In-Space Manufacturing of Astronaut Clothing
Project Description
We propose an in-space manufacturing solution to produce and recycle crew clothing. Due to the versatility of polyester materials, a detailed study will be conducted to evaluate recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), flame retardants compatibility with existing ECLS systems, and of blends of PET with the inherently flame retardant polyimide 84 (P84). The final deliverable of this effort will be a design concept for a miniaturized clothing recycler.
More »Anticipated Benefits
On the International Space Station (ISS) clothing is treated as a consumable. Once sufficiently worn by the crew, it is discarded and replaced. For missions beyond low Earth orbit, this approach will prove infeasible due to high logistic and resupply costs. Laundry facilities have been considered and developed to mid-technology readiness levels. However, these facilities invariably require considerable water, add complexity to the Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) water recovery system due to the presence and challenge of handling soaps, and require considerable design complexity for microgravity operation.
More »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, Alabama |
Johnson Space Center
(JSC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Houston, Texas |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Alabama
-
Texas
