As NASA prepares for future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars, the agency is evaluating materials capable of withstanding elevated oxygen environments. These atmospheres, designed to decrease prebreathe times for extravehicular activities, pose increased flammability risks, necessitating the use of specialized, fire-resistant textiles for softgoods such as restraint nets, storage handles, and mobility aids.
In a recent study, the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) tested commercial-off-the-shelf webbing produced by Sturges Manufacturing Company, Inc. The material, a blend of 60% Kevlar and 40% polybenzimidazole (PBI), was evaluated at the White Sands Test Facility using NASA-STD-6001B protocols. Testing was conducted at 8.2 psia to determine the maximum oxygen concentration the material could withstand.
The natural-colored version of the webbing successfully passed flammability testing at 37% oxygen. While the black version of the same material was also tested, it demonstrated a slightly lower maximum oxygen concentration of 35%. NASA noted that the natural webbing also underwent offgassing analysis to ensure safety compliance.
Agency officials emphasized that while these findings identify suitable building blocks for flight hardware, they do not guarantee the performance of a completed assembly. Final products must undergo configuration-level testing, as factors such as weave density, dimensions, color, and wear and tear can influence flammability characteristics.
Source: NASA
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