Carer and NASA: an electric forklift for the Moon-bound mission

Carer and Carer Electric Forklift Solutions, the North American importer of the italian leading electric forklift manufacturer, are providing NASA with a vehicle for the maintenance of Orion – a crucial component of the Artemis mission, set to fly over our satellite in 2024.

NASA, as the largest and most renowned aerospace agency in the world, has demanding handling requirements that push the limits of current technologies. The American Space Agency is experiencing a period of great activism, and after several years of unmanned extraterrestrial missions, it is getting ready to return to the Moon in November 2024 with Artemis II. This mission will orbit our satellite with a crew of four members. One of the most valuable components for the success of the Artemis mission is Orion, the command and service module for lunar missions. Orion will transport astronauts from Earth to the Lunar Gateway – an orbiting station as well as a base for future lunar flyovers and landings, set for missions following Artemis II. It is a source of pride for Europe, Italy, and Carer to have contributed to the handling operations required for its successful functioning, thanks to a specially designed forklift tailored to the specific needs of NASA, particularly for the maintenance of Orion.

Zero emissions and reduced heat for clean rooms

The partnership with NASA is not new; it has been ongoing for over twenty years and directly involves operations at the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Space Centre, commonly known as Cape Canaveral. By engaging with such a prestigious client, Carer Forklift has been able to develop specific solutions for the aerospace industry through customized electric forklifts designed for clean rooms. These spaces are engineering environments where air and environmental conditions must be rigorously controlled and kept sterile. The risk is that of contaminating the involved electronic components, compromising high-value aerospace units. A challenge well within the reach of Carer Forklift and Carer Electric Forklift Solutions – the official importer in the US market – also thanks to the specialty of the Italian manufacturer: a range of products that do not emit any form of pollution and operate at reduced heat, without compromising the air quality and the ambient temperature.

One of the first forklifts supplied to NASA operating in a clean room.

The customizations offered to the US agency over the years have evolved to continuously optimize their specifications: in addition to particulate matter, liquids and oils are not allowed in clean rooms. Hence, a fully closed system was developed to prevent any type of leakage. Furthermore, the more recently supplied vehicles are equipped with a unique explosion-proof technology, which further enhances safety in the use of the vehicles.

Research and development contribute to a giant leap forward not only for humanity, but also for sustainable handling, which is increasingly crucial in the space exploration sector.

Aerospace, energy, aviation, automotive, armed forces: the design flexibility of Carer and the SPED department allows them to meet any handling request. Thanks to the distinctive ingenuity of "Made in Italy," nearly fifty years of know-how, and a global distribution network, Carer can build the impossible. Anywhere. If you are interested, please contact us at the info line +39 05451938010 or the email address info@carerforklift.com.