How trusted data and supplier collaboration power space missions like Artemis

As the aerospace industry enters a new era of exploration with NASA’s Artemis program, supply chains are becoming more complex than ever. From spacecraft components to mission-critical systems, every part must be identified, verified, and traceable across a global supplier network.

In a recent Loftware expert panel discussion, Paul Harris, Loftware Director of Solution Consulting, spoke with Michael Galluzzi, former NASA supply chain leader, and Dave Blatner, SAP Industry Executive Advisory for Aerospace and Defense. Their conversation explored how manufacturers across all industries can build supply chains that remain resilient, even in the most demanding environments.

Clean, consistent data is the foundation

Despite growing excitement around technologies like AI and digital twins, the panel emphasized that the aerospace industry must first get the fundamentals right: trusted and structured data. 
Galluzzi explained that consistent data management is critical to preventing operational inefficiencies across engineering, logistics, and procurement: “It’s really… a quality of data, as I would refer to it, a concern. Consistency of data, reliability of data, frequency of the data, sourcing, and triangulating data sources to ensure accuracy.”

In aerospace programs, even small inconsistencies can lead to duplicated inventory, unnecessary purchasing, or confusion around engineering changes. As Galluzzi noted, multiple part numbering schemes or naming inconsistencies can create significant downstream problems.

“We would sometimes… see multiple redundancies in terms of part numbering schemes, confusion in part numbers, part name references, and that, in the end, would result in redundancies in inventories and redundancies in purchasing activities.”

For organizations supporting complex systems, establishing consistent data taxonomy and identification standards is the first step toward operational efficiency and innovation.

Supply chain visibility and collaboration are mission-critical

Aerospace manufacturers rely heavily on extensive supplier ecosystems that stretch across multiple tiers. In fact, as Dave Blatner noted during the discussion, most of the work involved in building complex aerospace systems happens outside the original manufacturer: “around 70% of that work content comes from the supply chain,” Blatner explained.

With such a large portion of production taking place across partner networks, organizations need more than basic procurement visibility. “We no longer can run an organization and have a relationship with their suppliers just based on purchase orders and purchase deliveries,” Blatner said.

Instead, companies must develop a deeper understanding of how parts move through the supply chain, from raw materials and specialized manufacturing processes to final assembly. Blatner described how a single component may pass through several suppliers before reaching the OEM, including forging, casting, machining, and programming steps that all influence quality and traceability.

This level of visibility requires closer collaboration with suppliers across every tier. Organizations must not only identify where parts originate but also understand how they are produced and where shared dependencies exist across programs.

To meet this requirement, Galluzzi emphasized the importance of engaging suppliers, including smaller organizations that may sit several tiers down the chain: “You’ve got to protect your supply chain, your vertical chain, all the way down… understand and meet with them, talk to them. What are their concerns?”

With clearer data and stronger supplier collaboration, manufacturers can uncover hidden connections within their supply networks - such as a single supplier component used across multiple products - and better anticipate potential risks before they disrupt operations.

Small parts, big consequences

One of the most striking examples shared during the discussion highlighted how even the smallest component can impact an entire aerospace program.

Reflecting on the NASA space shuttle program, Galluzzi described a situation involving a component that had not been purchased in decades: “Basically, we hadn’t bought this component in over 30 years. And we had no idea if that supplier was still in business.”

The result could have been catastrophic: “Here was a situation where this would have been a shutdown of the space program. For want of a nail, the kingdom was lost.”

This example underscores why supply chain transparency and supplier visibility are essential in aerospace manufacturing, where even a single missing part can halt production or delay missions.

Using AI where it delivers real value

While AI is gaining attention across aerospace and other industries, the panel emphasized that organizations should apply it thoughtfully.

Blatner recommends focusing on areas where employees spend significant time gathering data across multiple systems: “If you have a process where about 80% of the time is a human in the loop going from system to system to extract a piece of data… that’s a great place for AI.”

In these situations, AI can accelerate analysis, automate data retrieval, and support faster decision-making - particularly when investigating part failures or identifying supply chain risks.

However, the panel stressed that AI’s effectiveness depends entirely on the quality of the underlying data. Put simply, AI cannot fix bad data. Placing advanced technology on top of weak data foundations will only produce flawed outputs. This means successful AI adoption often begins not with new technology, but – as the panel noted - with strengthening data governance and product identification standards.

Preparing supply chains for the future

As aerospace missions become more ambitious - from lunar exploration to advanced manufacturing - supply chains will face increasing pressure to deliver precision, transparency, and resilience.

But as the panel made clear, success doesn’t begin with new technology; it begins with strong foundations.

Trusted data, clear traceability, and collaborative supplier relationships remain the essential building blocks for all complex supply chains; whether supporting aircraft production on Earth or missions beyond it.

Want to hear more from Paul, Michael, and Dave? Check out the on-demand session here!