COOL JOBS: Calca Solutions – Playing a Prominent Role in Aerospace

When thinking about industry in Southwest Louisiana, many locals would be surprised to learn that space exploration would make the list, but Calca Solutions in Westlake, Louisiana, has a long history of reaching new heights in the aerospace industry. In fact, the hydrazine propellant manufactured at Calca Solutions has been used in some of the most inspiring missions in space, including the recent Artemis II’s mission to the moon! 

Calca Solutions is a hydrazine manufacturing plant which has been in the area since 1953. Some people may wonder . . . what is hydrazine? The scientific formula for hydrazine is N2H4, and it is an inorganic compound that is a colorless, flammable liquid with a strong ammonia-like odor and a density and appearance similar to water.  

The plant produces both hydrazine solutions and propellants. The solutions produced are used in nuclear power plants, for water treatment, as intermediates for pharmaceuticals and in the agricultural industry for the synthesis of crop protection agents.  

On the propellant side of the business, hydrazine is used in the thrusters of many of the high-profile projects by NASA, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, Mars Rovers and the Artemis II mission where with the thrusters were used to steer the Orion capsule and assist with attitude and orientation during critical phases, especially the reentry for the splash down landing.  

“It was thrilling to watch the Artemis II mission along with the entire world and know our part in making the trip to the moon and back possible. Calca Solutions’ sister company, American Pacific, also played a critical role in the mission as the primary solid propellant supplier used in the two solid rocket boosters. It was a tremendous effort across the scientific community, the Defense Logistics Agency Energy and team members who work to produce specialized propellant each and every day,” said Kevin Clements, president of Calca Solutions.  

Calca Solutions works with companies throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. The wide array of industries and the innovative spirit of space exploration make the work performed by the team unique and interesting for Southwest Louisiana. It’s a relatively small plant, which allows the team to broaden their skillset and leadership experience as they collaboratively work across departments to become the most valued supplier for customers. 

What does the future look like?  Calca Solutions is growing! Projects are currently underway to more than double current capacity. The company also has set sights firmly on additional expansion to strengthen the domestic supply chain in the aerospace and defense industry. Calca Solutions was recently acquired by NewMarket Corporation providing exceptional depth of resources to facilitate growth. NewMarket is based in Richmond, Virginia, and its family of companies including Calca Solutions, American Pacific Corporation, and Afton Chemical is dedicated to innovation and excellence while inspiring its employees to excel in their careers. 

For more information about Calca Solutions or career opportunities, visit calcasolutions.com. To learn more about NewMarket, check out newmarket.com.