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Multi-Functional Environmental Protection Garment Shell Textile for Extreme Surface Environments
Completed
TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Description
New textile and material solutions are needed to meet the challenging environments that will be encountered during extended Lunar exploration missions. We propose a novel textile technology platform combining fibers made from inherently flame retardant and ultra-low temperature compatible materials, new fabric architectures that improve intrinsic dust penetration resistance properties, and tailored finishes/coatings to further improve physical and dust tolerant properties. Hybrid fabric architectures will create flexible but tough environmental protection garment (EPG) textiles that efficiently resist dust and abrasion. Finishes including shear thickening fluid and superhydrophobic coating will be used to maximize physical hazard protection and ease of dust removal. The challenging combination of EPG shell textile requirements necessitates such an approach that leverages all of the potential aspects of fabric design. The base fabric developed for the EPG will possess inherent flame retardant and dust-resistant properties and is amenable to adaptation for use in crew clothing.
Benefits
Space suits - environmental protection garment shell fabrics Space suits - dust-resistant covers, including gas permeable Inflatable habitats MMOD/secondary ejecta shielding and/or stuffed Whipple shields
Personal protective equipment Hazmat (chem-bio) suits Firefighter turnout gear/flame-resistant clothing First responder apparel
Details
| Technology area | Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems > Extravehicular Activity Systems > Pressure Garment |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | STF Technologies, LLC, Newark, DE |
| Start date | 2022-07-25 |
| End date | 2023-08-25 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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