Improvement in Space Food Packaging Methods
Project Description
The Space Food Systems Laboratory's (SFSL) current Bulk Overwrap Bag (BOB) package, while simple and effective, leaves room for improvement. Currently, BOBs are sized to fit in Cargo Transfer Bags (CTB). On orbit, however, the pantry setup utilizes several Collapsible US Food Containers (CUFC). In addition, the entirety of the menu must be overwrapped with an aluminum laminate package in order to meet the oxygen and water vapor permeability requirements of an 18 month shelf life requirement. The development of a Phase II BOB could alleviate several or all of these issues in a cost, mass, and volume sensitive manner by changing the size and shape of the BOB as well as potentially finding an alternative material with sufficient barrier properties to eliminate the secondary overwraps.
More »Anticipated Benefits
The end result of this work will be the basis on which a mass-producible Bulk Overwrap Bag will be developed. Ideally, forward work will finalize an optimized design with input from the manufacturer.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Johnson Space Center
(JSC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Houston, Texas |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Texas
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This is a historic project that was completed before the creation of TechPort on October 1, 2012. Available data has been included. This record may contain less data than currently active projects.