Forced Air Breathing Mask

NASA has developed a specialized set of emergency response equipment to address fire‑related hazards in spacecraft. Because human spaceflight presents unique operational and safety challenges, much of this equipment has been designed and maintained in‑house as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE).

The overall objective is to leverage the 20 plus years of breathing mask experience in the Crew and Thermal Systems Division to identify a new exploration atmosphere ready forced air breathing mask. This effort is important because modern spacecraft often have limited internal volume, and after a fire event, hazardous environments can persist. A breathing mask that does not require a purge would allow crew members to respond more effectively and safely in these conditions.

Early activities explore how to leverage the existing Contingency Breathing Apparatus design, including its inhalation port connections, to create commonality between a forced‑air breathing mask and a mask capable of using cartridges for specific hazards such as post‑fire contamination or ammonia exposure. 

Currently scoped as a feasibility study, this effort aims to demonstrate a proof of concept that could ultimately benefit all space missions. Future efforts will move to complete fabrication of ground prototypes and begin functional and environmental testing to assess performance to requirements.

• Improved crew safety during post‑fire events by providing respiratory protection that does not require crew mask purging.
• Enhanced emergency response capability for future space missions through quicker, more reliable breathing support.
• Elimination of the need to switch between different masks after a fire, as a forced‑air mask would meet both purge and post‑fire protection needs.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.