A new type of Kevlar is headed to the International Space Station for testing against space debris
A new type of Kevlar is preparing for a test ride as a protection material against space debris on the International Space Station (ISS).
The material, a “sibling” of the Kevlar polymer used for space thermal blankets, was developed by chemical giant DuPont and tested by NASA at the White Sands Test Facility (WTSF) in New Mexico. Tests have shown that the new “Kevlar EXO” material provides superior protection against space debris impacts while being significantly lighter than conventional Kevlar.
“We were able to reduce the weight by up to 40 percent, and still the material passed the tests for protection requirements,” said Jill Clements, global business development manager at DuPont.
A new type of Kevlar will be tested against space debris
During tests at WTSF, NASA researchers fired 1-centimeter-diameter aluminum bullets from special guns at a speed of 6.5 kilometers per second at 30×30-centimeter targets. Simulated debris fragments were unable to pierce the shields tested, even when a smaller amount of shielding material was used compared to currently available shields.
DuPont is now preparing samples of this for a mission to the ISS to test how the material holds up in the space environment. “We will do atomic oxygen and UV radiation exposure tests. We don’t plan to use it for debris protection at this time because all the testing has been done on the ground,” Clements said.
Several 5×5 centimeter samples will be sent to the ISS in October aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule and will be attached to the outside of the orbiting laboratory, where they will remain for several months.
A different material
DuPont launched Kevlar EXO in April 2023, describing it as “the most significant innovation in aramid fibers in 50 years”. Aramids are a class of durable, heat-resistant synthetic fibers that includes Kevlar. Developed in 1965, Kevlar has been used in a variety of applications, including bulletproof vests, combat helmets and protective clothing. In space, Kevlar has served as a thermal insulator for satellites and, since the 1990s, as a key element in space debris protection systems.
Clements explained that Kevlar EXO is “a different material” to standard Kevlar, being “kind of a cousin to traditional aramids.” Due to its superior strength, which allows to reduce the overall mass of protective shields, this material will bring major benefits to the space sector.
Will this new type of Kevlar be useful in returning to the moon?
“We’ve heard from the industry that it’s really revolutionary in terms of weight, allowing companies to reduce it in their orbital protection systems. First, launching into space is expensive, and second, companies don’t want to blow their budget on space debris protection. They want to use it for cargo,” Clements said.
She added that the new material will not only help satellite manufacturers and builders of crew and cargo spacecraft, but could also protect future inflatable space stations in low Earth orbit, as well as habitats on the Moon and Mars. Clements believes that Kevlar EXO will be indispensable for future explorations of the Moon and .
“As we prepare to return to the Moon and eventually to Mars, we cannot reduce weight enough to carry people and supplies to the Moon in large quantities. We have to compensate somewhere, but at the same time we have to get them there safely. We hope to be a valuable part of this industry,” said Clements.
