Axiom and Nupress to Supply Components for Orion Spacecraft

14 Jul

Adelaide's Axiom Precision Manufacturing and Newcastle's Nupress Group have secured a contract with Lockheed Martin to fabricate high-precision machined parts for the next-generation Orion spacecraft. Both companies, which initially emerged from the automotive and toolmaking industries, have tapped into the opportunities presented by diversifying into the space sector.

The Orion spacecraft is designated as the primary crew capsule for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to facilitate human missions to the Moon and pave the way for future exploration of Mars.

Fred Hull, Axiom's Aerospace and Defence Manager, emphasized that venturing into the defense sector marked the company's first foray into the space industry. He added, "Since transitioning away from automotive manufacturing, we recognized the compatibility of our advanced CNC machining and precision manufacturing capabilities with the defense sector. Building on our success in the defense and aerospace industries, we acknowledged space exploration as a key focus area in our business plan."

Axiom is known for providing machined titanium components to BAE Systems Australia, which are subsequently utilized in the construction of the twin tails of F-35 joint strike aircraft.

Meanwhile, Nupress, based in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, initially specialized in producing press tools for steelmaking, railway, and construction sectors in the 1970s. Transitioning to advanced manufacturing in the 1980s, the company strategically pivoted to aerospace and health markets after the downturn in the mining industry in 2012. Craig McWilliam, CEO of Nupress, highlighted the rationale behind the move to the space industry, stating, "Space exploration was the logical next step for us. We always seek exciting work opportunities that align with the expertise of our talented engineering staff."

Both Axiom and Nupress have become suppliers for Lockheed Martin, and their entrance into the space industry was spurred by obtaining the AS9100 aerospace quality management standard.

Original article: https://www.space.gov.au/news-and-media/australian-precision-parts-for-our-biggest-journey-yet