In a significant step for the Australian space industry, Axiom Precision Manufacturing (Axiom) and the Nupress Group (Nupress) have been selected as global supply chain partners by Lockheed Martin for the Orion spacecraft program, a cornerstone of NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon.
Lockheed Martin’s decision to select Axiom and Nupress to supply precision machined components for the Orion program followed a rigorous evaluation process, focusing on their substantial cost-saving proposals, exceptional customer responsiveness and reduced lead times.
Having previously established themselves as industry partners on the F-35 program, Axiom and Nupress were identified as potential partners for the Orion program during a roadshow led by Lockheed Martin’s Office of Australian Industrial Participation team.
Since receiving their space quality certifications, Axiom has so far secured one contract while Nupress has already secured two contracts. The contracts were awarded under Lockheed Martin’s Global Supply Chain (GSC) Program agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia.
Both companies are poised for growth as they rise to meet the future production demands of this historic endeavour.
The Orion Production and Operations Contract (OPOC), an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, encompasses up to twelve vehicles, divided into three or four different orders. Up to six additional Orion spacecraft may be ordered under the IDIQ contract, leveraging production cost data from the previous six missions to enable optimised unit prices.
Warren McDonald, Chief Executive Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, congratulated both firms on their selection for the program.
“Axiom and Nupress exemplify the vast industrial capability available in Australia. Their commitment to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with Lockheed Martin’s dedication to delivering excellence. This is an example of how the Global Supply Chain program has allowed us to partner with and provide opportunities for Australian industry to shape the future of defence and space exploration,” Mr McDonald said.
Craig Maynard, General Manager of Axiom, said, “Axiom is proud to contribute to the Orion spacecraft program. This new partnership with Lockheed Martin exemplifies our dedication to precision, innovation and embracing complex challenges, and we look forward to our expanding role in advancing space exploration”.
Craig McWilliam, Chief Executive Officer of Nupress, commented, “Nupress is honoured to strengthen our partnership with Lockheed Martin through the Orion spacecraft program. This opportunity reinforces our commitment to world-class manufacturing that delivers successful outcomes. We are excited to continue our journey in the space sector and work with Lockheed Martin to support NASA’s missions to the Moon”.
As Axiom and Nupress embark on this partnership with Lockheed Martin, they play a pivotal role in shaping history by paving the way for the first woman and the next man to set foot on the Moon, transported from Earth aboard the Orion spacecraft.
