NASA Petersen Lunar Lander Inflatable

When NASA has unique challenges, they reach out to Petersen Products in Fredonia, WI for solutions.

Over 10 years ago, Petersen designed inflatable landing pods for NASA to safely land a lunar lander (picture above).

The most recent project was on a much larger scale, with Petersen’s team designing, testing and building a highly customized annular torus (like a large donut). “The challenge was mostly for engineering and the shop people because of the size and complexity (of the project),” Phil Lundman, President of Petersen Products. The project stretched the limits of Petersen Products capability but its solid team of employee’s was up for the task. “From the beginning, the project was large and overwhelming to handle… But one by one, little by little we finished,” Devin Sherman Lead Engineer on the NASA Project.

NASA engineers inspectingNASA Engineers inspecting smaller prototype with Devin Sherman

A smaller sample section was built and inspected by NASA engineers before production began on the final annular torus inflatable.

“… seeing that first section get inflated and it was like ‘wow’ this is going to be amazing!” Jon Shoen, Production Lead on NASA project.

NASA Annular TorusNASA Annular Torus Inflated in Petersen Facility

Building the annular torus took over nine months and needed to be done in stages. “The challenges were many but we all worked together and brought our strengths and weaknesses together to make this project work,” Jenifer Moegenburg, sewing professional on NASA Project. Tamara Kling, sales specialist added, “It has been an honor to have been a part of this project from the beginning. We went through some tough things (times) but as a team the project was successfully completed. I am very proud to work with this group of talented people. “
The annular torus left Petersen Products manufacturing facility for NASA in the beginning of January.

“Great accomplishment for the Petersen Team and thankful for all the support from NASA engineers,” Phil Lundman.

NASA TeamNASA Team (L-R) - Tamara Kling, Sandra Robinson, Jon Shoen, Jenifer Moegenburg, Devin Sherman, Phil Lundman

Designing and building inflatable/mechanical solutions for customers is nothing new to Petersen Products. “I honestly love this company that way because we do such unique exciting stuff and it’s helping the world…” Jon Shoen.

Customers with unique requirements including difficult size, pressure, chemical and temperature environments call on Petersen Products professionals to deliver the solution they need in a timely fashion. “My pride for our customers, our work for them and the quality of my work has grown significantly… I use this pride in the NASA project as a guide to be the best in all I do.” Sandra Robinson., sewing professional on NASA Project.