NASAs Quest For Flame-Resistant (FR) Textiles Speaker: Wendy Gao NASA Johnson Space Center Engineering, Technology, and Science (JETS) II contract May 6, 2025 Trademark Statement: Trade names are used in this presentation is for
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Presentation Transcript
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NASA’s Quest For Flame-Resistant (FR) Textiles Speaker: Wendy Gao
NASA Johnson Space Center Engineering, Technology, and Science (JETS) II contract
May 6, 2025 Trademark Statement: Trade names are used in this presentation is for identification only. Their usage does not constitute an official endorsement, either expressed or implied, by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.<br>
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2 Textiles in Space Two Environmental Categories:<br>
4 Space Vehicle Cabin Environments *same as Earth’s atmosphere<br>
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5 Enriched Oxygen Cabin Environments NASA is sending astronauts back to the Moon with the Artemis Program
The suggested lunar lander cabin maximum oxygen concentration is up to 37% O2, 8.2psi (including margin)
The main benefit of enriched oxygen cabin environments (>30% O2) is a shorter spacewalk preparation process (“pre-breathe”)
Maximizing time on a spacewalk<br>
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6 Need for FR Textiles in Oxygen Enriched Environment Flammable material creates fire and safety hazards
Non-flammable textiles are necessary to ensure large-scale flame propagation events do not occur
Special flame-resistant fibers and textiles (i.e. Beta glass, PBI®, Durette, Astro-Velcro) were developed during Apollo and Skylab due to their enriched oxygen cabin environments
These specialized fibers and textiles are no longer commercially available due to discontinuation of raw materials and closure of the original manufacturers Skylab 4 crew wearing special FR garments made with PBI® and Durette Astro-Velcro There is an immediate need for improved non-flammable textiles for oxygen-enriched environments up to 40% O2 to ensure mission safety<br>
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7 NASA Flammability Requirements IVA textile materials are required to pass flammability testing at the applicable test environment per NASA-STD-6001, Test 1, Upward Flame Propagation.
Bottom ignition upward flame propagation test
Burn length < 6”
No transfer of burning debris (melt and drip)
Recent flammability testing shows that all textile components (i.e. zipper, thread, hook & loop), not just the outermost layer, must have good flame-resistance performance. A systematic approach shall be taken to ensure final textile assembly meets flammability requirements.<br>
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8 Additional Unique Requirements Depends on area of IVA application, there are additional unique requirements to the textiles to ensure mission success:
Fire barrier (in the case textiles are required to act as a hazard control to protect flammable materials from ignition in spacecraft)
Durability
Reusability
Low toxicity
Thermal Vacuum Stability (when exposed to vacuum)
Comfort (for garments)
Dust-resistance (avoid contamination of IVA cabin and equipment)<br>
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9 IVA Textile Challenges – Availability As NASA pursues Artemis missions with enriched oxygen cabin environments, there is significant need FR textiles can be used in up to 40% O2 environment.
However, recent testing efforts found very limited existing Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) textiles that can be certified for use in this environment.
Including Fabrics, Sewing thread, Felt, Elastics, Webbing, Zipper, Cord, Hook and loop fasteners, etc<br>
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10 Call for FR Textiles and Technologies NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) is leading an assessment to develop a strategic plan for FR textiles that can be certified for use in up to 40% O2 environment.
We are evaluating state-of-the-art flame-resistant material and technologies, including fibers, yarns, fabrics, nonwovens, coatings, additives, and any other products and technologies that can help NASA reach the goal.
Who are we looking for?
Industry, academic, and government partners who have a high-potential to meet NASA needs for textiles used in this oxygen-enriched environments.
If you have the expertise to contribute, we want to hear from you! Contact: Wendy Gao, Tianqi.gao@nasa.gov<br>
