NASA Secures Major Liquid Hydrogen Supply for Its Facilities
NASA has contracted two leaders in industrial gas and clean energy to supply nearly 37 million pounds of liquid hydrogen over the coming years. Plug Power, Inc., based in Slingerlands, New York, and Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, were selected to provide liquid hydrogen for use at NASA facilities nationwide. The contracts underscore NASA’s ongoing commitment to reliable, clean energy as it pursues ambitious space exploration and research objectives.
What the Agreements Cover
The agreements authorize the delivery of approximately 36,952,000 pounds of liquid hydrogen. This supply will support a variety of NASA programs and facilities, including ground testing, propulsion demonstrations, and potentially fueling operations for research vehicles and components. While the primary use is for NASA’s internal operations, the hydrogen supplied will be crucial for maintaining the safety, efficiency, and readiness of NASA’s hydrogen-dependent test environments.
Liquid hydrogen is a cornerstone for many NASA propulsion and energy research activities. It serves as a clean fuel with a high energy content per unit mass, making it ideal for cryogenic storage and use in sophisticated propulsion test rigs. Securing a stable, long-term supply helps NASA minimize downtime and reduces the risk associated with fuel logistics at remote or specialized test sites.
About the Selected Partners
Plug Power and Air Products bring complementary strengths. Plug Power is known for its broad experience in hydrogen technologies, fueling infrastructure, and supply chain capabilities. Air Products, one of the world’s largest industrial gas producers, provides extensive cryogenic storage, handling, and distribution networks that can support NASA’s stringent safety and purity requirements. Together, the two companies provide a diversified approach to hydrogen provisioning, helping NASA mitigate potential supply disruptions and price volatility.
Why This Matters for NASA
Hydrogen is not only a fuel option for some propulsion demonstrations but also a strategic element in NASA’s broader goals of sustainable operations and mission assurance. By locking in a predictable supply, NASA can budget more effectively, accelerate critical test programs, and maintain the security of its energy supply chain. The contracts also align with the agency’s emphasis on reducing environmental impact where feasible, as hydrogen can contribute to lower emissions in test environments when used as a fuel or energy carrier.
Implications for the Industry
The awards signal confidence in large-scale liquid hydrogen supply chains in the United States. As government agencies and private firms expand their hydrogen use, reliable procurement frameworks become essential to operational success. The involvement of two major suppliers may foster competitive pricing and improved service levels, ultimately benefiting not only NASA but other research institutions and commercial customers who rely on cryogenic hydrogen.
What Comes Next
From here, NASA will coordinate with Plug Power and Air Products to schedule deliveries, ensure safety and compliance at each facility, and monitor performance against contract terms. The agency is expected to publish details about delivery windows, quality standards, and potential expansions or adjustments based on evolving mission requirements. Stakeholders will watch how this partnership supports NASA’s ongoing work in human exploration, planetary science, and technology development.
