PPG launches into space with NASA

PPG has revealed that it provided aerospace sealants, coatings and adhesives to United Launch Alliance (ULA) for the ATLAS V 541 rocket that launched NASA’s Perseverance rover to Mars in July 2020.

The rover landed on the Red Planet in February this year after its nearly seven-month journey through space.

PPG products protecting the rocket include PPG Desothane CA8200 Series HS polyurethane topcoat; PPG PR-2001 Class B rapid-curing fuel tank sealant, which is a two-part, epoxy-cured Permapol P-3.1 polythioether compound; and PPG PR-1665, which is a cryogenic potting and molding compound with high tear and tensile strength.

“Our aerospace sealants, coatings and adhesives helped ULA provide protection for the Atlas V 541 rocket, which aided the Perseverance rover in reaching its final destination,” said Sam Millikin, PPG global director, coatings and sealants, aerospace.

PPG said its application support centre (ASC) in Atlanta, Georgia, worked closely with ULA to supply the products and provide technical support.