sector that has become critical as commercial launches multiply.
Additionally, Air Products maintains ongoing technical collaborations with NASA’s engine testing facilities, including the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the Johnson Space Center in Texas, and the Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. These facilities are key to qualifying propulsion systems for future generations of orbital launchers.
