Liquid Helium Sub System (SSHeL)

Storage in cryogenic/pressurized conditions provide optimal storage efficiency for such weight critical equipment for launchers. We design aluminum double-wall vacuum insulated helium storage, fully equipped with valves and sensors to ensure operations on ground and in flight.

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Reliable liquid helium storage for space launchers

A dependable supply of liquid helium is vital for launcher propulsion stability. Our SSHeL provides a robust, lightweight solution for secure cryogenic storage. Designed with advanced aluminum double-wall vacuum insulation, these tanks ensure helium remains at optimal cryogenic temperatures, guaranteeing seamless supply and mission success from lift-off to orbit.

High-Performance Liquid Helium Storage 

The SSHeL is a critical, highly reliable cryogenic subsystem designed specifically for the secure storage of liquid helium in launcher propulsion systems. Engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of spaceflight, it guarantees seamless helium availability for downstream systems during both ground operations and flight phases.

Key capabilities:

  • Secure cryogenic storage: Safely stores helium under optimal conditions, ensuring constant readiness to meet the launcher's exact propulsion requirements.
  • Advanced instrumentation: Equipped with high-accuracy level gauges (capacitive or superconducting) and sensors specifically calibrated for rigorous liquid helium environments.

  • 120+ Flight Models Delivered

    Reliability is the currency of the space industry. Air Liquide has successfully delivered 119 SSHeL flight models, supporting European access to space across multiple launcher generations. Our ability to consistently deliver high-precision cryogenic equipment, capable of handling 166kg of cryogenic LHe at pressures up to 20 BarA—demonstrates our unwavering commitment to mission assurance.

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Our launchers cryogenic equipment & technologies

  • Insulated & equipped cryogenic tanks
    Advanced insulated cryogenic tanks for space launchers (LH2, LOX, LCH4). Design authority for Ariane 6 and 800+ flight models delivered for Ariane overall.
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  • Propellant Management Devices (PMD)
    Advanced propellant management devices for space launchers (LH2, LOX, LCH4). Anti-vortex & anti-sloshing systems qualified for Ariane 1-6.
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  • Cryogenic Insulation Systems
    Advanced thermal protection for space launchers (LH2, LOX, LCH4). Sprayed foam & MLI solutions qualified for Ariane 6.
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  • Cryogenic Level Gauges
    High-precision capacitive level gauges for space launchers (LH2, LOX, LCH4). Flight-proven technology for Ariane.
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  • Cryogenic lines
    High-performance cryogenic lines for space launchers (LH2, LOX, LHe). Custom aluminum or stainless steel designs with 140+ references for Ariane 6.
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