Zenix Aerospace Valves Support ULA’s Upper Stage on Historic Artemis II Mission

Zenix Aerospace has marked a significant milestone in its space heritage following the successful flight of seven of its valve parts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission. Integrated within United Launch Alliance’s upper stage of the Space Launch System — the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) — the valves performed critical cryogenic propulsion functions, reinforcing Zenix’s position as a trusted supplier of precision-engineered components for the world’s most demanding aerospace and space exploration programmes.

Seven Zenix Aerospace valve part numbers flew aboard the historic Artemis II launch in April 2026 as part of ULA’s Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS), the upper stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). Manufactured through Zenix Aerospace Ketema in the United States, the space-rated valves perform critical functions including propellant management, pressurization and flow control within the cryogenic propulsion system.

Artemis II represents the kind of mission that defines aerospace excellence, where every component must perform flawlessly in some of the harshest operating environments imaginable. We are proud to be a supplier to ULA and that our valves were selected for such a critical application. We are delighted that our engineering and manufacturing teams have contributed to a program that will inspire a new generation of exploration. The mission also demonstrates the value of long-term investment in precision manufacturing, quality systems and engineering expertise across the aerospace supply chain.

Scott McLartyGlobal Chief Executive Officer, Zenix Aerospace

Derived from ULA’s proven Delta Cryogenic Second Stage (DCSS) architecture developed for the Delta IV launch vehicle, the ICPS leverages decades of flight heritage and operational performance. Zenix’s valves have supported multiple configurations across both the DCSS and ICPS programs, providing reliable performance in the extreme conditions of spaceflight.

The valves operating within the ICPS are designed to manage cryogenic fluids under extreme temperature and pressure conditions, supporting mission-critical propulsion functions during ascent and translunar operations. Their inclusion on Artemis II further strengthens Zenix Aerospace’s position as a supplier of precision-engineered solutions for advanced space, defence and aerospace platforms.

Programs such as Artemis demonstrate the importance of collaboration across government agencies, prime contractors and specialist suppliers. We congratulate NASA, United Launch Alliance and all mission partners on this historic achievement and look forward to supporting future exploration missions as the Artemis program progresses.

Scott McLartyGlobal Chief Executive Officer, Zenix Aerospace

The Artemis II mission marks NASA’s first crewed flight around the Moon in more than 50 years and represents a major milestone in the agency’s long-term strategy for sustained lunar exploration and future missions to Mars.