NASA significantly improved an incredibly fire-resistant polymer fabric for use in spacesuits and spacecraft that is now commonly used in firefighters’ protective gear, as well as various civilian and military applications. The thermoplastic material protects people working in the most extreme environments, whether with harsh chemicals, in fire or other high temperatures, or in situations where high strength and wear resistance are required.
Under NASA contracts, a company developed a line of textiles from a fire-resistant polymer for use in spacesuits and spacecraft. The materials could not burn or melt and were strong and resistant to abrasion, chemicals and mildew. In a separate project, NASA built a lightweight, sturdy breathing system specialized for firefighters, using technology developed for astronauts' life support systems, as well as a type of pressure vessel invented for rocket fuel tanks.
Learn more about how NASA helped develop technology that impacts face masks and fire suits within your city's public safety environment!