NASA’s next heavy-lift launch vehicle, the Space Launch System, is moving further in development faster thanks to proven advanced technologies like friction stir welding. Friction stir welding uses frictional heating combined with forging pressure to produce high-strength bonds virtually free of defects. The welding process transforms metals from a solid state into a “plastic-like” state, and uses a rotating pin tool to soften, stir and forge a bond between two metal plates to form a uniform welded joint — a vital requirement of next-generation space hardware.