Praxair Signs First Commercial Contract for Rocket Launch Propellants

Praxair, Inc.
has signed a long-term, $35-million agreement with The
Boeing Company ( for the supply of liquid oxygen and liquid
hydrogen launch propellants for the new RS-68 rocket engine-powered
Delta IV launch vehicle.

This long-term contract is the first of its kind for the United
States propellants industry. Previously, all liquid oxygen/hydrogen
propellants for launches from the United States were procured through
the U.S. Government.

“Being awarded this contract demonstrates that Praxair is clearly
recognized as a leader in providing safe, reliable supply in support
of the demanding needs of the aerospace industry,” said Mike Kerr,
director of aerospace programs. “Praxair is well positioned to deliver
large quantities of propellants and a full range of industrial gases
with our large North American trailer fleet, advanced logistics system
and experienced technical support for aerospace products and
equipment,” said Kerr.

Praxair has been a leading supplier to the U.S. aerospace industry
for more than 30 years. Since the early 1960s, Praxair’s air
separation plant in Mims, Florida has supplied the liquid oxygen and
liquid nitrogen needed to prepare and launch bi-propellant vehicles at
Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Praxair’s
Wilmington and Ontario plants in California have supplied liquid
oxygen, liquid nitrogen and liquid hydrogen to support development,
test and launch activities at Edwards Air Force Base and Vandenberg
Air Force Base. Praxair’s Theodore and McIntosh, Alabama, plants
supply the majority of cryogenic propellants consumed today for engine
and component testing at NASA’s Stennis Space Center.

Praxair also is the world leader in the supply of liquid helium,
used as a purge and pressurant gas by NASA and many commercial
aerospace companies.

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South
America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2001 sales of $5.1
billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric and
process gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair
products, services and technology bring productivity and environmental
benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, food
and beverage, healthcare, semiconductor materials, steel, chemicals
and refining, metal fabrication, water treatment, glass and others.
For more information, visit Praxair on the Internet at
www.praxair.com.