Center Innovation Fund: MSFC CIF
In-Space Manufacturing of Astronaut Clothing
Project Introduction
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.
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Anticipated Benefits
For missions beyond low Earth orbit, cleaning or disposing of worn and/or soiled crew clothing will be problematic. Solutions of washing or disposing 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.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, AL |
Johnson Space Center
(JSC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Houston, TX |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Alabama
-
Texas
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)
Responsible Program:
- Center Innovation Fund: MSFC CIF
Project Management
Program Director:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Start: Oct 2017
End: Sep 2018
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 1 |
| Current: | 1 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 6 Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems
- TA 6.1 Environmental Control and Life Support Systems and Habitation Systems
- TA 6.1.4 Habitation
Other / Cross-cutting:
- TA 12 Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems and Manufacturing
- TA 12.1 Materials
- TA 12.1.5 Special Materials
Target Destinations
Earth, The Moon, Mars