IFT Recognized for Support of NASA Artemis I Space Mission
Event Featured Award Presentations by NASA, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing
Amit Kshatriya: Deputy Associate Administrator, NASA Moon to Mars Program:
Mike Lauer: Deputy Program Manager, RS-25 Space Launch System Aerojet Rocketdyne
Tyler Nester: Chief of Staff, NASA Space Launch System Program
Matthew Huff: President and COO, Imagineering Finishing Technologies (IFT)
Michael Kolo: Chief Technology Officer Imagineering, IFT
Andrew McDonald: Chief Compliance Officer, IFT
James Hammer: CEO and Owner, IFT
SOUTH BEND, Indiana, USA, August 22, 2023 – On Tuesday, August 15, 2023, Imagineering Finishing Technologies (IFT) was recognized for its dedication to the NASA Space Launch System (SLS), Orion spacecraft, and Exploration Ground Systems programs that support the Artemis missions.
Joining IFT senior management and employees to celebrate the successful first launch of the Artemis I mission included leadership from NASA, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, as well as other key suppliers and partners.
AS9100 certified for electroless nickel processing, the award and banner presentation were made at IFT’s Emerson Avenue, Indianapolis operation. The facility is NADCAP accredited for its advanced non-destructive testing and inspection services (NDT) department.
Jim Hammer, CEO of Imagineering Finishing Technologies, said, “I’m proud of our team members who are trained to serve as boots on the plant floor for our customers to execute their critical requirements related to metal finishing and testing. The process specifications require strict compliance and precise workmanship from the IFT team and we have earned their trust and appreciate today’s recognition from the Artemis mission leaders.”
Hammer continued, “Imagineering has Space technology in its DNA as the founder and my father-in-law, David E. Huber, University of Notre Dame Metallurgical science graduate’s first job was at Oakridge Laboratories. He designed experiments to determine performance of different materials under various conditions during wind tunnel exposure.”
IFT has been an integral part of NASA’s next-generation space program over the last 10 years. Since the first project, IFT has processed hundreds of large components for NASA’s Space Launch System platform. In 2018, the company was recognized by NASA as an appreciated supplier for its support of the Space Launch System (SLS).
About Imagineering Finishing Technologies
IFT provides non-destructive testing, paint, and Chemical Conversion Coatings on rocket components, including the SLS fuel tanks and the Orion spacecraft which will deliver astronauts deep into space for continued exploration of the moon and eventually travel to Mars.