More and more people are concerned about human beings reaching new space milestones and technological breakthroughs. At the same time, the aerospace industry is seeking to rapidly upgrade spacesuit technology. As a guarantee for astronauts in space operations, spacesuits require careful protection in particular to prevent holes and scratches caused by space debris. The International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG) and several partners are committed to researching better technologies for spacesuits, aiming to develop spacesuits with damage detection systems. Teijin Aramid's Twaron® fiber has good anti-ballistic properties and electrical conductivity, and has proved to be an effective material for spacesuit prototypes. Teijin Aramid works hand in hand with ILEWG and is committed to researching better spacesuit technology.
Reduce fragment damage and detect damage in time
Any impact from space debris can endanger the life of astronauts. In particular, micrometeorite moving an average of 17 kilometers per second is faster than the bullets usually fired. Traditional spacesuits cannot provide sufficient protection to avoid damage caused by such debris. If the spacesuit is pierced, it will release air or cut the skin, making the astronaut more vulnerable. In order to be truly safe, astronauts not only need to avoid damage from such debris, but also need to be alert to any damage to the spacesuit. While ensuring safety, spacesuits must also be lighter and more comfortable.
In order to solve these problems, the International Lunar Exploration Working Group, a cooperative and coordinated organization composed of multiple aerospace agencies such as ESA, NASA and CNES, was the first to develop an impact-resistant extravehicular spacesuit equipped with damage detection systems.
ILEWG spacesuit design coordinator Jamal Agheri said: "The project is a collaboration with several institutions including the Royal Academy of Art The Hague, EuroMoonMars, ArtMoonMars and institutions in France, Austria and Switzerland The partners worked together to achieve this, ”added Remko Pol, aerospace global marketing manager:“ This collaborative and innovative project fully complies with Teijin Aramid ’s values. Therefore, ILEWG contacted us in February 2020 , Hoping to understand whether Twaron® ’s bulletproof and conductive properties will help them accomplish this task, we gladly joined their cooperation. "
Although it is still in the initial stage of spacesuit research and development, we are moving towards the moon.
Twaron®: multiple benefits solution
These properties have proven to be very useful. Lenco said: "We provide Twaron® fiber with about 150 hexagonal patches, which can be used in the spacesuit layer. Each patch can form an impact protection layer, and can also be used as a damage detection sensor. Holes and scratches alert the astronauts. The conductive yarn sends electrical signals to the built-in calculation unit. The current can be measured with a slight change in the unit. For example, if there are punctures, the conductivity drop will remind the astronauts to pay attention to the damaged area.
The astronauts will simulate living in space for two weeks to test the spacesuit and evaluate the comfort, performance and power of the spacesuit.
Good partnership
In addition to the high performance advantages of Twaron®, ILEWG has also received support and advice from Teijin Aramid. Jamal said: "Facts have proved that Teijin Aramid is indeed a strong and reliable partner. Since our first meeting in Arnhem, they have been supporting us. They are skilled and provide us with In addition to extra fiber and special scissors, it is recommended that we use different types of Twaron® fabrics to answer our various questions in a timely manner. The most important thing is that they believe in our vision and always meet honestly! "
March towards the moon
At present, the spacesuit prototype is almost ready to be tested. The Teijin Aramid logo printed on the space suit makes us proud. Jamal said: "In order to test this spacesuit, astronauts will simulate living in space for two weeks to evaluate the comfort, performance and power supply of the clothing. We initially focused on electronic equipment and basic performance to prove the concept is feasible "The first round of testing will be conducted in the Swiss Alps, and subsequent testing plans are to be conducted in Hawaii, Iceland and Poland.
Testing is in the works, Teijin Aramid and ILEWG are full of longing for the future development. Jamal continued: "I am very much looking forward to continuing to build partnerships with Teijin Aramid and hope that our cooperative relationship will last forever. Although it is still in the early development stage, we are moving towards the moon. Stay tuned for more good news!