Crane Rental and Hauling Specialist Sarens Works with NASA on Artemis Space Missions

Sarens, a specialist in crane rental, heavy lift and engineered transportation services, contributed to the Artemis II space mission by providing transport, lifting and assembly operations for key structures required for the launch and maintenance of the Space Launch System rockets. Sarens has provided these services since 2022.

Beyond its collaboration with NASA, Sarens has built a strong reputation in the aerospace sector. For example, the company has carried out specialized operations for firms such as SpaceX in Texas and SpinLaunch.

In collaboration with NASA and Bechtel, Sarens has played a central role in developing critical infrastructure at the Kennedy Space Center to support future Artemis program missions, coinciding with the successful return of phase two of the space program.

Since 2022, Sarens has led transport, lifting, and assembly operations of key structures required for the launch and maintenance of Space Launch System (SLS) rockets, which are being designed to enable humanity’s return to the moon and pave the way toward Mars.

Sarens engineers have worked closely with Bechtel and NASA to develop highly detailed planning for executing the various phases of an operation of significant technical complexity. The scope of work initially included the precision offloading of prefabricated steel trusses transported to Cape Canaveral by barge. Sarens led the roll-off operations, as well as the preparation of components for corrosion protection processes and their subsequent modular assembly, ensuring the integrity of each component from the moment of arrival. The company then carried out the assembly of the base structure using high-capacity equipment, including an M2250 with Maxer, an LR1350, and self-propelled modular trailer (SPMT) configurations of 24 axle lines and two power packs.

Climbing jack system positions large structural elements

As part of the lifting operations, Sarens deployed its CS350 climbing jack system, enabling extremely precise positioning of large structural elements. This technology proved key in facilitating assembly and integration processes under controlled conditions. In parallel, the construction, transport, and installation of the main modules were carried out in a separate assembly area.

The project included the assembly of large-scale structural towers. Under tight deadlines, Sarens mobilized a CC8800 equipped with boom booster and superlift carrier to install the main structural components with a high degree of precision, also leveraging the SARSPIN rigging system to optimize lifting operations.

In addition to its collaboration with NASA, Sarens has developed a solid reputation in the aerospace sector. The company has performed specialized operations for firms such as SpaceX in Texas and SpinLaunch in New Mexico, demonstrating its ability to tackle highly complex technical challenges in demanding environments.

Sarens also carried out the relocation of the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2012, an operation that involved moving the shuttle more than 14 miles through the streets of Los Angeles. This maneuver required months of planning, the use of specially designed SPMTs, and extraordinary coordination with multiple public and private stakeholders.

Steven Sarens, Managing Director stated:

“Sarens’ contribution to the Artemis program, together with our involvement in commercial projects and historic operations such as the Endeavour relocation, demonstrates our unique capabilities to support the world’s most advanced space initiatives,” said Steven Sarens, managing director of Sarens.

Sarens operates in 65 countries.