Linde made significant investments in the U.S. commercial space sector, with new facilities and expansions in Florida and Texas to supply industrial gases for rocket launches.
Global industrial gas and engineering giant Linde unveiled on July 21, ambitious plans to significantly bolster its support for the burgeoning U.S. commercial Space Sector. The company announced substantial new investments, including facility expansions and the construction of a new production unit, all aimed at fueling the escalating demand for industrial gases crucial to rocket launches and advanced space operations. These strategic moves underscore Linde’s deep-rooted commitment and leadership in an industry experiencing unprecedented growth and innovation.
At the heart of these investments are two new long-term Agreements for the supply of bulk industrial gases. A key component of this expansion involves a significant upgrade to Linde's existing industrial gases facility in Mims, Florida. This site will see its capacity for critical liquid oxygen and nitrogen production dramatically increased. The enhanced capacity is projected to come online in the first quarter of 2027. This latest expansion marks a continuation of Linde’s robust growth trajectory at its Mims location, following previous expansions in 2020 and 2024, all driven by the relentless demand for industrial gases in the region's dynamic aerospace ecosystem.
Further solidifying its expansive footprint in the U.S. space sector, Linde will embark on the construction of a brand-new air separation unit (ASU) in Brownsville, Texas. This state-of-the-art facility, which Linde will build, own, and operate under a separate agreement, is slated to commence operations in the first quarter of 2026. The Brownsville ASU will be instrumental in delivering essential liquid oxygen, nitrogen, and argon, catering specifically to the needs of its customer’s space operations in the rapidly developing South Texas region. The new Brownsville ASU is set to enhance Linde's extensive network of industrial gas infrastructure across Texas.
Linde's legacy in space exploration is both extensive and profound, spanning over six decades. From its pivotal role in providing liquid oxygen to the iconic Apollo program in the 1960s to its indispensable contributions to modern satellite propulsion systems using rare gases, spacecraft component testing, and even the cutting-edge 3D printing of engine components, Linde has been an integral partner in humanity's quest to explore the cosmos. In 2024 alone, Linde proudly powered more than 100 successful rocket launches, a testament to its unwavering commitment to ensuring the reliability of critical systems and components at every stage of a mission.
