Ariane · ESA · SpaceX · Thales Alenia · Airbus DS · MT Aerospace — ECSS · AMS · NASA-STD

Space
& Launchers

Industries — Space & Launchers

Special processes for launchers, satellites, orbital components and spacecraft. Shot peening and cold working on cryogenic tanks, primary structures, launcher engine parts. Ultrasonic peening on sensitive components. Surface replica for non-destructive inspection. ECSS, AMS 2430, AMS 2546, MIL-STD-1540, NASA-STD-5009 compliant.

Processes applied in this sector

NADCAP

shot peening

AMS 2430 · AMS 2432 · Mil-S-13165

NADCAP

cold working

BACC 5060 · ABP1-4100 · MIL-HDBK-516

hfmi

High Frequency Mechanical Impact

IIW 2016 · DIN 50100 · EN ISO 9013

ISO 21420

ASTM E1351

Clients & OEMs (examples)

ArianeGroup · ESA · Airbus Defence & Space · Thales Alenia Space · Safran Landing Systems · MT Aerospace · Avio · Rocket Lab · SpaceX · Blue Origin · Dassault Aviation Space · OHB · ISRO · JAXA · Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Space

Standards & specifications

ECSS-Q-ST-70ECSS-E-ST-32AMS 2430AMS 2432AMS 2546MIL-STD-1540NASA-STD-5009Spécifications OEM lanceurs

Common industry challenges

▸ fatigue vibratoire au décollage et séparation d'étages
▸ cycles thermiques orbite (-150°C à +150°C)
▸ durée de vie missions longues (satellites GEO, ISS)
▸ fiabilité 0 défaut — rework impossible en orbite
▸ fatigue réservoirs cryogéniques lanceurs
▸ intégrité soudures structures primaires lanceurs
▸ tenue en fatigue-corrosion ambiance spatiale

Context and positioning

Space imposes the industry's strictest reliability requirements: zero defects tolerated (no rework in orbit), extreme thermal cycles (-150 °C to +150 °C in low Earth orbit, more severe in GEO transfer), vibratory fatigue at launch (up to 20 G acceleration, 2000 Hz random spectrum), long mission lifetimes (15–30 years for GEO satellites, ISS structures).

Kronos Engineering covers the special processes used by the European space ecosystem — players such as ArianeGroup (Ariane 6, Vega, propulsion), Airbus Defence & Space (satellite platforms, Eurofighter), Thales Alenia Space (observation, telecom, exploration), MT Aerospace (launcher tanks), Safran Landing Systems — as well as the typical requirements of international programs (SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, JAXA, ISRO).

Our preferred processes in space: shot peening (aluminum/titanium cryogenic tanks, primary structures), cold working (critical fastener holes), ultrasonic peening (sensitive components without media projection), HFMI (critical launcher welds), surface replica (qualification-grade non-destructive inspection).

Typical operations

Shot peening on launcher cryogenic tanks

Liquid hydrogen/oxygen tanks for Ariane 6, Vega. Aluminum 2219, 2195, 2024. Cryogenic fatigue and pressure cycles.

Cold working on launcher primary structures

Fastener holes on frames, stringers, engine cones. Extended vibratory-fatigue life at launch.

Ultrasonic peening on satellite components

Optics parts, deployable mechanisms, cryogenic seals — projection-free process, compatible with cleanroom environments.

HFMI on critical launcher welds

Primary-structure seams, tanks, payload adapters. ECSS compliance and OEM qualifications.

Surface replica for production-lot qualification

In-situ non-destructive inspection, post-treatment microstructural characterization. Lot traceability.

Precision boring for launcher structure rework

High-precision fastener-hole rework at OEM sites (MT Aerospace, Airbus DS, Thales Alenia).

Fatigue expertise for ISS and orbital stations

Analysis and process support for very-long-life operational components (ISS European modules, Gateway, future lunar modules).

OEM standards and specifications

▸ ECSS-Q-ST-70 — Space processes and materials (European Cooperation for Space Standardization)
▸ ECSS-E-ST-32 — Space structures
▸ ECSS-Q-ST-70-38 — Peening and surface treatments
▸ AMS 2430, AMS 2432, AMS 2546
▸ MIL-STD-1540 — US space hardware qualification
▸ NASA-STD-5009 — Space NDT
▸ NASA-STD-5019 — Fatigue and fracture
▸ Launcher OEM specifications (ArianeGroup 03/04, Airbus DS, Thales Alenia…)
▸ ISO 14623 — Design of space cryogenic tanks

Why Kronos in this sector

Zero defects tolerated — our procedures guarantee it. Part-by-part documentation, lot qualification, operator/tooling/media traceability. Systematic internal audits before every space lot.

Cleanroom environment. For satellite components, our operators master cleanroom procedures (ISO classes 7–8). Ultrasonic peening is preferred to avoid any particulate contamination.

European-ecosystem expertise. References with ArianeGroup, Airbus Defence & Space, Thales Alenia Space, MT Aerospace, Safran. Familiarity with qualified processes and OEM technical interfaces.

International capability. Intervention possible at SpaceX (Hawthorne), Blue Origin (Kent), Rocket Lab (Auckland, Long Beach), ISRO (Bangalore), JAXA (Tsukuba) — subject to ITAR/EAR agreements for US customers.

Technological independence. Our neutrality toward peening-equipment manufacturers ensures that the recommended technology (shot peening, HFMI, ultrasonic, laser peening) genuinely fits your space part — not the one we happen to sell.

Frequently asked questions

Do you work for ArianeGroup and Ariane 6?+

Yes, we regularly operate on Ariane 6 and Vega components — primary structures, tanks, engine parts. Procedures qualified per ArianeGroup 03/04 and ECSS specifications. Dedicated European space contact available.

Can you operate in a cleanroom?+

Yes. Our operators are trained in ISO class 7–8 cleanroom procedures. For highly sensitive satellite components, we prefer ultrasonic peening (no projected media, minimized contamination).

What is the difference between aerospace peening and space peening?+

Traceability, documentation and per-lot qualification requirements are stricter in space. Space thermal and vibratory cycles also demand additional qualification testing. Finally, rework tolerance is zero — our procedures are tuned to guarantee 100% conformance on first pass.

Do you handle ITAR/EAR for US programs?+

For programs including ITAR/EAR content, we operate under a framed contract with the necessary authorizations. Our sensitive files include the required export controls.

Can shot peening be done on aluminum cryogenic tanks?+

Yes. Shot peening of aluminum cryogenic tanks (2219, 2195, 2024-T8) is a classic space application. Typical intensity 6–12A, ceramic or glass media to avoid embedment, 200% coverage, compliance with AMS 2430 and OEM specifications.

Do you operate on satellites in cleanrooms?+

Yes, with suitable ultrasonic peening equipment and trained operators. Typical applications: optical parts, deployable mechanisms, cryogenic metallic seals. Documentation compliant with ECSS-Q-ST-70.

What are your references in space?+

ArianeGroup, Airbus Defence & Space (satellite platforms), Thales Alenia Space, MT Aerospace, Safran Landing Systems for critical components. International references (SpaceX, Rocket Lab) under NDA.

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