Boeing and MT Aerospace extend transatlantic partnership in space exploration

AUGSBURG, Germany, July 7, 2021 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and MT Aerospace AG, part of OHB SE, today signed a new partnership agreement in Augsburg, in the presence of Bavarian Minister President Dr. Markus Söder. The new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is intended to further diversify and expand MT Aerospace’s supplier activities for Boeing’s commercial, defense and space programs over the next few years.

Under the new agreement, the two companies will jointly explore additional collaboration opportunities. These include the design and manufacturing of parts for Boeing-built commercial satellites, as well as for the Boeing-built core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). The signing ceremony took place during Dr. Söder’s visit to MT Aerospace AG in Augsburg.

"The signing of the MoU between MT Aerospace and Boeing is an encouraging signal of the partnership between the U.S. and Bavaria," emphasized Söder during his visit to Augsburg. "Bavaria is one of the top locations within Europe for the aerospace industry. We are helping to build NASA's new super rocket – the parts manufactured in Augsburg will fly to the moon and Mars. We are also investing in the experts of tomorrow. I'm a supporter of aerospace because I'm a fan of the future."

World-class manufacturing and engineering

“This extended partnership validates Boeing’s long-term commitment to working with German industry while demonstrating industrial cooperation that supports Germany’s economic growth,” said Dr. Michael Haidinger, president of Boeing Germany, Central & Eastern Europe, Benelux & Nordics. “With one of the largest aerospace footprints in Europe, Bavaria is home to world-class manufacturing and engineering. Partnering with Bavarian industrial champions gives us access to talent, technologies and cutting-edge research for our global operations.”

Proven partnership

MT Aerospace has been a qualified supplier and partner to Boeing for NASA’s SLS since 2013 and currently produces the dome gore panels for the rocket’s cryogenic core stage. In 2018, MT Aerospace received the “Space Flight Awareness Award” for its work on SLS.

“The extension of our strong and collaborative relationship with Boeing marks an important milestone. I am proud of our employees, whose outstanding work has made MT Aerospace a recognized Boeing supplier,” said Hans Steininger, CEO of MT Aerospace AG. “With our expertise built up over more than five decades, we have developed manufacturing technologies that are unique worldwide. We are a leader in lightweight metal and composite construction and are pleased that our products are also a top choice in America. When NASA launches the SLS on the Artemis I lunar mission with tank structures from Augsburg, it will be a very special moment for us.”

Highest quality standards for the launch of astronauts and cargo

SLS is built to launch astronauts as well as cargo, so the highest quality standards apply to materials and manufacturing processes. The dome gore panels are special components made of an aluminum alloy for cryogenic space applications. They are two different dome caps for each of the two propellant tanks: the 742,000 liter tank for liquid oxygen and the 2 million liter tank for liquid hydrogen. MT Aerospace AG is responsible for the complete, high-precision manufacturing process using additive manufacturing, including heat treatment, quality assurance and delivery to the customer. The gore panels are then assembled in the United States to form the 8.4 meter domes that are integrated onto the tanks.

About SLS

NASA’s Space Launch System is the most powerful rocket ever built, capable of carrying astronauts and cargo on the agency’s Artemis missions to the moon and beyond to Mars. Around 3,800 suppliers in all 50 U.S. states and across Europe contribute to the rocket, the Orion spacecraft it will launch, and the Exploration Ground Systems program that is modernizing Kennedy Space Center ahead of first flight. Boeing is responsible for the rocket’s cryogenic core stage, in-space upper stage and avionics suite.

About Boeing

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Learn more: www.boeing.com.

Press contacts:

Marcia Costley            
Boeing Communications
+1 714-316-4267         
marcia.b.costley@boeing.com    

Roger Gilles                                
Boeing Communications                    
+49 30 77 3 77 106                    
roger.gilles@boeing.com

About MT Aerospace

MT Aerospace AG is an aerospace company with around 600 employees at its sites in Augsburg, Cagliari (Italy), Santiago de Chile and Kourou, French Guiana. MT Aerospace develops and produces key components for the European launcher Ariane, the Airbus aircraft fleet, spacecraft and satellites. MT Aerospace is a technology leader in lightweight structures using metal and composite materials. With an order volume of ten percent, MT Aerospace is the largest supplier for the Ariane program outside France.

Learn more: https://www.mt-aerospace.de/en